Vanlallawmzuala Varte, a cyclist on a mission to advocate for cleaner air, returned to Aizawl on Sunday after concluding a remarkable 286-day cycling expedition across India.
Covering an astounding 17,043.10 km on his journey, Varte travelled through 28 states and 5 Union Territories, championing the banner of Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to raise awareness on sustainable living and air pollution.
Varte’s expedition, titled ‘Ride to Clean Air,’ commenced in Aizawl on 25 January.
Averaging 83.54 km per day, he completed his circuit of India on 31 October upon reaching Mizoram, and continued cycling within the state until his arrival in the capital city.
The cyclist was greeted with a hero’s welcome by jubilant residents and supporters in recognition of his journey’s significance for environmental awareness.
In recounting his experiences, Varte shared the challenges he faced across India’s diverse climates.
“During these nine months, I experienced all kinds of weather, from snow and extreme cold at Ladakh's Umling La to sandstorms and extreme heat in Rajasthan, as well as extreme humidity in South India and monsoons in Uttarakhand and neighbouring states,” he said.
The journey also took a toll on his health, as he often fell ill due to the wide variety of regional cuisines. “I also often fell ill with an upset stomach as my body couldn't adapt to the variety of cuisines,” he explained.
Despite these hardships, Varte expressed immense pride in promoting Mizoram’s culture. “I felt a great sense of pride in showing people on my map where Mizoram is located, as many had not even heard of my state,” he added.
His interactions provided him with opportunities to share stories of Mizoram, giving his state greater visibility across the country.
Varte’s route saw him travel extensively through India, starting in Mizoram and Tripura in January, before moving on to South Assam, Meghalaya, Assam, North West Bengal, East Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha in February.
Over subsequent months, his journey took him through Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur, before finally returning to Mizoram.
The Mizoram Pollution Control Board (MPCB) celebrated Varte’s return with a grand reception at MC Hall, Durtlang, where Varte shared stories of his travels and the support he received from MPCB, missionaries, and government officials.
Franklin Lalrinngheta, president of the Mizoram Independent Cyclists’ Association (MICA), commended Varte’s dedication.
“Varte’s selflessness and determination leave a lasting impact, inspiring each of us to contribute to environmental causes,” Lalrinngheta remarked.
Representatives from non-governmental organisations, environmental activists, and various groups gathered to celebrate his achievements.
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