Meghalaya IAS officer’s weekly 10km walk to market is so inspiring

Shillong: While politicians and bureaucrats are often known to show mere tokenism while promoting a cause or campaign, the deputy commissioner of a hill district in Meghalaya is winning hearts by setting a real-life example to others.

Ram Singh, the DC of West Garo Hills district, is turning mere tokenism into action. Every week, he walks 10 km to the local market to buy vegetables, inspiring others to follow a healthy lifestyle, besides himself remaining fit. He supports a green environment by shopping with a local bamboo basket instead of plastic bags and opts for organic produce by shopping locally.

In one of his recent posts on social media, which has now gone viral, he said, “21 kgs of weekend organic Vegetables shopping, No plastic, no vehicular pollution, no traffic jam, Fit India, Fit Meghalaya, Eat Organic, Clean & Green Tura, POSHAN, 10km morning walk…”

While speaking with EastMojo, Singh said that he wanted to set an example and inspire people who have been complaining about the traffic issues in Tura, especially during the market days. To carry out a long-term solution to cope with the issues, he suggested the people to start walking. While a few concurred with the idea, others happily followed suit.

Also Read: Meghalaya: East Garo Hills saying ‘no’ to plastic with cloth bags

“Many complained that it was difficult to walk carrying loads of vegetables. I had suggested them to carry ‘Kokcheng’ (a local bamboo basket) which would even help fight plastic menace. But they just laughed it off. So my wife and I headed to the market carrying the bamboo basket which I found it to be very helpful in many ways. Many of the youths these days aren’t fit and fine. I feel that they should start walking and control their diet,” Singh said.

The DC has even banned distribution of sweets in his workplace apart from personally avoiding them. His social media pages are loaded with inspirational messages and pictures with ‘FitIndia’ tag. Singh even finds no hesitation in travelling on a shared tempo sitting at the back of the mini truck.

In July, Singh was highly appreciated for personally travelling to some of the flooded villages in the district.