Srinagar man on 900-km walk to Delhi with one dream. Find out what

A 28-year-old from Shalimar area of Srinagar is walking to Delhi with a hope in his heart — that his cherished dream will be fulfilled. Fahim Nazir Shah is a huge fan of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and he aspires to meet him at the end of his approximately 900 km walk.

“I am on my way to Delhi by foot to meet him (Modi) and I hope to attract the attention of the prime minister. To meet the prime minister is my cherished dream,” he told PTI, adding that his previous attempts to meet the Prime Minister had failed.

Also read: Afghan senator in tears after landing in India

Shah, who works as a part time electrician, in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar says he is a ‘very big fan’ of PM Modi. He started two days ago and reached Udhampur on Sunday after covering over 200 km, taking short breaks on the way.

Speaking about his admiration for the Prime Minister, Shah said that it was Modi’s gesture during a public rally that ‘touched his heart’. “At one time, when he was delivering an address at a rally, he stopped suddenly on hearing the ‘azaan’ (Muslim call for prayer) leaving the public astonished … that gesture of our prime minister touched my heart and I became his ardent fan,” he told the news agency.

Also read: Rain on Greenland’s ice sheet portends further rise in sea levels

Shah said that over the past two and a half years, he has made several attempts to meet Prime Minister Modi, whom he follows on social media too. “During the PM’s last visit to Kashmir, security personnel did not allow me to meet him,” he said.

“This time I am sure I will get a chance to meet the prime minister,” Shah said.

Also Read | Lancet study details risks of extreme heat on human health, combat measures

Asked about the impact of the abrogation of Article 370, that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir,  and turning the state into a Union Territory in 2019, Shah said the change is visible as Prime Minister Modi has his focus on the state.

“There is a change in the situation, the development activities are taking place at a good pace and the Union Territory is marching forward,” he said.

Shah said he would like to discuss the problems of the educated and unemployed youths with Modi and developing the industrial sector in the Union Territory.