Atul Arora, 27, is from New Delhi, India, and is a Commerce graduate and Information Technology post graduate. He has lived in Australia for the past 3 years and is currently working in the Queensland Government as an Enterprise Architect (Analyst).

He is a person with a big heart and a strong mind. He accepts challenges based on his feelings and his mental strength helps him achieve the goal. This year it was the World Harmony Run that captured his imagination and he is determined to give it a go.

He likes playing any kind of sport. He is a real fan of travelling, especially when it’s out in nature. All his friends say he is a great cook but he says, "I love cooking because I love to eat."

Atul started running at the age of 6. He was the school 100m sprint champion for the 10-15 age category. Then, his interest changed to soccer and he played as  a mid-fielder. He took up running again, this time long distances, at the age of 24. His personal best for 10km is 45 min and his final goal is 32 min; half marathon is 1:30 min, now targeting 1:15 min.

Atul is on the far right, carrying the Indian flag

2008 is his first ever experience being involved in the World Harmony Run. "This is a good opportunity for me to complete my first marathon for a good cause," he says with a smile. On the opening day of the event he ran a half-marathon, just as a warm-up. His current goal is to complete his first marathon in 3:00-3:30 hrs.

Running is an important part of Atul's life. "Through running I have learnt patience, determination and much more. But one thing in particular, it has brought unity and harmony to my life. When we run to finish a race each part of our body has to work in harmony. Similarly, if we are all to succeed in life's journey then we all have to live and work together in harmony with each other. 

Also, by the end of this year Atul will gain his Australian citizenship, but may lose his Indian citizenship. "Before this happens," he says, "I would like to dedicate my effort to my motherland and celebrate the existence of harmony between its different cultures."