GUWAHATI: In December 2023, Meenakshi Das strapped on her helmet, revved up her motorcycle, and set out from Guwahati on a mission that would redefine boundaries and rewrite history.
A fitness trainer by profession, she harboured a bold ambition – to achieve what no woman had ever dared.
Today, Meenakshi stands at the helm of an extraordinary journey, having covered over 28 countries out of the 67 she ambitiously earmarked.
Her current pit-stop? The United Kingdom, a mere waypoint on her globe-spanning journey.
“It is also to overcome my fears and tell the world that women can do whatever they want if they set their minds to it,” she shared with The Hindu.
Meenakshi’s path was strewn with obstacles from the outset – financial constraints and the absence of familial support abroad loomed large.
Yet, driven by a thirst for adventure and a fervent desire to shatter stereotypes, she pressed forward undeterred.
For Meenakshi, her expedition is more than a quest for mileage; it’s a tapestry woven from the threads of human connection and the generosity of strangers.
Despite navigating on a shoestring budget, she finds solace in the kindness of those who welcome her into their homes and hearts.
Armed with nothing more than two sets of riding gear and a handful of warm jackets, Meenakshi navigates continents with unwavering resolve and indomitable spirit.
Reflecting on her journey, she unveils a poignant truth, “No one cares what religion I follow when they offer help.”
From the warm hospitality of strangers in Muslim nations to the steadfast support of her compatriots abroad, Meenakshi’s encounters echo the harmonious symphony of human empathy and solidarity.
As a fitness aficionado, Meenakshi understands the paramount importance of physical readiness for her arduous expedition.
Despite the toll exacted by long rides, she persists, drawing strength from her unwavering determination and the unwavering support of fellow travellers.
Though besieged by challenges – from visa woes to physical exhaustion – Meenakshi remains resolute.
With her gaze fixed on the horizon, Meenakshi eagerly awaits the next chapter of her adventure.
While awaiting a visa extension in the UK, she eagerly anticipates a historic voyage to the North Cape, potentially etching her name in the annals of Indian exploration.
