On 31st July , a group of three differently abled riders of Convoy Control Club, Mumbaistarted their unique motorbike expedition to build homes for flood & mudslide affected families in Leh through Habitat for Humanity India’s Disaster Response Programme. The expedition begining from Mumbai will ride through major cities in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir besides covering Delhi and Chandigarh and concludes in Mumbai on 26th August.
The expedition was flagged off at 10.30 am from the Carter Road promenade in Khar Jacqueline Fernandez, actor and Habitat for Humanity India supporter and Purab Kohli, VJ channel V. The riders rode their way through the streets of Bandra before hitting National Highway 8 en route to Vapi, their first pit stop. At Vapi they were given a warm welcome by the local Rotary club and further at Ankleshwar by United Phosphorous Limited where they halted for night.During their reception at Vapi the riders spokeabout their experiences and encouraged them to support the cause of housing in India.
At Leh, the three riders will build with the beneficiary families and Habitat staff and hoist the Tricolour on 15th August. The riders will ride on to Khardung La “the world’s highest motorable pass” to emphatically dispel stereotypes of being dependent andmotivate other differently abled to explore their own strengths and challenge their perceived limitations. Through this expedition the riders want to send out a strong message to the general public that it is possible to transcend one’s own tragedies and reach out to others less fortunate than themselves.
“The indomitable spirit of the differently able riders is admirable and through this bike expedition Habitat for Humanity will highlight the need for affordable housing in India and make decent housing a matter of conscience and action,” said Mr. Eric Christopher, COO, Habitat for Humanity India. “We wish the riders Godspeed.”
The expedition is led by Mr. VinodRawat,who uses a prosthetic Jaipur Foot. One of the riders has been affected by polio and the other is also a Jaipur Foot user. The riders will stop at major cities, interact with the media and local citizens and hope to spread the message that all adversity can be conquered despite the odds. “I am pleased to be associated with Habitat’s noble cause. By building homes, Habitat for Humanity creates opportunities for families to live in decent environment whereas; Convoy Control Club aims to provide opportunities where the differently able can lead dignified lives.” said Vinod Rawat.
The Rotary Club of Bombay, Bandra, H-West Federation, 90.8 Jago Mumbai are the local sponsors with HSBC, United Phosphorous and Altruists 1984- the 1984 alumni batch of St Theresa’s High School, Bandra, being the overall sponsors.
Habitat for Humanity India’s Leh Disaster Response Project will help in rebuilding 24 homes which were completely destroyed in the flood and mudslides in Leh, Ladakh last year. With support, the project will provide these families safe, environmentally friendly, culturally relevant and disaster resistant shelters. These new houses will enable the families to survive the extreme cold weather they are faced with each winter.