A Bengaluru man has set social media abuzz after completing a 26-kilometre run to celebrate his girlfriend’s 26th birthday, a heartfelt gesture that has captured the imagination of millions online. The
video, shared on the couple’s joint Instagram account, has gone viral, with users praising the extraordinary dedication and emotional depth behind the act.
The man, Avik Bhattacharya, decided to mark the special day for his girlfriend, Simran, not with gifts or dinner plans, but with a test of endurance and love. In the clip, Simran explains that she had intended to run 26 kilometres herself on her birthday but was unable to do so due to feeling unwell. Her reaction to Avik’s gesture is priceless, as she exclaims, “I don’t know how to match this guy.”
Introducing himself at the start of the run, Avik says, “My girlfriend just turned 26 today, so I’m going to be running 26 km for her birthday.” Throughout the journey, he documents the kilometres, sharing reflections, prayers, and personal thoughts along the way. Remarkably, he chooses to run without earphones, using the time to remain mindful and reflect on his relationship, showing that the act was as much about love as it was about endurance.
The video also highlights their shared passion for running. Avik casually mentions that the couple is preparing for the Mumbai Marathon, but paused his own training to dedicate this special run entirely to Simran. At several points, he notes the significance of health, praying for her well-being as he pushes through the kilometres.
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The gesture has clearly resonated with social media users. Since being uploaded, the video has amassed over 7.5 million views and 680,000 likes, quickly becoming one of the most viewed relationship moments on Indian Instagram this year. Comments have poured in, with one user writing, “Bro setting standards,” while another said, “My throat just got heavy.” A third joked, “For the sake of my mental sanity, I’ll think it’s AI.”
What makes the video particularly compelling is its simplicity. There are no expensive gifts or grand displays — just a long, reflective run powered by love, dedication, and thoughtfulness. For many, it has become a symbol of heartfelt commitment and creative ways to show care in relationships.
In an era where grand gestures often dominate social media, this act stands out for its quiet sincerity. Avik’s 26-kilometre tribute reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful celebrations are those that combine effort, intention, and love, leaving an indelible impression both on the heart and online.
