The young Budhia Singh - Orissa, India (49 images)

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For more details please write to alex@alexmasi.co.uk or call +91.997.164.6141 (India) / +44.980.929.5618 (UK)


Introduction:

On the 1st of May 2006, a young boy from a disadvantaged family living in one of Bhubaneswar's slums, the capital of Orissa, India, became known worldwide for having run a record-breaking 65 km uninterrupted, from Jagannath temple, in Puri, to Bhubaneswar, his home town, thus earning himself a Limca...
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TEXT AVAILABLE.

For more details please write to alex@alexmasi.co.uk or call +91.997.164.6141 (India) / +44.980.929.5618 (UK)


Introduction:

On the 1st of May 2006, a young boy from a disadvantaged family living in one of Bhubaneswar's slums, the capital of Orissa, India, became known worldwide for having run a record-breaking 65 km uninterrupted, from Jagannath temple, in Puri, to Bhubaneswar, his home town, thus earning himself a Limca (Guinness) World Record.

During the attempt he was accompanied by his coach, Biranchi Das, and by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). A few days after his effort, on the 8th of May 2006, a Government statement ordered him to stop running. The announcement came after doctors found the boy had high blood pressure and cardiological stress.

As of August the 13th 2007, Budhia's coach Biranchi Das was arrested by Indian police on suspicion of torture. Singh had accused his coach of beating him and withholding food. Das, from his point of view, accused Budhia's family of making up charges as a result of a few petty rows in the past.

On the 13th of April 2008, Biranchi Das was shot dead a few meters away from his Judo Hall in Bhubaneswar, in what is believed to be an event unconnected with Budhia. Nevertheless, the police are investigating the case and have made an arrest, a local man named Raja Archary, which is now in police custody.

Two years after Budhia's incredible run, Alex photographed his daily life and adventures for Vanity Fair Germany.
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