"This is a public-private-citizen-led movement of experiential audit of public toilets on a defined route."Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's words 'My Life is my Message', an Abu Dhabi resident will go on a drive covering 150 cities of India, doing a reality check on aspects of cleanliness and safety.
Come August, Sangeetha Sridhar will set off on a six-month Clean India Trail themed 'My drive is my Message'.
"This is a public-private-citizen-led movement of experiential audit of public toilets on a defined route, which shall encourage several such trails being established within the villages and cities.
"This is my dream project for the last two years. By the end of this journey, I will get to know about the condition of our roads, highways, toilet facilities, women safety and more," said Sangeetha. She will be starting her journey from the Gateway of India on a Tata Hexa. "There cannot be a more apt place to discover India."
She will be covering 29,000km distance of 29 states.
"I will be burning some 3,000 litres. My friends are scaring me with the numerous toll gates I will be crossing. By the end of the journey I might be the highest toll payer in India," she chuckled.
She will cover Unesco sites, Clean India drive winning cities, solar power plants, cultural landmarks and the like, spread across the four corners of the country.
"There is no better sight to wake up to than a sunrise at a solar power plant."
The journey coincides with the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
"The trail will reflect the values promoted by Gandhiji, including self-reliance, minimalism, vegetarianism, Ayurveda and yoga."
As part of preparation, Sangeetha is eating just two meals a day for past seven months.
"I am training my body to survive with minimal requirements."
Sangeetha's initiative has been supported by India's Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons for representing Incredible India.
"I will meet sanitary workers from 6am-7am. I will then go to schools and colleges to spread message of Clean India. I will promote responsible tourism through women associations and corporate and social groups," said Sangeetha, who hails from the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
When attending public events, she will be wearing Khadi saree provided by Mahatma's great grandson.
Sangeetha will be using Twitter, Facebook Live, own website and other social media extensively to update about interesting findings on her way.
"I will also do my bit to promote eco-friendly projects, artisans, unsung heroes and the like. This journey will be showcasing the best of India."
She loves desert drives in the middle of the night and other such adventures. What worries her now is the night parking space during her six months on the road.
"I will know how safe our roads are for woman at night."
Her husband and son stand as pillar of support. "My son is here to support me from the US. Life can be fun when you do what you want to do," she added.
The Clean India Trail will be launched by Indian Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Suri at India Social and Cultural Centre on Wednesday.
SOURCE : KHALEEJ TIMES