Auto mode for cause

What all can one do to establish a connect with the motherland, but at the same time take up a cause? Dr Mukesh Kashyap, 48, along with Sanjay Sharma, both British residents of Indian origin who work in the University of Nottingam, are taking up an unique autorickshaw ride of 6,000 km to raise funds for cancer research. Along with the duo is travelling Kelham Osborne, 43, who’s performing the role of the chief mechanic and works with East Midlands Trains.
This expedition, named Slow Train to India, is expected to take five weeks, starting on July 14 at Nottingham Market Square and concluding at India Gate in Delhi. “Kelham has suffered a personal loss at the hands of cancer and it’s something we all want to be involved with in finding a cure. Everybody knows somebody who has suffered from this illness,” says Dr Mukesh. The trio is aiming to raise £10,000 for charities like Cancer Research, Oncology Unit Nottingham in the UK, Apnalaya in Mumbai and Ganga Prem hospice in Rishikesh.
This will be the fifth trip in last four years for Dr Mukesh. So India isn’t a part but the destination of this travel, says India-born Dr Mukesh, while Sanjay, 44, was born and brought up in the UK.
But how did the idea of using a humble tuk tuk or autorikshaw come up? The autorikshaw has been imported by Sanjay for his personal use and he also hires it out for special functions such as weddings and parties. “It definitely has something to do with my Indian connection as it brings a bit of India to the streets of England,” he says.
Interestingly, Sanjay, along with Kelham, had done it earlier in 2009 in England and raised £2,400 for cancer research. “While we are funding the trip ourselves, we are looking for sponsorship to help towards fuel and maintenance of the vehicle. This mode of transport is not normally associated with long distance travel, particularly not across two continents and 14 countries. Additionally driving across 6,000 miles will be both an adventure and a challenge, which will in itself encourage people to come forward and support the cause. It is something that grabs one’s attention immediately,” he adds.
The trio’s route will take them through France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They will then take a ferry crossing to Mumbai, India, before heading off to their final destination, India Gate.

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