Running strong, one mile at a time at 62.

An inspiring story of Kailash Dnyaneshwar Hinge (Khyaal Community Member)

“My name is Kailash Dnyaneshwar Hinge, and I am 62 years old. I was born in the village of Avasari Khurd in Ambegaon taluka, Pune district. I enrolled in the Army on 20th September 1983, and simultaneously completed my B.Com in 1985 through correspondence.

Army life taught me valuable lessons, discipline, focus, and resilience. Throughout my journey, my family has been my biggest source of strength. I served in the army with full dedication and hard work. One of the proudest moments of my career was being awarded the United Nations Medal by the Secretary-General of the United Nations for my service in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mozambique (ONUMOZ) on 6th October 1994.

After retiring from the Army on 1st May 2001, I stepped into civilian life with the same dedication I had learned during my service. I first worked as a data entry operator at Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City in Kopar Khairane for a year, and then joined Mukund Bajaj. In time, I built a steady career as a security officer, a role I continued until my second retirement in October 2023.

After retiring, I wanted to do something with passion, love and a sense of joy. I believe life is not just about surviving but about living with compassion and humour. Running and fitness have always been a part of my life since my working years. Another one of my remarkable moments was during an Army assignment in Bhutan in 1999, where I completed twelve hundred push-ups in one hour. The rigorous routine and training from the Army have been ingrained in me. We were taught in the army: “The more you sweat in peace, the less you bleed in war.” So, I made running and exercise a regular part of my life.

Every morning I wake up early, begin my day with worship and meditation, and then head out for a run of about seven kilometres. In the evenings, I focus on push-ups and body-weight exercises, paying attention to quality rather than just numbers. Over the years, I participated in numerous marathons and won 104 medals and around thirty-five trophies! I never chased world records but focused on pushing my own limits with dedication. This passion helps me keep myself active, healthy, and motivated. Once I finish one marathon, my eyes are fixed on the next one.

I have recently participated in Khyaal’s 50 above 50, which is India’s Biggest Talent Hunt for Seniors in the “Marathoner of the Year” category! Through it, I was introduced to Khyaal, which I believe is a wonderful platform for senior citizens in India. Many people, after a certain age, start feeling that life has nothing more to offer, but Khyaal’s activities give new energy and purpose. The 50 Above 50 concept is inspiring because it gives seniors like me a space to set new goals, stay active, and connect with others who share the same passion for life.

Along with staying physically fit, I also focus on keeping my mind balanced through meditation. It helps me connect my body, mind, and inner self. Meditation brings a deep sense of peace. When I practice it with full focus, moving through each chakra step by step, it feels like entering a new world filled with clarity and joy. Meditation has also taught me that life should be lived without regrets because the past cannot be changed, and the only way forward is to keep moving with positivity.

I believe that life is like a war; you have to fight it with courage. Problems will always come, but we must face them with patience and strength. When we follow good habits and keep our mind calm, it becomes easier to face the challenges of life. At 62, I feel full of life and enthusiasm and will keep moving forward one run at a time.

To my fellow senior citizens, I would like to say that we should always keep our minds and bodies active and stay positive. When we follow our passion with sincerity, life naturally feels meaningful.” - Kailash Dnyaneshwar Hinge (Khyaal Community Member)