Meet India’s Forrest Gump, Prabhu, Who Cycled 17,500 kms Pan India!
Bharat on EMotorad2 min read
In an extraordinary story of grit, determination, and sheer brilliance, 34-year-old Prabhu from South Goa set off on his electric cycle for a year-long trip in 2023. From the ranges of Siliguri to the terrains of Nepal, Ladakh, and Leh; from the beaches of Goa to the deserts of Rajasthan, Prabhu ventured on a solo trip, packed with 7 bags, 2 batteries, a tent, and eyes full of dreams.
Why did he do it? To spread awareness.
To share the long-lasting impact of child abuse and how its impact never leaves you. He travels from state to state, from college to district, educating people about this. He teaches adults how to convey and teach safety and consent to their children. Treading a very delicate topic, he was aware of the enormity of the message he’d chosen to spread.
He is passionate about a mindful India and a garbage-free India. Passionate about clean roads and infrastructure and takes immense pride in the beauty of this country.
Having stayed literally everywhere, he’s taken the roads no one has travelled before, thanks to his cycle. He calls the cycle his love, his girlfriend and says it was never a solo trip.
The journey was riddled with challenges, especially at the start. The first 500 km were his worst nightmare. He says the journey's beginning was just him and the cycle of getting to know each other. It’s like taming a horse; you’re in for a hell ride without mutual respect and understanding. After they got along, his journey was smooth.
He says that on the darkest nights when there’s no one, you can hear the crickets chirp, and the night is in its deepest, dense state; only your bike understands your inhibitions.
When asked about his low points, he said he’s seen it all. He was attacked by drunkards while onlookers just looked, his camera was stolen, he met with an accident that left him with 7 stiches on his head, his arm broken, and he was forced to rest for 30 days.
However, after the darkest dawn comes the brightest light. He also saw the goodness in humanity, the purest of people, both rich and poor. He saw some of the poorest people have the largest hearts, who shared their food with him, sheltered him, and listened to his stories. That's where he realised the purest form of love humans have.
