A compassionate cyclist, Saurab Dahal, has ridden a long way from his humble beginnings. With just Rs 25 in his pocket, he wanted to provide 'equal opportunities for all Nepalis", now after 8 years of cycling and raising 11 lakhs for schools, Saurab talks to WAVE about his story.
How did you come up the idea of cycling for 'Equal Education for all Nepalis' when you were 14 years old?Traveling to and from school, street children would come up to me, begging. I was young and didn't have much, but whatever lunch money I had, I used to them. One day, it just struck me. Those children lacked basic amenities in life like education. I had to create awareness. I didn't own a bicycle then so I ran away from home, on foot, to Kakadvita and then to Biratnagar. After my first 200 kilometers, I was gifted a Hero Ranger.
How supportive were your family and what about your own education? Did cycling hamper your schooling?
Of course, like all families would, my parents were against the idea of me cycling throughout the country. They wanted me to concentrate on my studies. Only when they realized that I was serious about cycling and spreading the message, they eased up. Fortunately, I managed to balance both my studies and cycling and I completed my SLC.
You have been cycling for the past 8 years. Have you ever felt you have missed out on life?
I feel I have missed out on spending time with my family. But I know they support my cause and are proud of what I do so it makes it all better.
Your motto is "Equal Education for all Nepalis". What impacts has your cycling made?
Street children are my main inspiration. The miles I have completed till now, it's all for them. When I'm cycling overseas, we organize a fundraising ride in partnership with the host country's government. And today, I am proud to say that I have collected almost Rs 11 lakhs and through Kantipur Publications, the fund has been evenly distributed to schools and orphanages in remote Nepal. Besides education, my other aims are to let people know that Buddha was born in Nepal and spreading world peace.
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What has been your biggest challenge so far?I have had to overcome a number of hurdles. The language barrier is frustrating yet hilarious at the same time. The weather can be harsh. My bicycle was stolen in India, China and Vietnam. But when Nepali communities living abroad, our embassy and the host country come together to help out, my hope in humanity is restored. When in Qatar, the government arranged an interview with Al Jazeera network and kindly replaced my bicycle when they learnt it was stolen.
How long do you cycle on a daily basis?
It all depends on the weather and the state of roads. On a good day, I cycle close to 100 kilometers. If not, it's less than that.
Recently, Kathmandu Cycle City 2020 – Ride with pride organized a rally for cycle lanes. Do you feel Nepal, especially Kathmandu, is in drastic need for cycle lanes?
Looking at the roads in Kathmandu, I can't help but be sad. It is too congested. Cycling may not be the solution but it is a small step to reduce traffic jams. The thing about Nepalis is we are quick to judge. If someone cycles, others assume that the cyclist couldn't afford a bike or a car. For some of us, that could be the case, but why make such a negative judgement? If a popular media personality or even the Prime Minister rides a bicycle, it would set an example and people would be riding their cycles with pride.
What's your next leg of journey?
After a short break in Nepal, my next stop is Africa. My target is to cycle through 205 countries and to cover 220,000 kilometers by 2020. I have hopes that, by then, I will have spread my message across to everyone I have met throughout my journey.
