By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 3: A group of young men on Tuesday completed a demanding long-distance walk from Tura to Shillong, covering nearly 290 kilometres in seven days, to spread a strong message against drug abuse and encourage Meghalaya’s youth to lead disciplined and purposeful lives.
The initiative, titled “Walking with Purpose,” was undertaken by Welkin Stone Shadap (East Khasi Hills), Kyrsoijingtip Ryntathiang (Ri-Bhoi), and Bashaiphar Shylla (Eastern West Khasi Hills). The walk began in West Garo Hills and passed through Nongstoin before concluding at Khyndai Lad, Shillong, on Tuesday.
Speaking on arrival at Khyndai Lad, Shadap said the team had originally planned a 10-day journey. They travelled to Tura by bus on January 24, stayed there on January 25, and began the walk early on January 26. Despite the challenging terrain and long hours, the team reached Shillong on February 3, completing the journey in seven days.
The group walked between 35 and 50 kilometres a day, sometimes covering as much as 50 kilometres. Their daily routine began around 5 am, with the walk starting by 6:30 a.m., and ending before nightfall. On average, they walked for about 12 hours daily, taking brief rests only when time permitted.
The walkers said the main physical challenge was carrying backpacks weighing around 15 kilograms, which put strain on their legs and shoulders. However, they reported no major safety concerns and said interactions with people along the route were positive.
There were moments of exhaustion, they admitted, but teamwork played a crucial role in keeping morale high. “Whenever one of us felt like giving up, the others stepped in with encouragement,” Shadap said.
Describing the walk as both a hobby and a mission, the group said the journey reflected their shared values and desire to challenge themselves while delivering a meaningful social message. The central aim, they said, was to take a clear stand against drug abuse and highlight the importance of choosing the right friends.
“Just speaking against drugs is not enough. This walk is our response to the challenges facing today’s youth,” Shadap said. “Instead of surrendering to drugs or despair, we want to show that transformation is possible through discipline, focus and the right choices.”
They noted that while earlier walks were undertaken individually, this year’s effort evolved into a collective movement, bringing together youth from different parts of the state. The initiative, they said, is a call to choose direction over distraction and make positive lifestyles the norm rather than the exception.
The idea of undertaking such a long journey developed gradually. The group initially started with 10-kilometre walks, then increased to 20 kilometres, steadily building endurance before attempting a long-distance trek involving walking and camping along the way.
Looking ahead, the group said their aspirations go beyond walking. They plan to explore cycling, mountain climbing, and other activities that promote physical fitness, mental strength and positive engagement.
Shadap also expressed gratitude to government departments, educational institutions and local businesses for supporting the initiative, describing the walk as a symbolic march towards a healthier society and a more focused future for Meghalaya’s youth.
