Akshay Kumar wanted to understand plight of rural women, so he walked on a treadmill

Water scarcity is one growing concern worldwide. Said to be highlighted on several occasions, fetching water is one of the biggest problems in today's time, especially in India, where severe droughts have made livelihood difficult for many impoverished families. 

In fact, walking long miles in the search of water is a daily occurrence for many women and young children in rural India. And, as part of the Network18 initiative Mission Paani Waterton, actor Akshay Kumar decided to walk 21 km on a treadmill to understand the plight of women and throw light on the problem of water scarcity. 

"I walked the equivalent of 21 km on a treadmill with shoes and can feel the skin on my feet peel off. India's women often walk this same distance barefoot to get water every day," the actor said at the press conference. 

And was called out for it by the Twitterati. 

"Do physical labour at the farm. Come home to cook, clean, feed kids and rear animals. Get beaten up by frustrated drunk husbands at night. At dawn, walk miles to fetch water in huge vessels. Repeat. Treadmill? It's a roller coaster jolly ride!" a user shared. 

"Taking inspiration from Akshay Kumar, I walked 6 km on the treadmill cos I wanted to understand the plight of women who have put on weight thanks to the lockdown. Namely myself," another added sarcastically. 

"Akshay Kumar walking a treadmill for more than 21 kilometres to understand the plight of rural women who have to travel long distances to fetch water reminded me of how I observe International Yoga Day by performing my favourite Shabashana for extra two hours than on normal days," penned one user. 

"Got disconnected from my Wifi for 15 mins. Now I know what it's like to live in Kashmir," one tweeted. 

"Put aside the treadmill, come out of the air-conditioned room. Walk for hours barefoot on uneven roads and desert areas with more than one water container, only then u will understand," said one user. 

"Thank you, Akshay Kumar, for saving this world. My five-month-year-old daughter ran up to me today and pointed to the TV  where you were walking in the treadmill to understand the plight of a woman and she said, "Papa I want to be like him when I grow up". I am in tears. Thank you," shared another. 

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