Ravi Varma, a Jaipur-based organic farmer, has spent close to 80 days on the saddle, biking for close to 16,000 km and collecting messages of gratitude for the soldiers at the border.
"I'm depending on my father for funds now because I've exhausted my savings," says the 31-year-old. "But Ican do this, ride solo without a worry on my mind, because of the brave souls out there protecting our country."
During his stopover in the city, when he's meeting many eager to give him thank-you messages for the jawans, he makes some time to chat with Chetana Divya Vasudev about his journey.
Your initiative is rather unusual...
Well, everyone salutes martyrs — Facebook is full of condolences that end with a mere three letters: RIP. But how many of us spare a thought for the soldiers when they are alive? To me, soldiers are no less than gods. They protect us too. So I think we should show our gratitude to them.
What sparked the idea?
In 2014, Iwatched a documentary that detailed the lives of soldiers posted at the border. Ibegan wondering what their lives are like — most of their thoughts are probably related to the job at hand, their colleagues and their family. And I decided to embark on this journey. I was supposed to set off last August, but met with an accident that left me with multiple ligament ruptures and, post a surgery, bedridden for six months.During the time I took to get back on my feet, my urge intensified. Finally, my ride was flagged off from Jaipur by parents of two martyrs.
How do you collect the messages?
I usually go meet with children at NGOs or schools, when someone from the bikers network get me permission to go and handle a session. I'm carrying my camera with me, so I also record video messages sometimes. When I approach someone, Iusually ask them if they've had a chance to thank those in the army who have pledged their lives for our safety. Most haven't and they are happy to get the chance to do so. Whenever the messages become too many to carry, I courier them home. I intend to cover 29 state capitals and five union territories, which comes up to about 23,000 km. At the end of it, I plan to go and hand the messages over at Kargil or Leh.
The most picturesque view en route...
Undoubtedly Aizwal. The layers of mountain ranges, the farthest a deep blue, took my breath away. I know people rave about the scenic beauty of Kashmir and Leh, but everything pales in comparison with this.
Disconcerting moments...
Mostly, people appreciate the idea behind the ride. Regardless, when asked for a message and someone says they're in the middle of something important and can't spare a few moments, it's a trifle disappointing. I'd like to say to them, 'Yes, you're busy with your work, but the soldiers...they are busy keeping you safe.' However, overall, even the hardest hours are rewarding because you feel you've achieved something when you get past it if nothing else.
Ravi Varma, a Jaipur-based organic farmer, has spent close to 80 days on the saddle, biking for close to 16,000 km and collecting messages of gratitude for the soldiers at the border.
"I’m depending on my father for funds now because I’ve exhausted my savings,” says the 31-year-old. "But I can do this, ride solo without a worry on my mind, because of the brave souls out there protecting our country.”
During his stopover in the city, when he’s meeting many eager to give him thank-you messages for the jawans, he makes some time to chat with Chetana Divya Vasudev about his journey.
Your initiative is rather unusual...
Well, everyone salutes martyrs — Facebook is full of condolences that end with a mere three letters: RIP. But how many of us spare a thought for the soldiers when they are alive? To me, soldiers are no less than gods. They protect us too. So I think we should show our gratitude to them.
What sparked the idea?
In 2014, I watched a documentary that detailed the lives of soldiers posted at the border. I began wondering what their lives are like — most of their thoughts are probably related to the job at hand, their colleagues and their family. And I decided to embark on this journey. I was supposed to set off last August, but met with an accident that left me with multiple ligament ruptures and, post a surgery, bedridden for six months. During the time I took to get back on my feet, my urge intensified. Finally, my ride was flagged off from Jaipur by parents of two martyrs.
How do you collect the messages?
I usually go meet with children at NGOs or schools, when someone from the bikers network get me permission to go and handle a session. I’m carrying my camera with me, so I also record video messages sometimes. When I approach someone, I usually ask them if they’ve had a chance to thank those in the army who have pledged their lives for our safety. Most haven’t and they are happy to get the chance to do so. Whenever the messages become too many to carry, I courier them home. I intend to cover 29 state capitals and five union territories, which comes up to about 23,000 km. At the end of it, I plan to go and hand the messages over at Kargil or Leh.
The most picturesque view en route...
Undoubtedly Aizwal. The layers of mountain ranges, the farthest a deep blue, took my breath away. I know people rave about the scenic beauty of Kashmir and Leh, but everything pales in comparison with this.
Disconcerting moments...
Mostly, people appreciate the idea behind the ride. Regardless, when asked for a message and someone says they’re in the middle of something important and can’t spare a few moments, it’s a trifle disappointing. I’d like to say to them, 'Yes, you’re busy with your work, but the soldiers...they are busy keeping you safe.’ However, overall, even the hardest hours are rewarding because you feel you’ve achieved something when you get past it if nothing else.