New Delhi: Pradeep Mehra, a 19-year old boy who is aspiring to join the Indian army running 10 km daily from his workplace to home gone viral on social media.

Industrialist Anand Mahendra termed him as a symbol of 'Aatmanirbhar' and lauded his courage and ambition.

Anand Mahendra tweeted that it was “indeed inspiring”. Mr Mahindra went on to add, “But you know what my Monday motivation is? The fact that he is so independent and refuses the offer of a ride. He doesn't need help. He is Aatmanirbhar!”

Filmmaker Vinod Kapri had shot the video from a car. In the video, Pradeep Mehra from Uttarakhand working in an Mc Donald’s outlet in Noida's sector 16. Every day he runs a 10 kilometre stretch from his workplace to his home in Barola. So far, the video has been viewed over 6.3 million times.

Singer and rapper Badshah also commented on the video. He tweeted that the “future of our country is in great hands”.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee saluted the “sheer resolve and determination” of the boy. Pradeep Mehra, who is from Uttarakhand, lives with his stays in Barola.

While talking to Mr Kapri, even as he was running, the teen said that his mother was in the hospital. When Mr Kapri enquired as to why he was running so late, the teen explained that he didn't have time to run otherwise. He also revealed that he ran every day in order “join the Army”.

When Mr Kapri told Pradeep Mehra that if he uploaded the video on social media it would go viral, the teen laughed and asked, “Who's going to recognise me?” He added light-heartedly, “If it goes viral, it's okay, it's not like I am doing anything wrong.”

This is indeed inspiring. But you know what my #MondayMotivation is? The fact that he is so independent & refuses the offer of a ride. He doesn’t need help. He is Aatmanirbhar! https://t.co/8H1BV4v5Mr

— anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) March 21, 2022