BALWANT SINGH GREWAL NRI

Walker with a difference Back home in London Balwant Singh Grewal 68 is a property dealer and a millionaire. He has been in London for 45 years now. But today this Sikh gentleman is on a unique mission in India. His aim. To collect one million pounds for cancer and AIDS research and patients. And he is trying to achieve his goal in a way which is more than unique for a wealthy man who has lived in the comforts of London. Grewal is on his way from Amritsar to Kanyakumari on foot in order to collect the funds for cancer and AIDS research and spread awareness about the two killer ailments. Armed with literature about cancer and AIDS he walks 35 kms a day and sleeps in any Gurdwara along the way. If he doesn't find a Gurudwara he sleeps in the van which accompanies him. The van has a helper and a cook. After all he is a 5 star walker who can even choose to stay in 5 Star hotels. But he invariably sleeps in a Gurudwara or in his van. Along the way he gives public speeches to small groups of people who flock to see this unique walker walking with a van in tow. He has already collected .20 million pounds so far through his campaign which is one fifth of his target. He started from Amritsar in November and will walk for another four months before he reaches Kanyakumari. Walking 35 kms a day at 58 is itself a feat. Says Grewal I have been very concerned for cancer and AIDS patients. I thought I should something solid for cancer and AIDS prevention despite my old age. Photo by Shailesh Raval 01 08 2005