Prisiliya Madan is a cyclist, trekker, and a classical dancer. She has completed her postgraduate studies in computer science. She started cycling ten years ago for which the main source of inspiration is her dad who is doing this from the past thirty years. Prisiliya has covered 8000 kilometres across the country so far spreading a noble initiative.
In talks with Prisiliya:
1) Tell us about “Cyclist for change” campaign.
“Cyclist for change” was a campaign run by Godrej group in association with IIMpact, an N.G.O associated with the education of girl child. I, along with my friend Sumeet cycled from Kanyakumari to Kharadungla on cycles made using bamboo, by Godrej Co. to spread awareness about educating a girl child.
2) Share with us your experience on cycling from Panvel to Kanyakumari.
My decision of going solo on this expedition to Kanyakumari made this expedition more interesting and challenging. This journey was a test of my abilities and a test of humanities which was in question with time amidst safety and integrity of women around the country.
3) Where did you stay during your expedition?
I met ample number of people who were curious about my expedition, who were ready to help and made me realise that India is totally different from what few media houses are trying to portray. I stayed at 18 places during my journey, in rural houses and that gave me a lifetime experience.
4) Bamboo bikes for the ride from Kanyakumari to Khardung La, highlight more on this.
Travelling on bamboo bike was itself a challenging experience for me plus covering the whole length of India was a herculean task. The name of the expedition itself had the word ”change” in it. It was aimed at changing lives of girls who had no access to education. But there were many other things that kept on changing viz, the weather conditions, road and the food. Only one thing stayed the way it was, my bike, it stood and performed exceptionally well against all the hurdles in its way.
5) What are the challenges you face during your trip?
The challenges start the minute we step on the road. Sometimes the weather, and at times it’s the roads. Even the vehicles which come in the wrong way pose a major threat to us. Temperature keeps on varying from a whopping 44 degree Celsius to a bone breaking -7 degree Celsius. But I would like to draw your attention to a major issue, toilets are still not available in many highways which is a major challenge I had to face.
Also read “MAGICAL! Her Paintings Will Leave You Spellbound! The Story Of a 17 Year Old Artist | Mansi Yaduka”
6) How do you raise funds and manage the expenses of your trips?
Funding is not a major problem when it comes to such expeditions, they don’t cost much as we think. I roughly spent around 9000 INR on my 22 days journey. “Cyclist for change” was funded by Godrej Co. The equipment which I used is a one time investment
