Excelsior Sports Correspondent
LEH, Feb 3: Girdhari Lal, an art teacher and NCC officer at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Leh Ladakh, has completed a remarkable solo cycling expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Over 40 days, Lal cycled a distance of 3,700 km to raise awareness about the dangers of drug addiction and promote environmental conservation.
Inspired by a speech given by Santosh Sukhdev, Deputy Commissioner of Leh at a Nehru Yuva Kendra program in December 2024, Lal felt a deep sense of responsibility to contribute to this important cause. He began his journey by car from Leh on December 21 and started cycling from Lal Chowk, Srinagar, on December 24. He completed his journey at the scenic beaches of Kanyakumari on February 3.
Passing through multiple states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Lal engaged with local youth and communities, spreading his message of a drug-free lifestyle.
Enduring harsh weather conditions, long distances and strong winds, Lal remained determined throughout the physically demanding journey. Upon reaching Kanyakumari, he celebrated his accomplishment by witnessing the breathtaking sunrise over the ocean.
“This journey has made me physically stronger and mentally more resilient. If even one young person chooses to avoid or quit addiction because of this campaign, my efforts will be worthwhile,” he said.
Lal’s initiative has inspired many, showing how individual actions can drive meaningful social change.
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