Now that India is experiencing extreme climate change and pollution, why did I decide to ride from Delhi to Meghalaya? asks a lone cyclist Meeraj Dey, a citizen of West Bengal, who is on a mission to spread social awareness and reach out to people about how climate change affects and raises pollution in our country.
Dey, who kick-started his ride from the national capital – New Delhi on January 26, 2025, reached Shillong on March 12 and will proceed to his hometown in West Bengal after a week.
Taking on this 2000-km journey, Dey stated that it was the people who motivated him to complete this ride and reach the destination.
Citing a few challenges while on his way to Meghalaya from Guwahati in Assam, the cyclist said, “All this while, the ride was smooth because I was in a plain area but there was a little problem as Meghalaya is a little elevated and steep (sic).”
On reaching Meghalaya, Dey was in awe of the greenery and scenery of the place. “The air is fresh and the sight is far refreshing to the eyes (sic),” he said.
Dey termed his ride as an individual initiative with no involvement from the Government or any Private Company. “But the group – South Delhi Cycloholics has supported me journey throughout this journey – from financials to transport updates. I’m not even a member of this group but I just know them as friends; so, a big thank you to the South Delhi Cycloholics group (sic),” he added.
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Narrating his life journey, Dey, who belongs to a Bihari family, said that people often have a negative perception about Bihar being unsafe but that is not the case. “When in Bihar, I was invited by Bihari families to stay in their houses; so I recommend visiting Bihar because not all people are bad. My memorable moment from this journey is the people’s love and support (sic),” he remarked.
With the help of technology – Google map, Dey was able to cover and identify many places which previously would have been difficult. “In India, we have many National Highways. I travelled on NH7 to Lucknow and then reached Guwahati and I must say that the road is in good condition (sic),” he said.
Talking about his passion, Dey said, “If there is a will, there is a way and when we are mentally strong, we can conquer anything. I am happy that I completed this ride. I started this ride alone with passion and enthusiasm and with the help of the South Delhi Cycloholics group, I was able to make it this far (sic).”
“My message to the youth is — Cycle to make India Green – because we have to start small. Cycling will help reduce pollution. For example, they say that cause for the wildfires in Los Angeles was climate change, so I do not want the same to happen in our country (sic),” he said.
