65-year-old Delhi man pedals across India for de-addiction

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Beginning his bicycle journey from Kedarnath in 2025, Ramesh Singh Rana has travelled through several states and neighbouring countries while spreading his message

Dharamsala: At 65, when many prefer a slower pace of life, Delhi resident Ramesh Singh Rana is cycling across the country with the Tricolour, using his journey to promote de-addiction, environmental protection and sustainable transport.

A retired employee of an optical fibre cable company associated with the Railways, Rana began his first cycling expedition from Kedarnath in 2025. Since then, he has travelled through Nepal, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh. He also visited Bhutan during the journey.

Rana had planned to cycle to Leh-Ladakh, but turned back due to heavy snowfall after taking advice from the administration and locals.

He has now reached Dharamsala after cycling through Manali, Kullu, Manikaran, Mandi, Jogindernagar, Palampur, Baijnath and Chamunda Devi.

Rana said he could cover around 100 km a day in the plains, while the distance varied in hilly areas depending on road conditions and steep climbs.

Maintaining his health is crucial during the long journeys. Rana said he avoided fried and oily food and mainly ate chapatis, rice, vegetables and dry fruits, besides ensuring adequate water intake. At night, he often pitched a tent and usually relied on roadside eateries for food.

Rana said he had received support from several people during his journeys, which encouraged him to continue travelling and spreading his message.

His next goal is to explore Kangra district and other parts of Himachal Pradesh on his bicycle. He said he wanted young people to stay away from drugs, plant more trees and use bicycles wherever possible to reduce pollution and protect the environment.