SHILLONG: Sachin Gaokar, a man with a cycle on a mission, reached Shillong as part of his Bharat Parikrama–14,000 km cycle ride through 25 states in the country spread over 223 days– after covering a distance of 5500 km on Thursday.
The 37-year-old Gaokar, is the Executive Producer of Avahan- the audiovisual unit of Institute of Psychological Health (IPH), Thane which is a non-profit organization with the motto of ‘Mental Health or All’.
Gaokar started his journey on January 7 and aims to cover the distance by August 15 this year.
His epic cycle journey is divided along six legs covering the length and breadth of the country. The ride attempts to canvas the scenario of mental health across the country’s hamlets, villages, towns, cities and metropolises, using the bicycle and specially made audio-visuals as the primary aids and culminate in a documentary film. The film will draw from the experiences of the ride and strive to create awareness about mental health.
On March 19, Gaokar travelled from Nongpoh to Shillong after having covered a total distance of 5500 km since the start of the Parikrama.
He was enthralled by the response of the local people to his mode of transport and their enquiries about the nature of his journey. He received warm welcome and refreshments at many stops in his uphill climb in Meghalaya.
In Shillong he interacted with Psychiatrists- Dr. Sonali Shinde Tesia who shared her experience in the field of mental health & Dr. Raj Konwar who is also an avid cyclist and member of the Shillong Cycling Community. He also met Carmo Noronha of the Bethany Society and got an understanding of the significant work being carried out in the field of improving access to mental health care in rural Meghalaya.
