Reaches Sopore, admires hospitality of Kashmir
Suhail Khan
Sopore, Feb 24 : In an exclusive interview with Kashmir Despatch, Gogul Nair, a Kerala resident who completed his solo trip to Kashmir on a bicycle in 45 days said that Kashmir is such a lovely place to visit and everyone should visit Kashmir once a lifetime.
“People here are so lovely and hospitable that you forget everything. The media is portraying Kashmir in a bad way just for their TRP, else the ground situation is totally different. Till date, I haven’t faced any problem here in Kashmir,” Nair told Kashmir Despatch.
Expressing his love towards the people of Kashmir, Nair said that the amount of love and care which he received in these few days is beyond recognition. People in North Kashmir are so nice in all manner, their hospitality is amazing.
“My tour to Kashmir was full of challenges. I was stopped in Punjab and told not to head towards Kashmir as it is not safe to be here. But my main aim was to fulfill my dream of making it to Kerala to Kashmir on a cycle. Why should I listen to anyone and here I am among the beautiful people on earth, among the Kashmiris. I am safe here,” he added.
He said that if given a chance, he will visit Kashmir 1000 times again.
Gogul Nair, a passionate cyclist was working as an engineer in Chennai and after COVID-19 pandemic, he lost his job. After remaining idle for so many months, he decided to go on a solo cycling from Kerala to Kashmir. He started his journey two months back and tried to accomplish his mission K2K. But then destiny has something different for him. His father’s health condition had forced him to return his home. He again started his solo trip and completed it in 45 days.
He left Kerala on December 16, 2020 and after paddling through around 13 states, he is in Sopore now. He has covered around 3800 kms on a 10 year old Hercules cycle in 45 days. He is planning to ride Manali from here.
Meanwhile Sameer Ahmad, a passionate traveler and adventurist who has already won hearts of people by his noble work whether it’s to boost the confidence of younger generation or to support them by achieving their target, said that it’s really great to see such young men coming from far off places to create an example by following the basic rule, “If Heath is fit, Everything is fit”.
He said that it’s the responsibility of all of us to focus on good health and spread the message of positivity which can save the youth who are involved in illegal activities.
“Cycling is always the best way to keep our selves fit and stay away from negativities. The solo trip by Kerala resident Gogul Nair will set an example in this direction,” Sameer told Kashmir Despatch.
Samir in a message to general public especially Soporians said that we should take part in such activities where we all together can make a change and can save our future generation.
