Professor on climate change cycling mission arrives in Nagaland

September 11, 2024 12 Views No Comment

50-year-old Jayant Mahajan is traversing 20,000 km across India

Meribeni Kikon
Wokha | September 11

Jayant Mahajan, a 50-year-old business management professor at the Pune Campus of Bengaluru-based Christ University, on a 20,000 km cycling journey to raise awareness about climate change, has reached Nagaland.

Starting on January 23 from Nahabet, Gujarat, the starting point of the India-Pakistan border, he has traversed a significant portion of India, including the Gujarat coastline, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, and Manipur. He is currently in Nagaland, exploring the region’s natural beauty and engaging with local communities.

“I am cycling for the cause of change before climate change,” Jayant described his mission in an interview. “I wanted to explore the country, connect with people and local cultures, and at the same time, raise awareness about global warming.”

His message of “change before climate change” underscores the urgency for individuals to alter their habits to prevent further environmental degradation, he added.

Cycling, Jayant views, is a powerful tool for this mission, elaborating: “If I travelled by car or bike, I wouldn’t connect with people and places as intimately. Moreover, cycling is a non-polluting mode of transport that aligns perfectly with my message,” he added. Three keys for green transport are pedal, walk, and public transport, he noted.

Not a smooth ride
The journey has not been without challenges. Jayant cited physical endurance, logistical issues, and difficult terrain, particularly in the North-East where landslides have sometimes made cycling impractical. Despite these obstacles, he has received strong support from local communities, which has helped him overcome many difficulties.

Travelling solo, with a brief accompaniment during the Goa leg of his journey, Jayant’s initiative is personal and self-funded. He informed that he drew inspiration from his friend Rupesh Rai, who previously cycled from Delhi to Madurai, raising awareness and planting trees along the way. Jayant has taken up the torch from Rai and aims to build a broader movement with other cyclists sharing the same message.

Regarding environmental conditions in Nagaland, Jayant noted the state’s commendable efforts in nature conservation compared to other regions. However, he observed signs of environmental destruction, including deforestation and landslides.

“Nagaland has done a fabulous job preserving its natural beauty,” he commented. “But there’s a need to maintain this pristine environment and avoid the mistakes made elsewhere.”

The impact of Jayant’s journey has been tangible. He has inspired local individuals to adopt more eco-friendly practices, such as tree planting and cycling instead of driving. Despite this, he found general awareness of climate change to be low, particularly at the grassroots level.

“The awareness levels are very low, and even those who are aware are often complacent,” he observed. “It’s crucial that people take this issue seriously and act to mitigate climate change.”

As he continues his journey, Jayant plans to travel from Nagaland to Zorahat, cross the Brahmaputra River, enter Arunachal Pradesh, and eventually conclude his trip back at his starting point in Gujarat.