Man Providing Free Nimbu Paani For Runners In South Mumbai Wins Hearts – Here’s His Story

A man from Peddar Road in Mumbai has been quietly keeping many runners hydrated with homemade nimbu paani for over a decade now. His efforts were recently lauded on social media when Tata Mumbai Marathon shared a video about him. The reel has since gone viral and received a lot of attention online. At the beginning of the video is a clip by another vlogger, Piyush Gadda, who introduces us to a “mystery man” helping other runners in South Mumbai. He explains that this person keeps free nimbu paani for all runners at a spot on Peddar Road. Piyush doesn’t know who this man is and asks people to share his name in the comments in case they do. He mentions that the drink is very refreshing and that it seems to eliminate one’s fatigue.

The organizers of the Tata Mumbai Marathon managed to track down this person, who is now being hailed “Peddar Road Ka Nimbu Pani Hero.” His name is Rajesh Shah. In the video, he himself shares the story of how he began this simple yet much-appreciated initiative for fellow runners. Rajesh begins by clarifying that it’s not just his efforts that are behind this venture but those of other people too. He explains that he stays at Peddar Road and realised that it’s a good midway point on the marathon route (which starts from Nariman Point) to keep water for himself. He later began keeping a few nimbu paani bottles for his runner friends as well.

He credits other people in the video for helping him since the project’s inception many years ago. One of them, Sanjay, makes the lemon water from scratch at home. The drink is transferred to bottles, which are refrigerated before being taken outside for the runners. He and Rajesh coordinate regarding the number of bottles to be kept, to ensure that people don’t miss out. Rajesh also reveals that in recent times he goes to keep bottles specially for early runners around 5.15 am, despite not being ready for his run. He feels responsible for providing this refreshment as he feels runners have come to expect its availability.

Watch the complete video below to learn more.

Also Read: LLB Students’ Sweet Birthday Cake Surprise For Middle-Aged Classmates Wins Hearts

In the comments, many people praised Rajesh and his thoughtful initiative. Several users also thanked him for the same. Check out some of the reactions below:

“Thanks Rajesh for the years of hydration and silent blessings to you, then anonymous, now known. The correct amount of lemon Enerzal and chilled.”

“A wonderful gesture, God bless him and his team.”

“Wow!!! This is inspiring… very selfless and kind gesture. Kudos.”

“Such a thoughtful gesture Rajesh ji. Thanks on behalf of the running community. Thanks Piyush for sharing this story with us.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your hydration support over the years.”

“Just the post has refreshed my mind and faith in humanity!! When life gives you lemons, they should be used for limbu paani for all.”

“Wow!! Seeing something like this for the first time! This is great great work!”