FOR MERDEKA DAY: Nithya Rubini, her sister and father want to instil patriotism in Malaysians
KUALA LUMPUR: THE 13-year-old walking 900km to show her love for the country is well into her journey.
Nithya Rubini started her journey from Malacca and planned on reaching Alor Star on Merdeka Day.
"I started walking on Aug 16 from where the country's independence was announced in 1956. I will end my journey in Alor Star as that was the place I first participated and took second place in a marathon with my father."
Joining her on this journey is her sister, Nithya Darhini, 10, and father R. Ragu, 37.
"This Aug 31 marks the country's 55th independence and I wanted to mark it in a special way with my father. This is why we will walk through major towns in Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Perak, Penang and Kedah.
"We will also pass through Putrajaya and I am hoping that my dream of meeting the prime minister and handing him a Jalur Gemilang will materialise."
She said this in Malacca at the start of her journey.
However, because of time constraints, her dream did not happen.
Ragu said yesterday his daughter was sad but he hoped an opportunity would arise.
"She really wanted to see the PM but to reach Alor Star, we had to continue our journey."
At 4pm yesterday, the three visited Batu Caves and were on their way to Rawang.
Ragu said the 15-day walk was a fun-filled outing for the family and also for them to show their love for the country and instil patriotism in people.
"The walk's theme is 'We Love Malaysia and the Prime Minister'.
"We will walk for at least 50km daily, but only during the day."
Ragu said he had trained with his daughters by walking from Ipoh to Kuala Kangsar.
"We started long-distance walking five years ago."
Ragu said they welcomed Malaysians wanting to provide them with meals and accommodation.
"We are not rich but I wanted to support and help my daughter realise her dream."