Jamshedpur: World record-holding mountaineers associated with the “Dangers Adventures Sports – Longest World Tour on Foot” have arrived in Jamshedpur as part of their nationwide World Peace and Awareness Padyatra, aimed at spreading awareness about government welfare schemes, environmental protection, and social responsibility.
Recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records and the Limca Book of World Records, the team has embarked on an ambitious on-foot journey covering all 24 districts of Jharkhand. The padyatra is being led by renowned mountaineer and social activist Avadh Bihari Lal, along with team members Jitendra Pratap, Mahendra Pratap, and Govinda Nand.
So far, the group has covered an astounding 4.54 lakh kilometres across 11 countries, making it one of the longest continuous peace and awareness marches in the world. During their journey, the mountaineers have focused on sensitising people—especially the youth—on key national initiatives such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, voter awareness, road safety, and the conservation of forests, wildlife, and water resources. As part of their environmental mission, the team claims to have planted nearly 14.5 crore saplings worldwide.
The origins of the padyatra are deeply personal. Avadh Bihari Lal launched the mission on July 30, 1980, following a devastating flood in the Dhaurahara area of Lakhimpur Kheri district in Uttar Pradesh, in which he lost his entire family. Lal survived the tragedy by clinging to a banyan tree for several hours before being rescued by the Indian Army and local rescue teams. The experience transformed his life and inspired him to dedicate himself to social service, peace, and environmental protection.
After completing extensive padyatras across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, the team has now entered Jharkhand. Jamshedpur, located in East Singhbhum district, is the third district on their Jharkhand itinerary. The group will conduct a six-day awareness programme from January 24 to January 30, during which they will interact with students in schools and colleges and engage with citizens at public forums.
The mountaineers, who also reached the Mount Everest Base Camp in 2018, said their journey is not merely a test of physical endurance but a mission to inspire social change through awareness and public participation. Residents and social organisations in Jamshedpur warmly welcomed the team, describing the padyatra as a unique blend of adventure, sacrifice, and national service, as the march for peace and awareness continues across Jharkhand.
