Puthukkad: A young Malayalee has overcome physical limitations and financial problems to pedal his bicycle all the way to Delhi in one and a half months.
23-year-old Nidhin is the second child of Thrissur Kallur native Anitha. Nidhin started his journey on New Years day with just Rs 170 in his pocket. He sells tea on the go to cover his expenses during the trip. He could barely reach the ground from the seat and started the journey without a helmet or gloves.
Nidhin, who is troubled by his lack of height and inability to gain weight, says his trip is a message that even those with physical limitations can do a lot of great things.
Nidhin spent Rs 13,000 to repair his brother’s old bicycle. But once he completed all the preparations for the all India trip, Nidhin was left with just Rs 170 in his pocket. But that did not deter him from.
He started from Thrissur and crossed the Kerala border in Kasaragod. He covered Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan to reach Delhi. He started his return journey on Monday and has reached Panipat.
Nidhin started working in a hotel after completing Plus Two. However, he lost his job during the pandemic as eateries were closed during the lockdown. Even though the owner reopened the hotel following relaxations, it was shut down due to losses and Nidhin lost his job. While sitting at home Nidhin thought of creative ways to spend his time and decided to go on an all India trip.
It was his experience working in the hotel that helped Nidhin find a way to cover the expenses of the trip. Nidhin sells 30-35 cups of tea every day to make ends meet during the trip. His bicycle has all facilities for making tea including a stove, flask and disposable glasses.
Nidhin usually pedals around 90 kilometres per day. In the evening, he stops near fueling stations, sets up his tent to rest and sells tea.
"A lot of people helped me after learning about my endeavor through social media. The helmet, gloves and bicycling suit that I have are all gifts from helping minded people," he said.
Nidhin aims to reach Ladakh in Kashmir by the end of February. After completing his trip, Nidhin dreams of writing a script for a movie and directing one himself.
