On a peace mission

Thirty students will pedal all the way to Pakistan on their bicycles, calling for peace between the two countries. They will also use the opportunity to promote cycling.

An initiative of Bornfree Art School, a school for street children, the expedition, Peace By Cycle, is a 2,800-km ride that will begin on November 1. The 30-day expedition, from Bangalore to Lahore, will pass through 100 cities in eight states, asking both countries to stress on peace initiatives. They are expected to reach Lahore after travelling over 100 km a day. 

Last year, the students had gone on a history expedition, cycling all through the state to save historical monuments in the city.

"It's a unique expedition," said John Devraj, founder of Bornfree Art school, "Peace between India and Pakistan is our subject as it has been an unsolved question for decades". 

Survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings will flag off the expedition. The students, besides meeting the President of India and taking her message to Pakistan, will also carry out a signature campaign in all cities, roping in students there. 

They will call on Pakistani leaders too.

"We expect many more students to join the campaign," said Niji Makayama, organiser of Peace by Cycle, "We expect a huge response as the expedition is carried out by the students."

Besides this, they will also promote bicycles - their health and environmental benefits.

"It's a unique campaign as it is mix of both adventure and social cause," said Dhanraj.