Passion, determination and innovation come together for a good cause
When cyclists Prisiliya Madan (22 years) and Sumeet Paringe (26 years) met the makers of Godrej’s sustainable bamboo-framed bikes, an idea was born- why not go on a journey on these very bikes across the length of the nation? And it would be no ordinary journey – during the ride, they would raise awareness and support for the girl child education in India. A cause close to their heart, their aim would be to raise INR 50 Lakh ( at the very minimum ) to support the education of 1500 girls for one year.
Today, they are on this very journey, bringing this idea to fruition – riding from Kanyakumari to Khardung La pass on a grueling 63 day, 4400 km long journey.
Driven by passion and determination, the only thing they need now, is your support.
HOW THIS IDEA WAS BORN!
Vijay Crishna, Executive Director (Lawkim Motors Group Division of Godrej and Boyce Mfg Co Ltd) travelled to Antarctica and happened upon a bamboo framed bike. He was so inspired by the strength, agility and design of the bike that he invited the designer of the bike Craig Calfee to India to replicate and work on this sustainable product. Craig took Lawkim’s team through a special 14-day Workshop specially designed by him to make the initial Prototypes. He remains committed to the Project and has appreciated the excellent finishes of the bike frame made by Lawkim.
WHO ARE THE BIKE RIDERS?
Sumeet Paringe, age 26, a cycling enthusiast, hailing from Panvel, Navi Mumbai, travelled to India’s highest motor-able road (18,380 ft.), Khardung La from Panvel in September 2014. Which was in itself a great feat of endurance!
In another fascinating cycling adventure, Prisiliya Madan, age 22, also from Panvel completed a journey from Panvel to Kanyakumari, i.e. 1800 km, in January 2016. A feat that requires a great amount of resolve and strength to undertake a journey of such a distance, and that too all alone!
Now, together they are about to embark on Godrej’s bamboo-framed bicycles to traverse the entire length of the country in a truly natural and sustainable way - one can even call it a Green endeavor!
This is a journey that will test not only the resolve and strength of the riders, but it’s also going to serve as a litmus test for the hardiness, durability and sturdiness of the Bamboo bike.
WHY GIRL CHILD EDUCATION?
While education is available to everyone across the country, the stats below tell another story. We realise that there is a growing need to promote girl child education. Something that has been neglected for generations.
Child sex ratio down to 914 girls for 1,000 boys
Less than 5 out of 10 girls who enter Class 1 actually finish Class 10
Reasons why girls drop-out from school are:
- Poverty-related
- Child labour, household chores, caring for younger siblings
- Socio-cultural practices
- Child marriage, dowry, preference for boys’ education
- Poor quality of education
- Multi-grade classes, low teacher-to-student ratio
- Infrastructure challenges
- Lack of toilet and drinking water facilities in schools
AN INTRODUCTION TO US - IIMPACT
- IIMPACT was started by alumni of the 1978 batch of IIM, Ahmedabad .
- IIMPACT is a registered Non-Government Organisation (NGO) committed to educating and thereby empowering the rural girl child between the ages of 6 & 14 years in an attempt to reduce the levels of illiteracy prevailing in India.
- IIMPACT is run by a committed group of senior industry professionals, most of whom have graduated from the Indian Institute Management, Class of 1978.
- IIMPACT focuses on primary education of underprivileged girls who have never gone to school because of the prevailing village norms. Over 5 years, IIMPACT group teaches girls how to read, write and calculate. The system of teaching takes them from junior kindergarten levels to the 5th Standard level in achievable stages.
- IIMPACT believes that every remote region needs to share in the development and prosperity India is experiencing post-liberalization. In many parts of India, boys are still favored while girls are left behind.”
Supporting the education of 1500 girl children at the minimum is the objective of this initiative .
Details of the number of centers and girls enrolled across 5 states:
During the ride, starting from 10th July, 2016, Sumeet and Prisiliya will also look to spread awareness about girl child education and raise funds for this much needed cause. They are going against the odds – Can you do something to help in terms of support?
“Educate a girl. Educate a Nation.”
FAQs
1. There are many reasons why bamboo is such a good medium for this product.
From an environmental perspective:
Bamboo grows abundantly and it grows across the world. It is also one of the fastest growing plant on Earth (certain species grow at a rapid rate over 4 feet in 24 hours).
Bamboo can be continuously re-harvested. During regeneration, the roots stay intact so erosion is prevented. In addition, continuous harvesting improves the overall health of the plant.
Bamboo grows on every continent, so it can be harvested and used locally.
Owing to its high Nitrogen consumption, growing Bamboo helps in the detoxification of wastewater and improves soil quality
Bamboo has, historically, seen widespread use in the making of durable furniture and a variety of crafts.
Bamboo grows easily in dry climates and with little Irrigation.
2. Bamboo from a bike-riding perspective
Ride quality: The plant’s natural fibres perform extremely well in reducing natural vibration as well as the stiffness of the ride.
Strength: Bamboo’s tensile strength can exceed that of carbon fibre, aluminium and steel. Bamboo’s compression strength can exceed that of concrete.
Uniqueness: If customization is your thing, look no further. No two bamboo stalks grow the same, which results in organically and aesthetically unique frames
Make a statement: While riding a bike can make a statement in our car-crazed culture, a bamboo bike treads lightly while carrying a big impact!
