The changing snowing pattern in North India got the better of 26-year-old Kanchan Singh from Uttarakhand, who wanted to spread the word and create awareness about global climate change. That's when he decided to cycle across India to speak to people about melting glaciers.
He started his journey from Kedarnath Temple on November 15, 2023 and since then has clocked over 7,000 kilometres. In Goa, he cycled through Canacona, Margao, Verna and Porvorim, where he took a break to chat with Gomantak Times Digital.
Dressed in a hoodie jacket and a pair of baggy pants, Kanchan appears like the boy next door ever willing to tell his story. Before he could pedal to his next destination, Morjim, in North Goa, the youth took a tea break and shared with GT his future plans of cycling to Mount Everest.
“We talk about climate change taking place, but nothing is being done about it. Being from Uttarakhand, I have noticed the effect of melting glaciers and the rapid rate at which they are melting. In Himachal Pradesh, it would snow in November-December, but now it’s snowing in February. That is when I decided, it’s time to cycle to raise awareness about melting glaciers,” says Kanchan, who has a lot of tales to share with curious onlookers and travellers about the urgent need to protect melting glaciers.
He spoke about various incidents that he had to face during his adventurous journey which restored his faith in humanity.
“As a cyclist, I got to see the good, bad and ugly. There were times when random people came and helped me. Sometimes I would set up my foldable tent and take shelter in temples, petrol pumps, gurudwaras and places I felt safe. Most of these have toilets, too. I even have a small petromax which I use for cooking,” says Kanchan.
In Himachal Pradesh, it would snow in November-December, but now it’s snowing in February. That is when I decided, it’s time to cycle my way to raise awareness about melting glaciers.Kanchan Singh, Cyclist
It’s been a journey of 94 days through different states on his geared cycle that carries his tent, cycling gear, a mat to sleep on, a pair of clothes and of course bottles of water.
While Kanchan was travelling to Goa, he met another adventurer, Mohit Rathi, who too is on a pilgrimage on his 100 cc Hero Passion bike. This 26-year-old is travelling from Rameswaram carrying holy water to Ayodhya. The duo have over the last few days bonded, though their journeys have different goals.
“We cross around 120 kilometers a day, based on the roads and how tired we are. Ever since the Ram Mandir opened its door, I wanted to do something significant for it too, so I decided to carry the holy water from Rameswaram to Ram Mandir,” says Mohit.