Everybody craves adventure. Bungee jumping, parasailing, rafting and many more adventure packages are offered by numerous companies organising adventure sports. But would you cycle to another state for kicks?
That is exactly what former airforce personnel Muraly T V has done, for the past five years, by undertaking lone and arduous cycling trips across a span of 3-4 days.
“Travelling with me and my shadow” as he puts it, is something he does to conquer all his fears and to understand himself better. “It is also a journey to commune with nature,” he adds. He does not prefer someone accompanying him during his travels, as it may prove distracting.
Each journey he undertakes is attached to a theme. This year, the ‘Mission 2007’ as he calls it, will focus on spreading the message of the importance of defence personnel in the country. “Most people in South India are either ignorant of the importance of soldiers, or not too appreciative,” Muraly points out. He is trying to change this perception, by undertaking this long trip to Cochin on December 23-26, where he is expected at the Southern Naval Command, Kochi, the final destination.
Previously, the themes of his journeys have been based on nature where he travelled to Belur, Halebeedu and Shravanabelagola; on eye donation where he cycled to Angamally in Kerala and from Angamally to Bangalore, in ‘a search of satisfaction through suffering’. Last year, he undertook a trip to Mysore, Melkote, and Somanathapura to help orphaned children of the Living Hope Boy’s Home, in R T Nagar.
As part of the awareness mission, he visits schools, or talks to anybody who will listen, to spread his message. But more importantly, watching and observing the little nuances in rural life that are not experienced in the cities, getting to know new ‘lessons’ and learning how to live a simple life, he enjoys more. These trips help me discipline myself, as well as rid me of my ego, says Muraly. His family only encourages him in his task.
But of course, such a trip has its own risks. It also important to keep fit, for which he cycles almost 50 km a day. Additionally, will power is extremely important. “There have been times when I have exhausted myself on the road and almost lost my confidence. But my mission keeps me going,” he says. Once a soldier, always a soldier, as the saying goes.
