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On their bikes to explore ‘Hindustan’
Mission India: Russian cyclists Vladimir Gryshuk (left) and Anatoly Shmakov in New Delhi.
To mark the “Year of Russia in India” and encourage people to use eco-friendly bicycles for their daily work, two bikers from Russia are pedalling on their high-tech European bicycles across the country these days.
It was their eagerness to explore “Hindustan”, its unique cultural heritage and more importantly to interact with its “large-hearted” common man that inspired Anatoly Shmakov and Vladimir Gryshuk to plan their adventurous assignment in this country. Back home in Russia, Anatoly works as a sweeper and Vladimir as a plumber.
The two 50-plus adventurers say that they embarked on their journey from Russia on July 1 this year. “We first cycled across the deserts of Mongolia and then entered China. From there we went to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and finally we came to India a couple of days ago,” says Anatoly.
Since the duo cannot speak English, they are relying solely on their voluminous map book and compass to guide them through different cities and States.
“We will be in your country for another month, travelling to North India to see the mighty Himalayas and also the architecturally-rich city of Jaipur. During our expedition so far we have realised that Indian culture is different from the other South Asian countries. Like Russians, Indians are also warm and affectionate. The minute we landed in Kolkata airport we were greeted by smiling faces. The smiles were sincere and heart-warming,” says Vladimir.
“In India one has to be really alert; otherwise chances are that you can easily get knocked down by a speeding truck,” says Vladimir, whose father was a journalist.
Vladimir says he followed his dad’s footsteps for three years but decided to quit this “interesting profession” as he couldn’t get permission to take long leaves. “My heart always told me to explore various countries and continents.”
Madhur Tankha
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