Chennaiites pedal to promote social, environmental causes

Orator-philosopher Edmund Burke once said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” There are various ways in which an individual can support a cause or create awareness about key social issues. But, what makes these youngsters (read, good men) a cut above the rest is that they are going on cycling expeditions across the country/state or to other nations to spread awareness on topics that they feel to be highlighted.

While holidaying in Nepal, a man offered to sell Naresh Kumar girls. “I was shocked and wanted to do something against human trafficking. I met a couple of NGOs, did some research and the findings revealed that there is an increase in online sexual abuse of children. More than inspiration, I wanted to do my duty to help and protect those in dire need,” says Naresh.

This led him to venture on an intercontinental adventure, spanning over 8,500 km, from India to Germany on a tandem bicycle picking up random strangers and friends along his way to help raise awareness and funds to combat human trafficking. “The hashtag for this project is #EndSlaveryNow. 

Slavery is wide-spread and brutal. It is a violent crime affecting millions of the world’s poor. Traffickers use their money, influence and access to power to exploit and abuse those who have no defender,” adds the city-based engineer, who will start his journey on February 27.

He plans to bike all the way from Chennai to Germany passing 12 different countries to raise awareness and charity for survivors of human trafficking and child abuse. “I have named my bicycle ‘kindness’ (the world is in dire need of more kindness) and the project is called ‘Freedom Seat’ project. 

The three basic needs for a human being are food, clothes and shelter. But what people tend to forget is they need one more thing to feel alive — it is freedom. Initially, my plan was to travel through Pakistan, but after the recent developments, I didn’t want to take a bigger risk,” the 35-year-old tells us.

When you push your limit for a cause, it really speaks up but not everyone has the energy or strength to do so. “That’s why I took a tandem bicycle that can be ridden by more than one person.” Dr MGR Educational And Research Institute, of which he is an alumnus, and the Rotary Club of Guindy are supporting Naresh for the travel. 

A year ago, Naresh has ventured for a cycling tour through New Zealand and he is aware of the challenges. “I haven’t mapped my journey from Chennai to Germany - but the biggest challenge would be bike failure and erratic weather conditions. All these things are not in my hand. On my way, I am planning to visit NGOs, schools and other institutions and talk to them about the need to combat human trafficking and exploitation,” says Naresh.

After his graduation from UWC Mahindra College (Pune),18-year-old Kesava Kirupa Dinakaran embarked on a mission to pedal through the Silk Road to promote sustainability and peace. “I studied about the importance of a peaceful and more sustainable future in my college. Certain studies and research inspired me to travel the world make a difference. Even though we boast of being progressive, there is still a cultural stereotype hanging like a sword of Damocles. This could hinder peace,” says the Anna Nagar resident.

He cycled from Turkey to China along the Silk Road covering almost 4,000 km across nine countries (Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and China) in 80 days. “I am building a social network — for hitchhikers, budget cyclists and cyclists who travel for a cause — where they can discuss the various possibilities of working together. 

Also, I will be cycling from Kanniyakumari to Kashmir to spread awareness about ethnic and caste-related politics and publicise rice conservation. I am studying, meeting people and researching these topics now,” says the youngster.

Well, we all know that the official tree of Tamil Nadu is palmyra tree but, unfortunately, many farmers are either abandoning their existing plantation or removing the trees. After knowing the plight of palm trees in the state, Sathishkumar Pichandi ventured out for a cycling tour to spread awareness on the importance of palm trees. “Many asked me why am I promoting something that’s not really affecting the society on a larger scale. 

Well, I believe to each his own and I took this subject of preserving palm trees. I am sure Tamils are aware of the benefits of a palm tree — right from roots to its tender leaves. But they forget its significance and are behind non-environment-friendly products. Products from palm trees can easily replace plastic if we put our heart and soul into transforming a palm tree,” says the green crusader.

Speaking about the importance of travelling on a bicycle to spread his message, Sathishkumar says, “If we travel on a bicycle, we can meet a lot of people and also many would approach us and support the cause. Next week, I plan to organise a workshop to teach women and children to make products from palm leaves in Tambaram. Also, a documentary on making palm sugar (karupatti) is also in the pipeline.”

These youngsters seem to be trying to prove a simple quote by Paulo Coelho, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”