BS Srikanth has walked 5 times (Bengaluru) and is returning for a 6th time this year at the age of 76/77. Last year was a tough one for him - his wife succumbed to cancer a few months before the event - the first time he retired midway. Walking is his main hobby. Other than walking, he loves to solve crossword puzzles, su-do-ku. Earlier he used to play cricket.
Professionally, he is a qualified Civil Engineer. He was associated with various architects of repute like Chandavarkar and Thakar, Zakharia and many more. It’s been six years he is retired now and looks forward every year to participate in Oxfam Trailwalker. In an exclusive interview, BS Srikanth talks about his experiences and why people especially youngsters should be a part of this.
Over the last five years, how has your experience been?
My walk with Oxfam Trailwalker for the last five years has been motivating, memorable and inspiring.
What motivates you to be a part of the Oxfam Trailwalker each year?
Oxfam's main goal of achieving "EQUALITY" was my main reason to be a part of the walk. Also walking is a relaxing and refreshing experience for me.
How enthusiastic was your wife with regards to your participating at Oxfam? Would you like to share something about her?
My wife Tara Srikanth was and is a great supporter of my walks. She took care of me in person, my health and diet before, during and after all walks. She used to walk with me the last and final kilometre of all my walks. Even when she was not well she insisted and encouraged me to take up the walk and not to stay by her side always.
Any remarkable experience that you would like to share with the readers?
During the walk, I came across a lot of villagers who greeted me and appreciated what I was doing and praised Oxfam for conducting the walk for 'EQUALITY'.
What would be your key takeaways from Oxfam Trailwalker?
The purpose of Oxfam conducting the Trailwalker is really commendable. I would personally wish to continue taking part in this walk as long as I can. Last but not least, I would wish to say, in particular to all youngsters, that they should cultivate the habit of brisk walking for at least an hour daily. This will definitely help them with lots of benefits when they reach the 50/60 age.
