Harshini Brahmavar
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, Jan 5: Three passionate individuals have joined 75 others in a unique rickshaw run with the ultimate goal of raising funds for projects undertaken to protect nature. The rickshaw run is an adventurous journey across the world to spread awareness on the need to protect the environment. This is the tenth anniversary of the Adventurists Rickshaw Run.
Stuart Lee Warner, Terry Allen Blesso and Trent Stanton Ward who are taking part in the rickshaw run, on their journey from Kochi to Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, reached Udupi and shared their views with mediapersons. The adventurous trio is undertaking the rickshaw run as part of their resolution for the year 2017. Spending a day in Udupi, they will continue their journey towards Goa.
"We are a part of a rickshaw run which aims to collect £1000 for a good cause. Cool Earth is an environmental charity that works in partnership with indigenous communities. The charity only protects rainforests that without intervention will get destroyed. Cool Earth works strategically, protecting forests that act as a barrier to a wider landscape. Half of the fund collected goes to Cool Earth, while the other half goes to charity purposes," explained Warner.
"Many of us have left our jobs and families for taking up this journey. We, on our journey will meet people and make them understand the importance of conserving nature. It is really an exciting and amazing experience and is the best opportunity to experience India's diversity," added Warner.
Warner's friend Blesso who is accompanying him said the journey began on December 31 with the final destination being Jaisalmer. "There are teams from Thailand, England, United States and other parts of the world. We plan to reach Goa by Thursday where a party will be held to refresh our minds and to prepare ourselves for rest of the journey. As India is a huge country, we will not be able to visit every place. We want to reach our destination as soon as possible. Some of the teams hired auto drivers to make the journey easygoing," he said.
Ward, another participant revealed that moving around in the cities in India was a tough task. "We used to stay in the outskirts of the cities to make our journey easy. We are using travel guide map (travel magazine) to help ourselves locate places. It is a journey full of fun. Our rickshaws are designed uniquely to draw attention of people. Our rickshaws have all the tools required for the journey. Our jerseys help people notice our purpose," he said.
The participants took two days to learn riding the rickshaws, on December 29 and 30. They also painted and designed stickers for their rickshaws to attract public for the unique cause.