Ilayaraja Sunderesan, club service director of RC Nanganallur Elite, RID 3234, has completed a solo motorcycle journey from Chennai to Umling La, the world’s highest motorable pass at 19,024 feet. The 17-day journey, spanning over 5,000km across India’s varied terrains, was undertaken to raise awareness about the importance of saying no to drugs.
The ride was flagged off from Chennai on May 9, 2025, by the then DG N S Saravanan. “This mission was made possible thanks to the unwavering support of numerous clubs and Rotarians who welcomed and encouraged him along the way. At a time when our country is grappling with rising substance abuse among youth, initiatives like this can inspire young minds to channel their energy into discovering their true potential,” says club president Sathish Rajasekar (2024–25).
Sunderesan’s first stop was at Hyderabad, where RC Hyderabad North, along with RCs Kokapet Ekam, Hyderabad Pearls, Jubilee Hills, Mid Town, Hyderabad Royals, and Hyderabad East, hosted him for a dinner and breakfast meet. DG Sharath Choudhary (RID 3150) flagged off the next leg of his journey.
This journey was a way to start a conversation. Not to preach, but to remind people that life itself is the bigger high.
— Ilayaraja Sunderesan
Over the following days, he was hosted and supported by clubs in Nizamabad, Nagpur, Jhansi and Faridabad, “where I was welcomed with warmth and hospitality. DG Mahesh Trikha (RID 3011) coordinated a series of flag exchanges across his district. This was truly special for me as it showcased Rotary’s connections,” he says.
On May 13, he reached Jammu, and on the next evening, Srinagar. “Battling sub-zero temperatures and treacherous roads, I arrived in Leh and paused for a day for acclimatisation. From there, I set off for the final stretch from Hanle to Umling La.”
On May 18, his birthday, “navigating snow-covered roads to reach Umling La. I completed my journey. It was the most difficult stretch, but the people I met along the way, their kindness and encouragement, made it all worth it. We speak different languages, but the warmth of people is universal,” he smiles.
On the return leg, at Secunderabad, RC Hyderabad Deccan hosted a “Walk the Talk” session that discussed why young people turn to drugs. He encouraged Rotarians and Rotaractors to take action. “You don’t have to ride across India. But talk to one school. Visit one child in a rehab centre. One step is all it takes.”
The initiative received support from 19 Rotary clubs across multiple states. Ask Sunderesan why he did this, and he says: “I have seen too many bright young lives dimmed by drugs. This journey was a way to start a conversation. Not to preach, but to remind people that life itself is the bigger high.”