Jayant Padnakar Mahajan, a 50-year-old Professor of Business Management at Christ University, Pune Campus, Mahararshtra, is on the mission to cover 20,000 km along the Indian border on his cycle to raise awareness about protecting forest, land, air and water bodies.
“Change Before Climate Change” began on 23 January 2024 from Nahabet in Gujarat, the beginning point of the India-Pakistan border. Mahajan is currently in the picturesque Nagaland with his message for action for environmental conservation. Cycling, he believes, embodies his message perfectly—a non-polluting mode of transport that aligns with his cause.
Choosing to cycle over driving or using motorised vehicles was a deliberate decision. “Cycling allows me to connect more deeply with people and places,” Mahajan explains. “It also reinforces my message about sustainability. By opting for a bicycle, I’m practising what I preach.”
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Mahajan acknowledges that the journey has been challenging with physical endurance and logistical issues, particularly in the northeastern states where rugged terrain and landslides often impede his progress. Nevertheless, he has received considerable support from locals, which has helped him overcome these obstacles.
Mahajan travels solo, a choice that enhances his engagement with the environment and local communities. Though he had brief companionship during part of his journey in Goa, the majority of his travels have been solitary. This personal initiative is self-funded and inspired by Rupesh Rai, a fellow cyclist who previously championed climate awareness across India. Mahajan continues Rai’s legacy, aiming to build a broader movement with other cyclists sharing the same mission.
In Nagaland, Mahajan has been impressed by the state’s conservation efforts. “Nagaland is doing a commendable job in preserving its natural beauty compared to other regions,” he observes. However, he has also noticed signs of environmental degradation, such as deforestation and landslides.
His message to the people of Nagaland is to maintain their pristine environment and continue their conservation practices.
The impact of Mahajan’s journey has been significant. He reports that many people he encounters have been inspired to take personal actions, such as planting trees or adopting a more minimalistic lifestyle. Despite these positive responses, he notes a concerning lack of widespread awareness about climate change, especially at the grassroots level.
As Mahajan prepares to move from Wokha to his next destination, Jorhat, he reflects on the broader implications of his journey. He plans to traverse the entire country, concluding where he began in Gujarat. His travels have exposed both the beauty and the environmental challenges facing India.
He emphasises that current business practices often prioritise profit over ecological preservation, leading to environmental degradation.
