The Hindu : New Delhi News : From Panvel to Pakistan

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Sunday, Mar 25, 2007
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New Delhi

From Panvel to Pakistan

Staff Reporter

Peace enthusiasts to pedal all the way to give a fillip to the peace process

NEW DELHI: Cycling their way across geographical boundaries, nine residents of Maharashtra's Panvel region are hoping to usher in a revolution on wheels. These peace enthusiasts want to cycle their way into Pakistan to give the ongoing peace process a fillip.

The motley group, which includes students, software engineers and corporate workers ranging in age from 21 years to 47, began its journey spanning more than 3,000 km on March 1 from Panvel.

"We are seven boys and two girls, and are extremely excited to carry the message of peace," says Rupali Nehate, who was ready to "quit my job to join the expedition".

"I somehow managed to convince my office to allow me to stay out for 45 days, but we were so determined to be part of the cycling expedition that we had considered quitting our jobs, if the need arose. In fact one of our team members, Prasad Karve, has quit his job with a BPO," she said.

Currently here in the Capital, the group will soon proceed to Amritsar from where they will head for Islamabad. With security clearance and visas from Pakistan still awaited, the team, which is part of the Pakistan-India People's Forum for Peace and Democracy, is hopeful of being able to take the "message of the common man in India to his counterpart in Pakistan".

"We have heard so much about Pakistan, we have read several books also before starting out. There were some concerns initially about our safety while travelling, but now we are confident and just want to take forward the message of peace," says Shardha Tisgaonkar, a software professional and outdoor enthusiast.

The team hopes to interact with Pakistani civil society groups, students and politicians. "We are carrying a message book with us, where people can write their messages and the core of our mission in Hindi and Urdu," says Nehate.

`Without an escort'

Led by Dhananjay Madan, an employee of Reliance Industries, the group has opted to cycle its way without an escort van. Having already travelled through Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana to reach Delhi, the team is keen to focus on fostering relations between the citizens on either side of the border. "Rather than look at the negative occurrences of the past, we want to think of the future and help people on both sides connect," they add.

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