Vizag Boy’s Cycle Expedition to Raise Drug Awareness in Three Bordering Countries: Visakhapatnam: B Sai Sampath, a BA (travel and tourism) student in his final year at Dr Lankapalli Bullayya College in Visakhapatnam, concluded his nearly month-long cycle expedition to the borders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. As part of his campaign against drug addiction with the slogan “say no to drugs,” he pedalled nearly 2,000 kilometres on his bicycle. Sampath has become the youngest individual from the Telugu states to reach three borders by bicycle.
Vizag Boy’s Cycle Expedition to Raise Drug Awareness in Three Bordering Countries
Sampath told ToI that he had to exert great effort throughout the expedition to combat dehydration and heatwave-like conditions. “The locals in various states gave me a warm welcome and boosted my spirits during this arduous journey. When I arrived in Odisha’s Rambha village after midnight, I feared I would be unable to communicate with the residents due to the language barrier. The villagers, who were participating in a festival honouring a local divinity, greeted me warmly. “There was an overwhelming reception, with every family in the village inviting me to stay and eat with them,” Sampath said.
The BA student compared the experience to the frontiers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. “There are a large number of Telugu citizens in these countries’ borders. The BSF staff greeted me with outstretched arms. They offered me special meals and shelter. Sampath stated, “They treated me like a younger brother.”
He travelled an average of sixty kilometres per day until he reached Bhubaneswar. Subsequently, he increased his daily cycling distance to 90 kilometres. As a souvenir, Sampath amassed the currencies of Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.
“I was grateful to meet individuals from various walks of life who exhibited compassion and kindness. During the expedition, the lorry drivers, BSF personnel, and the acquaintances I made provided me with food and a place to sleep at night. Sampath said, “I was able to maintain my initial zeal despite the laborious nature of the process at times.
“I had not travelled extensively prior to enrolling in this travel and tourism course. However, following travel blogs inspired me to visit various locations in India. Combining travel with awareness campaigns inspired me to effect social change. I appreciate the guidance and encouragement of the college administration. Sampath thanked Dr. G. Madhu Kumar, college secretary and correspondent, for his consistent support and guidance throughout his voyage.
He intends to resume such adventures in the future, with Sri Lanka as the likely next destination.
