M Tech in Chemical Engineering (IIT Kanpur) & 28+ Years (till 2015) Professional Engineer
Walking, one of humanity’s most fundamental forms of movement, has been transformed into a passionate journey of endurance, discipline, and personal challenge by Dwijapada Pratihar, fondly known as the “Step Man.” With an astounding accumulation of over 86 million steps, Dwijapada has achieved a feat few can even imagine, challenging world records and pushing the limits of what is physically and mentally possible.
The Journey Begins: A Passion for Walking
Dwijapada Pratihar’s story is one of dedication and a deep love for walking, a practice that has evolved from a daily habit to a global achievement. His remarkable journey began on May 11, 2013, a day when he decided to commit himself to tracking every step, setting a goal that would take him on an odyssey of physical endurance. Over the course of 4,176 consecutive days, Dwijapada has kept moving, taking step after step toward what is now a monumental accomplishment in the world of walking records.
Normally he used to walk regularly prior Virtual Walking on Equator. After getting Pedometer (Step Counting device) and GPS Tracking Apps, he has started recording daily steps and GPS tracked distances since 11th May 2013 with a self-imposed mission of walking Equator length ( 40075 KM ) in 10 years (3652 Days). Hence, his virtual epic journey is started with “A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” by Lao Tzu. Target of walking 40075 KM is achieved on 9th August 2020 [ 11th May 2013 to 9th August 2020 – 2648 Days; 7 years 93 Days ] with 15.135 KM/D, 18919 Steps/Day and 3.03 Hrs of average daily walking.
What sets him apart from other fitness enthusiasts is his consistency. Dwijapada’s passion for walking is not just about racking up numbers on a fitness tracker—it is about a daily commitment to physical health, mental discipline, and personal growth. Every day for over 11 years, he has walked with purpose, accumulating steps that have added up to this mind-blowing total of 86 million steps.
The World Record Chase: Arthur Blessitt’s Legacy – 86 Millions Steps
The milestone of 86 million steps places Dwijapada in the esteemed company of the previous record holder, Arthur Blessitt, whose dedication to walking also earned him global recognition.
Achieving 86 million steps is no small feat. To put it into perspective, this means walking roughly 20,600 steps per day for over 11 years plus. This level of consistency requires not only physical stamina but also mental resilience. The highs and lows of daily life—injuries, illnesses, bad weather, and personal commitments—did not deter Dwijapada from his goal. His story is as much about overcoming obstacles as it is about walking.
Walking is often seen as a meditative practice, and for Dwijapada, it has become a way of life. His daily routines revolve around maintaining his physical condition, ensuring that he can meet the rigorous demands of logging such a vast number of steps. It requires discipline not just in movement but also in maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support this consistent output.
The Importance of Walking: Beyond the Numbers
For Dwijapada, walking is not just about setting records; it is a symbol of health, mindfulness, and persistence. Walking is known to have numerous health benefits, from improving cardiovascular health and reducing stress to enhancing mental clarity. As our modern lifestyles grow increasingly sedentary, Dwijapada’s story serves as a reminder of the power of simple physical activity to transform lives.
More than just a fitness regimen, walking has become Dwijapada’s way of connecting with the world, reflecting on life, and setting personal challenges. It embodies the principle that small actions, when done consistently, lead to monumental achievements.
The Road Ahead
As Dwijapada Pratihar reaches the historic milestone of 86 million steps, he stands at the cusp of global recognition, already surpassed Arthur Blessitt’s world record on 15th October 2024. But for Dwijapada, the journey doesn’t stop here. His passion for walking continues to drive him forward, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
The real story behind the Step Man isn’t just about the numbers. It’s about the spirit of perseverance, the willingness to push boundaries, and the idea that passion and purpose can transform an ordinary activity into an extraordinary accomplishment.
Dwijapada Pratihar has shown the world that with enough dedication and consistency, even the simplest actions—like walking—can take you to the pinnacle of human achievement. His journey is a testament to the power of persistence, proving that greatness often lies in the steady accumulation of small steps, taken day by day, without giving up.
- 100 Million Steps by 31/12/2025 [Encircling 2 rounds along the equator, 80150 KM]
- 100,001 KM Walking by 10th May 2028
D Pratihar’s Mission/Vision (Practice) –
- Health for All and Priority.
- Serve Others to Serve Self: Serve with Smile and Love,
- Be The Truth and Be With The Truth Ever.
- The Greatest Wealth is The Absolute Good Health
- Aspiring Clean/Green, Healthy & Prosperous Mother Earth; Harmonious living of all walks of lives and life
- Every Life has Absolute right to live fully – All Live Matters
- Connect, Contribute, Love, Care, Share & Be Part / Proud of
- Promoting Walking/Steps for better Health, Education & Environment for under privileged
- Serving Nature (visible God) in any form is of prime importance
- Your Wellness is Our Wellness
- Plalking (Pickup rubbishes while walking) for making healthy Mother Planet
- Walking is Man’s Best Medicine – Hippocrates
- A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body -Healthy Mind increased individual productivity
- The Greatest Wealth is Health – Virgil
- The First Wealth is Health – Ralph Waldo Emerson
