HOPE RAN and the difference it made

Words from the Arpan Team,

As you know not only did adult surivovors of CSA share their stories
with Harish during the 'HOPE RUNS' campaign, but also when they saw
him running with the placard today during the marathon.
Harish said, "One man just out of the blue hugged me and started
crying, I asked him if he knew me and if I can be of any help to him."

He simply replied, "Thank You".

Harish wondered why this stranger was thanking him, he thought it was
a case of mistaken identity. When Harish asked him further the
stranger replied, "I am a survivor of child sexual abuse too." Saying
so, he again hugged Harish and revealed that he had not shared it with
anybody, but today for the first time with a stranger. He smiled and
vanished into the crowd.


Everything can't be measured and valued... some differences are just
immeasurable and invaluable... that moment was one of them....

We got covered today by the Times of India, Radio Mirchi, IBN 7 and NDTV 24 X 7.
Today's Times of India (Mumbai edition), pg 29 carries Harish's story.

Thank you everyone for all your support and best wishes.

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I would like to thank Harish Iyer, the strength for all those people who never had a hope of better life. Never had a hope of living ahead after being a victim of such horrid crime.

He has been spreading the awareness about ill effects of Child Sexual Abuse. Its different, its not easy to stand in the crowd talking about something like that, but Harish did it, not just for himself, but for every one who could not, but wished they could speak out.

Many adult survivors have shared their stories with Harish, throwing away all the insecurities, and he did the same running the Mumbai Marathon today, holding the Placard for Hope Runs campaign!

Thanks to everyone who supported Arpan group, Harish, and all of them involved in the cause.