In a world marked by division, conflict, and uncertainty, one man has chosen to walk—literally—for peace. Nitin Sonawane, a 33-year-old engineer-turned-peace-messenger from Maharashtra, India, has embarked on an awe-inspiring 4,000-km journey on foot across the United States. Starting from the Gandhi Statue in San Francisco on January 26, 2025, Sonawane aims to reach Washington, D.C., by August 18, spreading a message of nonviolence, equality, and global harmony along the way.
I first met Nitin in October when he and his fellow walker, Yogesh Mathuria, stayed at my home. You can read about my experience with both of them and my lessons here.
We walked together, shared meals, and discussed his journey, philosophy, and unwavering belief in humanity. Yesterday, I walked with him again, this time in South San Jose, for a couple of hours. Alongside us was Katy, a young American botanist, with her two daughters—one and five years old—who were also inspired to join. Katy even invited her father from Danville to walk with Nitin. My friend Dinesh Chandra also joined, and for a while, we tried pulling his cart to experience firsthand what he will endure for the next 200 days. Learn more about Dinesh’s experience here.
Nitin is always smiling, always believing in the peaceful nature of humanity. I mentioned to him that some might mistake him for a homeless person or even an illegal immigrant. I advised him to carry his passport and visa on him and to have a lawyer friend who could help if needed. He smiled and admitted he didn’t know any lawyer yet. That got me thinking—are any of my readers willing to help him in case he gets into trouble?
I asked him what he would do if he couldn’t find a place to stay. He simply said, “I have a tent, and I will sleep wherever I can.” How about money? He had a little, he said. What if he ran out? He recounted a time in Africa when he had only $10 left and no place to stay. For 20 days, he survived on fallen oranges he found on the roadside. “I lost 17 kg during that trip,” he laughed. “It was my weight-loss program.”
I was taken aback. I don’t think I have the courage to embark on such a journey for even a week, despite sharing the same ideals.
Nitin is not just a walker—he is a giver. He talks to everyone, helps wherever he can, and leaves a mark on every place he visits. When he stayed at my friend’s house recently, he cleaned the place and even gave my friend a few massages. His generosity is boundless.
His walk is not about covering miles—it is about inspiring change. Every interaction, every conversation, and every step reinforces his unwavering faith in humanity’s inherent goodness.
My friend Ved Krishna from Portland, Oregon, also hosted Nitin and Yogesh in October and was deeply moved by their commitment. But he asked me, “Do such walks really make a difference in the world?”
I reflected on that question, and my answer is: Yes, for sure. But we might not know how, who gets influenced, or when we will see the results of that influence.
In previous walks through Africa, Asia, and Europe, Nitin has not only inspired individuals but has connected with community leaders, activists, and educators, spreading Gandhi’s message in places where it is often forgotten. Meeting Nitin and connecting with him, even for an hour, and knowing that he has already walked 30,000 km in many countries, is mind-blowing. He was inspired by Gandhi Ji, even though he was born in an era when even India had begun to forget Gandhi and the nonviolence movement. Today, we believe that war is the only way to bring peace. But watching Nitin walk and listening to him talk, I found new hope—maybe it is possible to find peace through nonviolence. Maybe Nitin is a modern-day Gandhi or Johnny Appleseed, planting seeds of peace along his journey.
This is not just about Nitin—it is about all of us. The walk for peace is a collective journey, and you can play a role. Here’s how:
Even if you cannot physically join him, you can take a personal pledge: walk in your neighborhood for peace once a week, take a silent walk once a month, or engage in conversations about nonviolence.
I am inspired enough to write about him, walk with him, and ask my friends to host him. Maybe others will do what they can, and the spirit of his journey will live on.
So, I ask you: What are you willing to do for peace and nonviolence? Can you meet Nitin and learn from him? Are you willing to host him? Can you invite him to speak to your children or at your school?
If you can help in any way, please reach out to him through his website www.SlowManNitin.com, his YouTube channel @SlowManNitin, or his Instagram @SlowMan_Nitin.
If you would like to help Nitin on his journey, you can donate at:
Zelle number: 3473739092
Zelle email: Nonviolenceplanet@gmail.com
Let’s walk for peace, together.
About the Author
Dr. Prasad Kaipa is a co-founder of the Institute of Indic Wisdom, which empowers entrepreneurs and leaders by integrating ancient Indian knowledge systems with modern innovation and leadership frameworks. Previously, he was the founding ED of the Center for Leadership, Innovation, and Change (CLIC) at ISB and a clinical professor of Org. Behavior. He was also a CEO Coach for about 30 years from 1990 and was the cofounder of the TiE Institute in Silicon Valley. Prasad was co-author of From Smart to Wise and You Can, and wrote articles for HBR, Forbes, and Sloan Management Review etc. Dr. Kaipa’s work bridges Indian wisdom, brain research, and leadership. He can be reached at prasad.kaipa@gmail.com.