“As an animal lover and rescuer, I’ve always wanted to make a difference. But my tendency to give up when things got tough held me back. That was until I embarked on a life-changing mission – a cycling tour across India to raise awareness about road safety and animal welfare.

At 19, I set out on my bike, determined to advocate for causes close to my heart. My journey took me through Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and finally, to the Wagah Border. With every mile, I gained confidence and silenced the voice of self-doubt that had haunted me for so long.

My parents initially showed resistance, but when they saw it was for a good cause, they supported my cycling journey. I carried a makeshift tent, a pair of clothes, a phone, and my cycle. I’m thankful for the people who showed courtesy and offered little help during the journey, as my motive was to travel without any money.

My mission was three-fold: to create awareness about road safety for stray and wild animals, to promote a helpline number for reporting animal casualties, and to educate people on proper decomposition methods for deceased animals.

I feel extremely proud to have reached the Attari Wagah Border to watch the retreat ceremony on the occasion of Independence Day celebrations. The journey was tough, with rough roads, unpredictable weather, and physical exhaustion. But I kept pushing forward, driven by my passion for animal welfare. And when I finally reached the Wagah Border, I realized I was capable of more than I thought.

I know that the real journey had only just begun – a journey to inspire others, to make a difference, and to prove that even the smallest actions can spark significant change.”

• Anshi, Cyclist & Animal Rescuer