Taking a long
break from a brilliant lifestyle and a cushy job with a multinational company is
by no means an easy decision. And then to follow your heart and your
dream is also something that does not come easy, unless, of course, the craving
for an ultimate adventure within your heart is so powerful. It is this craving
that constantly goads you to embark on a journey that ultimately lifts your spirits
beyond the highest peaks.
For Manas
Dewan and his wife Anuradha Dewan (Anu), both accomplished professionals, the need
to travel beyond the mundane path, has finally taken a concrete shape. The
Dewans who are settled in Pune, will be setting out early June for an epic ride
on their motorcycle. On their Ducati Scrambler the two will travel through 18
countries in Europe and Asia, across 20,000 kilometres and 100 days. They are calling their motorcycle adventure “Dosti
on Wheels”. “Dosti”, a word in Hindi language denotes “friendship”. They will
chronicle the journey through their website www.DostiOnWheels.com
Dosti On
Wheels, as they call their ride, begins in the port city of Valencia in Spain.
They travel west, along the coast of Spain crossing picturesque villages and
sun-kissed terrains until they reach the western tip of Europe- Portugal. After
a brief sojourn, the couple head towards France and further into Germany,
Switzerland, Austria and the scenic country of Liechtenstein. Their journey
takes them into Italy through the cobbled lanes of Rome… and then they follow
the ancient pathways that lead into eastern Europe. The road takes them through
Slovenia, Croatia, Slovakia and Czechia where centuries of history, tradition
and culture coexist with the trappings of modern influences.
Manas and Anu thereafter head south into Hungary,
Serbia, Bulgaria until they reach the Aegean Sea in Greece. It is then time for
them to head into Turkey for over two weeks and sample vast lands, its ancient
culture and immaculate craftsmanship. At
Istanbul, they pack their motorbike into the ship headed for Mumbai and
conclude their 100 day odyssey with a final ride from Mumbai till the Zero
Milestone at Nagpur.
“The world is
vast and beautiful; kindness and humanity exists all around us- we just have to
open our eyes, acknowledge and embrace it. Our ride is a celebration of this
special bond with ourselves, the people along our route and the world around”
says Anu explaining about the genesis of ‘Dosti On Wheels’. She would know for
sure: a PhD in Philosophy, a corporate trainer as well as a life coach, Anu mentors
those who seek to explore the human potential.
“We believe
it is important to pause once in a while…to celebrate, to immerse ourselves in the
world beyond the four walls. To pause your career while the rest of the world
moves on, takes courage- but it is followed by a state of clarity, when you
measure your life through your own eyes. It offers you the courage to follow
your dreams.” commented Manas as he discussed about his distinguished corporate
career of 20 years and the sabbatical for this dream ride project.
As the Dewan
couple journeys across these alien lands, they will explore national cultures,
cuisine, dance, music and attitudes- taking in the experience through the eyes
of a local craftsman here, a motoring enthusiast there, a dancer willing to
teach them a new step, or a grandmother willing to teach her secret recipe to a
new Dost (friend/ami/freund/amigo/arkadas).
“There are many of us out there- people who
are on the verge of setting out- and sometimes, it is just a picture, a word, or
a fleeting thought that can set this wheel in motion. We hope our experiences
will catalyse the wanderlust within other souls.” commented the Dewan couple.
Motown India will follow Anu and Manas Dewan in their journey and update our
readers through images, videos and ride updates of Dosti On Wheels. Bon Voyage!