The event was a double milestone for me: I ran my 57th Half Marathon and made my debut as an official pacer for the event, helping other runners hit their 2 hour 20 minute goal. To be the first Vedanta Group employee to officially pace is something I’m truly proud of.

For anyone who doesn’t know, a pacer is the person who runs at a steady speed to guide others to the finish line on time. It’s a huge privilege to help others achieve their goals while staying focused on your own performance.

Just the week before, on September 14, 2025, I tackled the infamous Satara Hill Half Marathon , one of the toughest in the world, to complete my 56th Half Marathon. That finish earned me the prestigious 5 STAR Medal for completing five consecutive Satara editions within the time limit! My record there now stands at one Gold, two Silver, and two Bronze medals, plus a Top 20 ranking in my age group over the past five years.

Every step and every medal I’ve earned is living proof of what you can do with discipline, perseverance, and a passion for pushing boundaries. I am so thankful for the support from the Vedanta family; it’s what motivates me to keep going.

Ultimately, these achievements are my way of living up to our Chairman’s inspiring vision of ‘Return to Society.’

Another achievement I’m thrilled to share: Last month in August, I received the Gujarat Gaurav (Pride) Award – 2025 in the Sports Category at the iconic Statue of Unity!

Honestly, none of this would be possible without the incredible encouragement from Cairn and all my amazing colleagues. I really hope my journey inspires others across our organisation to embrace wellness, set big challenges, and find the joy in pushing their own limits!

Contributed by Brijesh Oza

Known as the world’s highest ultra marathon, the race began at Khardung village (around 12,335 ft) and ended at Leh Market (11,500 ft), with the punishing climb to Khardungla Top (17,618 ft) standing as its most formidable stretch. With only 14 hours to finish and strict cut-offs along the way, the challenge was not just about endurance, but about grit, focus, and faith in oneself. Nearly 60 km of the route runs above 4,000 metres, where every breath has to be earned.

The Relentless Climb

The race began at 3:00 am under a sky full of stars and silence. The first 32 km, the ascent to Khardungla Top, is known for testing even the most seasoned runners. As the altitude climbed, oxygen thinned; every step grew heavier, and the cold bit deeper.

Despite years of running, from half marathons and full marathons to 50 km and 100 km ultras, I found myself entering a new territory. Just 3 km before reaching the top, exhaustion hit me. My legs ached, my head spun, and for the first time, I felt dangerously close to a DNF (Did Not Finish).

But you just keep moving. One step. Then another. After 6 hours and 30 minutes, I hit Khardungla Top. Standing there, surrounded by snow peaks and prayer flags, I realised victory isn’t about running fast; it’s about refusing to stop.

The Descent and the Sun

From the top, the route thankfully turned mostly downhill toward Leh, but the challenge wasn’t over. That thin air sticks around until South Pullu (14 km down), and every downhill stride punishes already exhausted legs. I hit South Pullu at 9 hours and 6 minutes, feeling completely drained but also intensely alive.

With 25 km to go, my mantra was simple: just keep moving. The sun rose high and fierce, and at that altitude, the intensity is brutal. My shoulders were burning, but I decided to wear those sunburns like badges of honor, it was proof of the battle I was fighting and winning.

The Final Push

I found my rhythm again and locked onto my 13 hour target. Entering Leh Market was electrifying; the crowd’s cheers and the finish line sight powered me with every last ounce of energy. I crossed the line in an astonishing 12:59:49, just 11 seconds under my goal, and a full hour before the official cutoff!

The moment I finished, the fatigue just vanished, it was replaced by pure, electric joy. That finish line wasn’t just 72 km behind me; it was the ultimate feeling of my mind beating that massive mountain.

Since 2016, running has been my path of self-discovery. From half marathons to full, and beyond to the extremes of 50 km and 100 km ultras. Yet, the Khardungla Challenge stands apart.

It’s not just a race, it’s a dialogue between human will and nature’s extremes. It’s a reminder that when the body gives in, the mind can still carry you forward. Crossing that line in Leh wasn’t the end of 72 kilometres, it was a celebration of belief, endurance, and the courage to keep going when everything tells you to stop.

To experience the spirit of this challenge, watch the National Geographic documentary: Watch here

Contributed by Ankit Bhavsar

A memorable milestone came on World Environment Day when I completed my first barefoot road run through the Thar Desert. As part of a special Green Run organised by our Environment Team promoting a No Plastic initiative, I ran 5 kilometres from MPT Gate #1 to OB. It was a significant step outside my comfort zone having previously confined barefoot runs to natural surfaces. This experience reminded me that with commitment and belief, nothing is impossible. It’s in these moments that I truly embrace our Cairn philosophy of a ‘Can Do Spirit’.

Barefoot running, for me is more than just a physical exercise. It’s a mindful way of moving, one that improves form, strengthens muscles and reconnects me with the ground beneath. It encourages a natural stride and better posture while helping prevent injuries often caused by improper footwear. The journey requires patience, adaptation and gradual progression. For those looking to explore it, start with short walks on safe surfaces, increase distance slowly and listen to your body. My reasons for choosing barefoot running stem from inspiration, curiosity and the grounding experience it offers. As I always say- enjoy what you do and do what you enjoy.

Contributed by Brijesh

This region is not only among India’s most picturesque but also strategically vital to the country’s energy aspirations. With its rich hydrocarbon potential, the Northeast stands at the forefront of India’s drive towards energy self-reliance. As CHRO, I believe our ability to meet these goals is rooted in our people. My vision is to build a future-ready, inclusive and values-based culture where every employee feels seen, heard and empowered. This includes nurturing local talent, creating strong leadership pipelines and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages continuous learning and innovation. It’s about unlocking human potential in tandem with the region’s natural promise.

My previous role at BALCO, where I led HR for the Wired Rod Aluminium Sector and Growth Projects, gave me invaluable experiences opportunities to lead with trust, work alongside inspiring teams and grow through bold, people-first decision-making. While stepping into a new role always brings a sense of reflection, I feel grounded in continuing my journey within the Vedanta Group. I am energised by the opportunity to contribute to a region with such rich promise, not just economically but also socially and culturally. Together, I look forward to building something lasting and meaningful, rooted in purpose and driven by people.

Contributed by Abha

After some thought, and a lot of excitement, I decided to make cycling my primary mode of transportation. I started using my bicycle for everything: commuting to work, running errands, even picking up groceries. At first, it was just about getting fit and being more eco-friendly, but soon, I realised there were so many more benefits I had not anticipated.

Cycling is not just a great way to stay active; it has also made me feel more connected to my surroundings. There is something incredibly peaceful about riding through neighbourhoods and along quiet streets, breathing in fresh air and feeling the wind on my face. It is like a mini escape from the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, it is an amazing way to clear my mind and de-stress, something that has become even more important as life gets busier.

But it is not just about the personal benefits. By making the switch to cycling, I am also doing my part to help the environment. I have significantly reduced my carbon footprint by not relying on a car for short trips, and knowing that my daily commute is not contributing to air pollution is a rewarding feeling. Every ride, no matter how small, feels like a positive step towards a healthier planet.

Of course, like anyone, I want to set a good example. I make sure to follow all traffic rules, wear my helmet, and be considerate of other road users. Cycling responsibly is just as important as the act itself. It has become a small, daily ritual, not just for my health and well-being but for the health of the planet too. I have even started encouraging my friends and family to give cycling a try. It is so much more than just exercise; it is a lifestyle, a mindset, and a powerful way to act in a world that needs change.

For me, this journey is about more than just pedalling from point A to point B, it is a step towards sustainability, personal growth, and mindfulness. I hope that my small effort will inspire others to find their own ways to be part of the change. Maybe it is cycling, maybe it is something else, but I truly believe that when we all take small actions that align with the world we want to see, those actions create ripples that can turn into waves.

So, here’s to cycling, to making a difference, and to living a life that is more connected, more sustainable, and more fulfilling, one ride at a time.

Contributed by Mr Biranchi Patra, Head – HSE, NE

This is not a script, not gyan, and not just another motivational story. This is exactly my journey at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2025.

I had trained diligently for the Mumbai Marathon over the past six months under Coach Balraj Kaushik Sir. Based on my training in the cooler weather of Delhi NCR, with some pace adjustments for Mumbai’s conditions, my expected race pace was 5:20–5:25 min/km. I started with a constant pace strategy, completing my first half in 1 hour 52 minutes, right on track as per my plan. Nutrition and hydration were well-timed, and everything was going smoothly until the 27th km.

Then, the real test began.

At that point, I started feeling drained, perhaps the temperature and humidity of Mumbai were taking their toll, something I hadn’t trained for recently. I felt completely empty from within, and the thought of giving up crossed my mind. But thanks to the incredible ground support and the unwavering enthusiasm of Mumbai’s residents, I found the strength to push forward. My body was exhausted, and maintaining pace became a struggle. I was certain that if I tried to push harder, DNF (Did Not Finish) was inevitable. So, I made a conscious decision: just keep going, running or walking a few metres at a time.

At that moment, it was no longer about finishing in a target time, it became about conquering each kilometre, one by one.

At the 36th km, just ahead of Pedder Road, I was handed a chilled lemon water by a resident, accompanied by some electrifying cheers. That was all I needed to reignite my josh! The elevation was humongous, and I decided to jog and walk past the incline. But trust me, it wasn’t over yet. The humidity and heat were rising, and my body battery was draining faster than I had anticipated.

Thank God for my training, which had taught me to embrace the pain and keep moving forward.

At the 38 km mark, I thought of speeding up a bit, but alas, my body didn’t agree. I had to slow down and simply keep moving. The cheering crowd was relentless, not letting any runner give up, and that energy fuelled me as well.

In the final 0.5 km, I gave it everything I had for a strong finish. Finally, I crossed the finish line and completed the run.

The moment I finished, I downed almost 2 litres of water along with the honey twigs I had carried. As always, I called my wife and coach immediately after crossing the line. A fellow runner shared a bottle of Coke, and I grabbed some ice cubes to cool down. I stretched well and, of course, clicked loads of photos with my running buddies and my hard-earned medal.

I am grateful to have finished injury-free, though recovery took longer than usual.

Learnings: Trust your training and keep going. It’s not always about hitting your target time, sometimes, you have to honour the conditions on race day and embrace the experience for what it is.

P.S.: Running through the streets of Mumbai is something that cannot be described in words. Despite all the pain, I am sure every runner experienced the spirit of Mumbaikars. They were there for us, not because anyone asked them to be, but simply because they wanted to support us.

I saw kids, young men, and so many elderly people cheering us on. Hats off to their hospitality, warmth, and energy. I am truly amazed by their unwavering support. May this spirit grow even stronger in the years to come.

Thank you, Mumbai, for this unforgettable experience.

Until next time…

A Runner at Heart.

Contributed by Ritesh Kumar

Last month, we had the opportunity to represent Cairn at CERAWeek in Houston, showcasing our growth story and highlighting how we are accelerating India’s energy sector on a global stage. If someone had told me six months ago that this would become one of the most rewarding chapters in my professional journey, I’d have thought, “Oh, it’s just another event.” But looking back, I realise the impact the last few months have had.

The journey to CERAWeek was not just about the event itself; it was months of meticulous planning, strategising, and coordination – with internal stakeholders and external partners, across various time zones and a constant checklist of things to do.

One of the key highlights of this journey was working with different partners in Houston to bring the event to life. Collaborating with these local partners wasn’t just about execution—it became a learning experience in itself. I along with other teams had the opportunity to connect with many global industry leaders, as a build up to the event. It gave me invaluable insights into how things work across borders, the nuances of global partnerships, and the importance of cultural sensitivity in global collaborations. This experience taught me that success in such large-scale events is truly a team effort that transcends geographical boundaries.

But what truly made this experience special for me was the opportunity to work closely with our leadership and Chairman’s team. As someone who is at a growing stage of her career and is eager to grab opportunities to learn and use her potential to the fullest, this was extremely rewarding. It wasn’t just about executing an event; it was about learning from their vision, their decision-making processes, and their ability to navigate complex challenges with clarity. Being part of that dynamic environment was both inspiring and educational, offering lessons that I’ll carry forward in my career.

But this wasn’t just it! Life threw a curveball at me towards the conclusion of the event with a medical emergency that literally threw me in the hospital. While our leadership was in the U.S. and the rest of the teams managed the event from offices and homes, juggling IST and CST, I was managing things from the hospital. As stressful at times, it wouldn’t have been the same without the support of each and every team member.

While it felt like a true test of my resilience and patience, something about working on this project from the very beginning and bringing it to a full circle kept me going despite all the challenges.

This experience wasn’t just about managing an event. It was about embracing chaos, celebrating small victories, and realising that growth often happens outside of our comfort zones.

Lastly, all of this would be impossible without the most amazing, supportive and wonderful managers and team members! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event a huge success!

Contributed by Nishtha Raghav

In dinner dates and drunk charades,
And not the recurring calendar parades.

Measure time,
Through cricket matches and morning walks,
In starry nights and endless talks.
With spotify wrapped and ugly snaps,
In youtube rewind and ig recaps.

Measure time,
In pokemon cards that were lost traded,
Through the scenery sketches, with colors, faded.
And not with meetings that stay unattended,
As the illusion of time can seldom be avoided.

Measure time,
With songs of past and karaoke sessions,
And the tales of partition that your granny mentions.
In roses collected and feathers preserved,
And also the books that are previously loved.

For the numbers that repeat, re-write their story,
But it’s the man that ends up losing his glory.

Poem by Namrata Phithani

Spiritual Chardham Yatra: A Pilgrimage to the Divine

In June, I embarked on the first of my two Chardham Yatras—one that took me to four of the holiest sites in Hinduism. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a soul-stirring journey that connected me with the divine in ways I never expected.

• Yamunotri: The source of the sacred Yamuna River, this temple felt like a perfect place to begin my journey. Pilgrims come here seeking blessings for health, and I certainly felt a wave of well-being wash over me as I stood at the river’s origin.
• Gangotri: Ah, the birthplace of the Ganges! Standing at the source of this mighty river was an incredibly humbling experience. It was like a baptism of sorts, a feeling of purification and renewal that I’ll never forget.
• Kedarnath: Now, if there was ever a test of physical endurance, it was this. The steep climb to Kedarnath was brutal—let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart! But the reward? A deep, spiritual connection at the feet of Lord Shiva that made every drop of sweat worth it. The mountains whispered their blessings, and I felt stronger, both physically and spiritually.
• Badrinath: The last stop of my spiritual pilgrimage was Badrinath, where Lord Vishnu’s divine presence enveloped me in peace. The serenity of the place, coupled with the peaceful energy, made this the perfect conclusion to a journey that was as much about inner peace as it was about physical devotion.

This spiritual journey wasn’t just about visiting sacred places; it was about deeply immersing myself in the experience, both physically and spiritually. The climb to these divine sites was an act of devotion in itself, and it filled me with a sense of tranquility and fulfillment.

Athletic Chardham Yatra: Four Marathons, One Epic Year

Next up was my athletic Chardham Yatra—four marathons in one year, each unique in its challenge and thrill. Having missed a race in 2023, I decided to restart the marathon journey in January 2024, and I’m thrilled to share that by the end of the year, I earned the coveted Procam Champion/Finisher title!

1. Tata Mumbai Marathon (42.2 km – Full Marathon), January 2024: My year kicked off with the Tata Mumbai Marathon, where I ran 42.2 km through Mumbai’s bustling streets. Let’s just say, this wasn’t a leisurely jog! The city’s energy and the sheer endurance required for a full marathon made this a true test of both physical stamina and mental resilience.
2. Bangalore 10K, April 2024: After the Mumbai marathon, I sprinted into Bangalore for the 10K race. This was a whole different ballgame—a short and fast race where strategy and speed took center stage. It was a fun switch from the long distance and a chance to push my pace in new ways.
3. Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (21.1 km – Half Marathon), October 2024: The third leg of my athletic journey was the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. It was a milestone moment for me, as this race marked my 49th half marathon—and my first half marathon, back in 2017, was the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon! Running through South Delhi’s iconic streets, battling varying weather and elevation, was both a physical and mental challenge that tested my limits.
4. Tata Steel World Calcutta 25K, December 2024: The final race of my year was the Tata Steel World Calcutta 25K. Kolkata’s vibrant atmosphere, combined with a unique race distance, gave me the perfect challenge to wrap up the year. And fun fact: this was the first event where the race started in daylight! A fitting finale to my athletic journey.

Each marathon came with its own challenge, but completing all four was nothing short of epic. The long-distance endurance of the full marathon, the speed of the 10K, the grit needed for the half marathon, and the intensity of the 25K all tested me in different ways. Traveling from Barmer to cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Kolkata, I had to adapt to different climates, crowds, and vibes. Each race was not just about the miles; it was about adapting to the energy of each city and learning to push through whatever challenges came my way.

The Ultimate Test: 104 km Run with Milind Soman

As 2024 came to a close, I participated in the most intense event of my year—running a staggering 104 km with my mentor, the legendary Milind Soman, from Porbandar to Dwarka. This was my third consecutive Last Long Run (LLR) with Milind, and it was by far the toughest but most rewarding challenge I’ve ever faced.

This wasn’t just about running a long distance; it was about testing every ounce of my endurance and mental focus. Running alongside Milind Soman, who has inspired countless fitness enthusiasts, was an experience I’ll never forget. We ran through beautiful landscapes, had deep conversations, and shared moments of reflection. The run wasn’t just physical; it was a journey of self-discovery and mental strength.

Finishing the 104 km run with Milind was the ultimate way to close out an extraordinary year of personal growth, discipline, and dedication.

Reflecting on 2024

Looking back on 2024, I am filled with gratitude for the journeys—both spiritual and athletic—that have shaped me. The two Chardham Yatras—one that deepened my faith and the other that tested my physical limits—have been the defining moments of the year.

Completing four major marathons and running the 104 km with Milind Soman tested my strength in ways I never imagined. Each race and every challenge taught me something new about my resilience, discipline, and capacity to grow. From Mumbai to Delhi, Bangalore to Kolkata, and finally the 104 km journey in Gujarat, I’ve learned that it’s not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about embracing the journey and everything it teaches along the way. 2024 was a year of transformation, growth, and personal triumphs. I’ve become a better version of myself, and I can’t wait to take on whatever challenges the future holds. It’s been an incredible ride, and the lessons I’ve learned will continue to guide me as I move forward, both as an individual and as an athlete. Let’s see where the next adventure takes me!

Contributed by Brijesh Oza

My musical journey began with the humble guitar, a companion I embraced in my second year of college. The strings were initially a daunting challenge, but with perseverance and a touch of stubbornness, I learned to coax melodies from its fretboard. YouTube, my trusty digital mentor, and the unwavering support of my friends were invaluable allies on this musical adventure.

One of my most cherished memories is my debut performance at the college fresher’s party. The anticipation was nerve-wracking, the weight of 300 expectant eyes a daunting prospect. But as the opening notes of Darshan Raval’s “Mere Nishaan” filled the air, the nerves melted away, replaced by a euphoric connection with the audience. It was a moment of pure musical bliss.

Since joining Cairn, my musical journey has continued to evolve. I’ve had the privilege of performing at several beautiful events.

I aspire to use my music as a catalyst for inspiration, to create melodies that resonate with the souls of others, and to bring smiles to their faces. I strive to leave a positive impact on those who listen, to remind them of the joy and beauty that music can bring. For me, music is life, a vibrant symphony that fills my days with purpose and meaning.

Contributed by Nikhil Somani