Assam youth cycles 7000 km to Sri Lanka to champion environmental cause

An Assamese youth has set out on an ambitious 7000 kilometre bicycle journey from Merapani in Golaghat district to Colombo, Sri Lanka, aiming to raise awareness about environmental protection and promote a pollution-free world.

Identified as Rupam Gogoi, the young cyclist began his expedition on Thursday, February 26, from Gomariguri in Merapani, a location known for its historical significance along the Assam-Nagaland border. With the tricolour and a message of sustainability accompanying him, Rupam’s journey is not just a test of physical endurance but a campaign for ecological consciousness.

Speaking before his departure, Rupam said the primary objective of his cross-country ride is to encourage people to adopt environmentally responsible practices and to underline the urgent need to combat pollution. “Each of us must take responsibility for protecting nature. If every person plants at least one sapling, we can collectively build a greener and healthier planet,” he appealed.

The 7,000-kilometre route to Colombo is expected to take nearly four months to complete. Rupam plans to cycle between 80 and 100 kilometres every day, navigating diverse terrains, climatic conditions and logistical challenges along the way. His journey will cut across multiple Indian states before he proceeds towards Sri Lanka, symbolising a message that transcends geographical boundaries.

This is not Rupam’s first long-distance cycling expedition. He has previously undertaken two major rides — one to Kathmandu in Nepal and another to Ladakh in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir — both of which tested his resilience and strengthened his resolve to link adventure with advocacy.

Local residents and well-wishers gathered to see him off, expressing pride in his initiative and hope that his mission would inspire more young people to contribute to environmental conservation efforts.