Two Rotarians on a global mission to meet service-minded people
Two Rotarians inspired by social service are on a globetrotting mission to discover the motivation and passion behind people who strive for community development ‘through selfless service’. Dr Sudhir Baldota from RC New Bombay Seaside, RID 3142, and his friend Praveen Mehta from RC Bombay North, RID 3141, are crisscrossing the world in a Toyota Fortuner to “meet people who are not in the limelight, but do social work in their communities to improve the lives of people,” says B V Raviprakash, President, RC New Bombay Seaside.
Their travel will take them across four continents and 60 countries in 300-plus days, during which they plan to meet at least 120 individuals who have made a difference in their communities. Those who have impacted the lives of people have been identified, and meetings have also been scheduled with local celebrities and social activists.
The voyage was flagged off on April 8 in Mumbai, from where they went to Udaipur, Delhi and Muzaffarnagar before reaching Bhutan. Next on their route are Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China, before they proceed to the Central Asian Republics to enter Russia, Greece, Germany, France and UK.
“From UK, their vehicle will be shipped to the US. From North America, they will reach Panama and then undertake a challenging land journey via Chile, Argentina before driving through the tropical landscape of Brazil at the end of which they will conclude their 70,000 km car rally,” explains Raviprakash.
Exchanges with Rotary clubs
The two Rotarians will exchange flags with several Rotary clubs across the world. “We have received confirmation from Indian embassies that they will be receiving the Rotarians and giving them logistical support.” The adventurous journey will be captured in blogs, vlogs and later through a book.