By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Two young men from Meghalaya, Jonas Lyngshiang and Balanus Mawroh, who cycled their way from Puducherry to Shillong covering an approximate distance of 3,600 km for the cause of differently-abled people and environment protection, were felicitated by the Youth Hostel Association of India, Meghalaya branch, on Sunday.
Visibly tired and ragged in their cycling shirts and shorts, the duo was given a warm welcome by the association at a small gathering in presence of their families and friends.
Both of them worked as volunteers at Sristi Foundation Puducherry, an organisation that provides shelter to differently-abled children and adults with an aim to empower them economically, protect their rights and ensure social dignity. Here the differently-abled persons are given skill development training in organic farming and tailoring, among other things in order to make them financially independent.
Speaking to reporters, 21-year-old Lyngshiang said, “The idea to start the venture began with a talk when someone pointed to a map and it tickled our spirits to embark on this adventurous track. We wanted to tour with a message… The motto is empowering the differently-abled and environment protection.”
“We met a cycling enthusiast from America who encouraged us and informed us of the benefits of cycling besides stressing upon the need to restore lost biodiversity,” he added.
Lyngshiang is a resident of Mawshut village in Ri Bhoi and a graduate in Mathematics from St. Anthony’s College while Mawroh (23) hails from Nongjri, Pung Weikian, and is a college dropout.
For the duo, cycling is attractive as it enables them to interact with different people and experience various cultures.
Referring to the plight of differently-abled persons, Lyngshiang said, “They are ill-treated and as a result suffer from inferiority complex. They are struggling to assert their rights or even secure a job that is rightfully theirs.”
Speaking on environment protection, Lyngshiang said the practices seen in his village are detrimental to the environment as opposed to those followed by people in Tamil Nadu. “People back here practice shifting cultivation which has in the course of time turned forested areas into barren lands. Every now and then the dark smoke billows from the forests as trees are cut down and burnt to make way for cultivation,” he said.
“Chemical fertilisers diminish soil quality whereas in Tamil Nadu people are turning to organic farming,” he added.
The duo started their journey from Puducherry on November 7, cycled their way through Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar, Assam and finally to Shillong. They covered approximately 160 km a day.
They faced struggles due to the Centre’s demonetisation move on November 8 and it became difficult to arrange for food. “But there was never a day that we would go on in an empty stomach.”
“Apart from financial problems we had other fears as we had to sleep along the highways sometimes,” he said.
However, good Samaritans do come along as he recalled that engineering students of National Institute of Science and Technology in Odisha heard of their cash crunch and donated Rs 1000. The Vishakhapatnam Youth Hostel Association of India also donated Rs 1000 to the cyclists.
Meanwhile, Mawroh, recalled the time they spent the nights in paddy and cotton fields. They spent as many as 13 nights resting in forests using tents.
Mawroh, who had to drop out of college due to lack of financial support, wants to resume his studies. He encouraged the youth to tap the numerous opportunities around instead of “simply running after government jobs.”
Talking about their next venture, Lyngshiang said, “We will start a project next year to teach people organic farming. We also plan to start a talents academy as a platform for young entertainers.”