Ministry of Tourism felicitated Patrick Farmer, Ultra Marathon Runner and former Member of Australian Parliament and his Team at a function here today on successful completion of the 4600 Km. “Spirit of India Run” from Kanyakumari to Srinagar in 64 days. Mr. Farmer is a multiple world record holder for endurance running and has run from the North Pole to the South Pole, and across Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, the Middle East and North America. He has served 8 years as a Member of Australia’s Parliament, with 3 years as Parliamentary Secretary for Education, Science and Training. Mr. Farmer has raised millions of dollars for worthy causes during his 20 year running career. Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, M/o Tourism, Mrs. Tania Farmer, wife of Mr Farmer, Mr. Chris Elstoft, Dy. High Commissioner of Australia in India, Shri Aswani Lohani, CMD, Air India, Shri Umang Narula, CMD, ITDC and senior officers were present.
Addressing on the occasion, Shri Vinod Zutshi, Secretary, M/o Tourism described Mr. Patrick Farmer as the “Brand Ambassador of Incredible India in Australia” as he has widely travelled India during his 4600 Km. long “Spirit of India Run” from Kanyakumari to Srinagar. His Run will inspire people in Australia to visit India and mutual relations between India and Australia in Tourism sector will be strengthened. He also said the Festival of India in Australia is going to be held this year, which will also boost Tourism in India.Mr. Farmer’s ‘Spirit of India Run’ is aimed at cementing relations between India and Australia; encouraging tourism and personal relationships with a view to creating awareness of India as a ‘Must Experience’ destination for travellers from Australia; and supporting causes and charity which in the current endeavour is to raise funds for “Educating girl child in India”..
The Spirit of India Run was flagged off on 26th January 2016 in Kanyakumari. On this Run, Mr. Farmer traversed through the States of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, UP, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh , Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir . Mr. Farmer ran on an average 80 kms. per day to complete the distance of 4600 kms. in a short span of 64 Days.The Run has received overwhelming response in all the States, he has traversed. Both domestic and Australian Media have given wide coverage to the Run. Mr. Farmer is writing blogs of his run, highlighting the scenic beauty of the States / UT, the people, culture, cuisine, etc. in his Twitter handle, Facebook account, YouTube Channel and Instagram. At the end of the Run, the filming crew accompanying Mr. Farmer will produce a documentary for airing in the TV Networks in Australia.
The Ministry of Tourism,Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs, High Commission of Australia in New Delhi along with Air India, State Governments of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir and Union Territory of Chandigarh have supported the‘Spirit of India Run’ by Mr. Patrick Farmer. The Run is also supported by the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), and other travel and hospitality associations in the country.