One man's desire to give his sisters a safe childhood ended up driving him across the country, armed with nothing more than a bicycle and Rs 2,000. The 22-year-old rode his bicycle all the way from West Bengal to Thane, creating awareness against child marriage and dowry.

Akshay Bhagat, 22, spent two to three years fighting with his family and villagers in Purulia to put an end to marriage talk for his underage sisters. Eventually, he won the battle, and his sisters - now aged 18 and 19 - were able to enjoy a safe and happy adolescence without the pressure of early marriage. But Bhagat realised that there were hundreds of girls across the country who were not as lucky.