Fuelled by enthusiasm to meet new people and spread awareness on polio eradication, S Sathish Kumar, a city-based IT engineer, will embark on his solo cycling expedition from Chennai to Bhutan - a 3,232 km, 45-day voyage – on February 23.
S Sathish Kumar
Chennai:
Except for Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria – two of which share borders with India – polio immunisation has reached all other countries. “Since people crossing the border increases the risk of polio spread in the country, I decided I will speak at educational institutes en route to Bhutan about the disease,” said Sathish.
He will cover Chennai, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Nepal during the cycling tour. Mentioning challenges he could face like the terrain, he says, “The sun is tolerable as I can still ride the bike, but the rains are the real threat as they make riding impossible.”
“I must admit that cycling has its challenges but it’s very liberating. I got to meet so many warm, loving people who wanted to share their stories,” he said.
This is not the first cross-country tour for Sathish. After graduation, he worked for five years. He later quit his job and decided to explore the country.
Mentioning his parents to be supportive, he says, “The Rotary Club of Chennai Korattur bought me a bike worth Rs 35,000 and has connected me to other rotary clubs along the way to ensure I reach more people,” added Sathish.
After wrapping up the expedition, he plans to find a job and gear up for a cross-country journey next year.