Inspiring journey of a man, from mountain trails to global impact

October 14, 2025 Unknown Wizards Valli Sarvani

In the harsh, hilly terrain of Uttarakhand, where life often demands more than it gives, Lalit Mohan Joshi emerged as a symbol of resilience and purpose.

His life story, rooted in poverty and struggle, goes far beyond mere survival; it is a narrative of transformation powered by unwavering positivity.

Born into a family that couldn’t afford two meals a day, Joshi walked 10 km daily to attend school in Kafligair, navigating steep paths and wild animal threats.

Yet, he carried more than just books; he carried the burden of poverty and the strength of determination.

While some wealthier classmates mocked his background, Joshi found purpose in his hardship. He recalled that they had been stronger because they had faced and overcome more every single day.

A turning point came in seventh grade when Joshi realised that the mountains, though beautiful, could also trap dreams.

When the family shifted to Haldwani, his father gave him one powerful piece of advice: avoid bad company and addiction.

To support his family, Joshi started selling ‘Prasad’ at Purnagiri temple, turning a borrowed ₹250 into ₹18,000 in just over a month.

Later, in Dehradun, a relative’s alcoholism reaffirmed his father’s words. Choosing integrity over comfort, Joshi walked away and soon earned a job through sincerity and hard work.

His efforts paid off in a moment that defined his life. Given the choice between cash and a foreign trip, he chose the latter and took his parents to Dubai.

Watching his parents shed tears of pride on that flight, Joshi says, was the most emotional moment of his life.

Having seen how addiction destroys families, he became a staunch anti-drug crusader.

Now a member of Uttarakhand’s State Mental Health Authority, Joshi runs ‘Sajag India’, a campaign against substance abuse.

Through school programs and digital outreach, it has impacted 800,000+ students, gathered 50 million online views, and built a community of 250,000 youth.

Joshi now plans to expand his mission to UP, Haryana, and Punjab, ensuring no child’s dream is lost to addiction.

His journey proves that even from the toughest terrains, greatness can rise, with clarity, courage, and compassion.

Image by Jhalak from Pixahive (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on September 21, 2020