A day after his midnight run video whips up Twitter-storm, India pitches in with sports kit, Army recruitment training for 19-yr-old Pradeep Mehra

Pradeep Mehra, a 19-year-old who became an Internet sensation after a recent video showing him running 10 km from work to home went viral, feels more determined to fulfil his dream of joining the Army after receiving love and praise from people.

Mehra's inspiring story of focus and hard-work is all over the Internet after film-maker Vinod Kapri shared his video on Twitter.

"Someone made my video and it went viral. People gave so much love to the video. By this, I feel motivated and people also got motivated. I will say thank you from my heart," Mehra told ANI.


The 19-year-old works at a McDonald's in Noida's Sector 16 and runs 10 km every night to reach home in Barola village after his shift ends.

In the famous video, Mehra revealed the reason behind his running. He wants to join the Army. After watching his video, several people across the country have offered to help the young man.

Lt General (retired) Satish Dua applauded Mehra's strength and dedication while offering to help him pass the recruitment tests on his merit. Dua even got in touch with others from the Army to help Mehra fulfil his dream.

"His Josh is commendable, and to help him pass the recruitment tests on his merit, I've interacted with Colonel of KUMAON Regiment, Lt Gen Rana Kalita, the Eastern Army Commander. He is doing the needful to train the boy for recruitment into his Regiment. Jai Hind," he tweeted.


Seeing people's positive reaction, Mehra says that he has become more adamant and focused.

"My goal to join the army has become more resolute. Other people who want to join the army have also got the motivation because of this. Many people have offered to help me. I feel very good," Mehra said.

The 19-year-old is originally from Uttarakhand's Almora town and lives in Noida's Barola with his brother, who are the only earning members in their family. Mehra works the day shifts while his brother works through the night. Mehra's mother is being treated at a hospital for over a month.

The young man runs from his workplace to home every night in order to maintain his routine as he has no time for practice in the morning.

Several well-known names from the world of cinema, business and cricket also praised Mehra as they took inspiration from his unnerving commitment.

"Champions are made like this .. whether on sports field or anything they do in life .. He will be a winner. thank you vinod for sharing this .. yes PURE GOLD," former cricketer Harbhajan Singh tweeted.


For former England cricket player Kevin Pietersen, Mehra's story was the perfect motivation he needed for Monday. "This will make your Monday morning! What A Guy!" he tweeted.


Film producer and photographer Atul Kasbekar reached out to Kapri and asked for Mehra's address so he can send him a sports kit with running shoes, apparels and backpack from Puma.

The 19-year-old Army aspirant received the package within a few hours.


Here's how others lauded Mehra on Twitter: