At a time when technology is redefining lifestyles and steadily distancing people from the natural world, a growing movement seeks to restore that vital connection. Leading this effort is Strident Strides, a purpose-driven initiative that inspires people, especially the younger generation, to step beyond urban confines and experience the transformative power of forests, mountains, and trails. What began as a personal pursuit of running and exploration has evolved into a larger mission to cultivate meaningful and sustainable outdoor experiences rooted in environmental stewardship, resilience, and self-discovery. Through thoughtfully curated trail runs in Gurugram and Dehradun, the initiative champions participant safety, plastic-free practices, and a deeper appreciation for nature. More than an adventure sport, Strident Strides presents trail running as a pathway to mindfulness, community, and personal growth.
In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World at the Sports, Fitness & Infrastructure Expo, organised by The Times of India, Rajesh Wadhwa, Director of Strident Strides (OPC) Pvt. Ltd., discusses his vision of inspiring young people to embrace trail running in forests and the mountains. He shares the encouraging response the initiative has received, outlines its growing range of merchandise and allied offerings, and reflects on the values that underpin its mission. Above all, he delivers a compelling message on reconnecting with nature, one stride at a time. Here are the key insights from this thought-provoking conversation.
Q: Could you elaborate on your initiative and explain how it aims to encourage and attract young people to take up trail running in forests and the mountains?
A: Human beings share an innate and enduring bond with nature. We do not need to create that connection; we simply need to rediscover it. Yet, as our lives become increasingly confined to cities and mediated by social media, we continue to drift away from our roots. Rebuilding that relationship is not easy. It demands both intention and effort. More importantly, it requires us to lead by example.
That conviction led me to establish Strident Strides in 2020. The idea emerged from my own journey as a runner and an explorer. As I ran every day, I often wondered what I should call this initiative. Eventually, I realised that the answer lay in my own footsteps. The name Strident Strides reflects both purpose and direction. Strident signifies determination, courage, and an unwavering spirit, while strides symbolise purposeful steps towards growth, achievement, and meaningful change. Together, they embody a philosophy of moving forward with intent.
My love for nature has always guided my choices. Naturally, I began exploring forest trails long before they became popular or digitally mapped. Today, technology and online maps can certainly provide useful information. However, they can never replace firsthand experience. I always tell young people that discovery begins when they step onto the ground themselves. There is no substitute for feeling the earth beneath your feet. Nature reveals itself only to those willing to venture into it.
Our journey began in Gurugram with the Gurugram Urban Trails Run. At that time, the trail was not a designated running route but an untouched forest landscape near Ghata village, close to my home in Sector 56. The area was home to numerous peacocks, lovingly cared for by local residents who regularly offered them grains. Their graceful presence inspired us to adopt the peacock as the mascot of the trail run, a symbol of beauty, harmony, and coexistence with nature.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, I moved to Dehradun and embarked on yet another journey of rediscovery. I identified new forest trails and approached the Forest Department to seek the necessary permissions. Although approvals were initially forthcoming, rising instances of human-animal conflict prompted greater caution in subsequent years. I fully understood their concerns. Having served in a responsible government position myself, I appreciate the importance of accountability and public safety.
At Strident Strides, we remain uncompromising in our commitment to environmental responsibility. We strictly prohibit single-use plastics and ensure that no wrappers or waste are left behind in the forests. Instead, we provide participants with natural refreshments, including fresh fruits and lemon water. Equally important, we prioritise safety by arranging medical support and coordinating with nearby hospitals, whose generous cooperation has been invaluable. For us, trail running is not merely a sport, it is a mindful and responsible way of reconnecting people with nature.
Q: What kind of response has your initiative received from participants?
A: The response has been modest so far, but it has never diminished our commitment. Even if only six or seven runners register, we go ahead with the trail run because our objective extends far beyond numbers. Every participant represents a meaningful step towards reconnecting people with nature.
What continues to encourage us is the diversity of individuals who choose to join us. I still remember a young medical student who participated in one of our runs. She was only the second woman runner to take part in the event. Her participation reinforced our belief that meaningful change often begins with a few courageous individuals willing to step outside their comfort zones.
At the same time, we have observed that many people harbour an inherent fear of forests. Their first question is invariably about wildlife, what if they encounter an animal on the trail? While such concerns are understandable, they should not become barriers to experiencing nature. If we genuinely wish to reconnect with the natural world, we must first overcome our apprehensions and take that initial step.
Moreover, we never compromise on preparation or safety. Before every trail run, we conduct detailed reconnaissance of the route and carefully assess the surrounding environment. We understand the terrain and remain mindful of the wildlife that inhabits these spaces. In reality, wild animals are far more inclined to avoid human presence than to approach it. More often than not, they retreat long before we become aware of them.
Nature is not something to fear; it is something to understand, respect, and experience responsibly. The forest does not merely test our endurance; it teaches us humility, awareness, and coexistence. All it asks of us is the willingness to step outside and begin the journey.
Q: Does your organisation offer or market any products or merchandise as part of its initiative?
A: We collaborate with specialised vendors for our merchandise because we firmly believe that no one can excel at everything. Our core strength lies in creating meaningful and responsible outdoor experiences. However, to enrich those experiences, we pay meticulous attention to every element associated with them.
For instance, when we decided to introduce our T-shirts, we carefully selected a manufacturing partner but retained complete control over the design and quality. We chose premium fabrics that are durable, comfortable, and well-suited for trail running. Similarly, we invest considerable thought in the medals and memorabilia we offer. We want every participant to carry home something that not only commemorates an event but also preserves a lifelong memory of their journey with us.
Naturally, this commitment to quality makes our products relatively more expensive to create. Yet, we consciously choose not to transfer that additional cost to our participants. Instead, we absorb it ourselves because, for us, this initiative has never been driven by commercial considerations alone.
Fortunately, I am in a position where my pension and other investments provide me with financial stability. That allows me to pursue this endeavour with the freedom and conviction it deserves. More importantly, however, Strident Strides is a labour of passion. It is the passion to reconnect people with nature, inspire meaningful experiences, and build a community that values both adventure and responsibility. That passion continues to guide every decision we make and remains the true force that drives us forward.
Q: What message would you like to share with young people about embracing nature?
A: As technology and artificial intelligence continue to transform the way we live and work, I believe we must learn to use them wisely, not allow them to consume our lives. Technology should help us accomplish our routine tasks more efficiently, thereby giving us something increasingly precious: time. The real question is how we choose to use that time.
My appeal to young people is simple: invest it in yourselves. Step outside. Spend time in the open. Walk through forests, explore nature, and allow yourselves the space to pause and reconnect. Your professional responsibilities will still be fulfilled. Your academic pursuits will continue uninterrupted. You will make friends, build careers, and achieve your ambitions. None of that needs to stop. What must not stop, however, is your relationship with nature.
The deeper your connection with the natural world becomes, the stronger your connection with yourself will grow. Nature has a remarkable way of nurturing resilience, mindfulness, and self-awareness. It teaches us to slow down, observe, and rediscover what truly matters. In doing so, it also helps us become more self-reliant—not merely in the physical sense, but emotionally and mentally as well.
As India moves steadily towards its vision of becoming a developed nation, the years ahead will be defined not only by economic and technological progress but also by the values we choose to cultivate. Infrastructure can be built in a matter of years, but shaping attitudes, habits, and lifestyles takes far longer. If we aspire to build a truly developed India, we must also nurture healthier, happier, and more grounded individuals.
That is why my message to the younger generation remains both an appeal and a source of motivation: take care of yourselves and consciously improve your lifestyle. Embrace technology, but do not let it distance you from the world around you. Most importantly, make time for nature. Go to the forests. Walk the trails. Rediscover the extraordinary joy of simply being outdoors. In reconnecting with nature, you may ultimately rediscover the very best version of yourself.
