Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SHP)

Mumbai, Jan 16: A 20-year-old youngster Chandrakanth Hodepally has embarked on a ride to cover 30,000 km journey across 28 states. Hodepally said that the reason he is undertaking the bike ride is to spread the message, 'Say No To Rape', and to bring awareness over the rape crisis in India.

Hodepally's journey began on January 1, from his hometown Hyderabad. So far, he has been to Nagpur, Amravati, Bheed, Solapur, Aurangabad and Pune. He arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday and has marked 1,900 km cycling. The youngster ended up a little dehydrated, for which he had to visit the hospital. Moments later he was back on the road cycling.

“I had decided to take up this mission on a cycle when I was in class 10. I was disturbed when I read up on the rape incidents that had taken place recently. I do not have sisters, but I felt the pain and anguish that the women and their families went through. I preferred this mode of transport because it causes zero pollution," Hodepally said.

"However, a mammoth ride like this is anything, but easy. India is a huge country. When I charted my course on the map I saw that I will have to cover 30,000 km. Some states will involve longer rides, some shorter. For instance, it will be 2,000 km in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh as these are vast states. The state of Mizoram might be only 500 km as it is a hilly region, but it will be difficult navigating on wheels," he added.

Further, he claimed that even though he has a perilous journey ahead, his experience across different states has been memorable. The cyclist is being approached by people who are providing him with shelter and food.

"When I complete my tour, I will have an album of pictures to share as well as stories of my experience," he said.