Bike journey of TOI Deputy Editor narrated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 06 2018: For Sharat Sharma, ex-Deputy Editor of the Times of India, being positive and relishing different things life has to offer is a part of his routine.

Unlike other veteran journalists who give up active journalism and retire to a peaceful life, the ex-Deputy Editor is journeying across 29 States and Union Territories to spread the message of safe riding and road safety to the people.

The 60 year old journalist reached Imphal yesterday, after he set off on his journey from Delhi on March 18 this year.

Interacting with media persons at Manipur Press Club today, Sharat conveyed that he has been dreaming of undertaking a varied number of things/activities since the early part of his life, although he could not turn his dream into a reality due to me hectic schedule which comes with his profession.

He went on to say that he decided to start his bike trip as he is concerned with the number of road accidents (most of them two wheeler vehicles) which occur in the country every year due to unsafe driving and failure to follow proper road safety rules.

He said, "In India, 480,652 accidents occur every year and 50,785 lives are lost as a result of the accidents.

60 percent of the deaths are caused by speed driving.

On the other hand, 52,500 bikers, who make up 18.3 percent of the total death rate, are killed due to failure to wear helmets" .

Pointing out that last year as 3,69,000 cars and 1,70,59,000 bikes/tow wheelers were sold respectively, he expressed concern regarding the reckless driving habits among the majority of the people and opined that the real joy of driving lies in riding responsibly.

Apart from spreading the message of road safety, Sharat is also exploring the problems and plight of the villages, cities and places he visits by interacting with the people at every stop he makes during the course of his journey.

Sharing some of the moments he experienced on his journey so far, Sharat asserted that he does not eat and stay in expensive hotels, but only eat in road side food stalls and dhabas and stay in simple lodges opened on the road sides, so as to taste the local foods and experience the ordinary lifestyle present in different parts in India.

He continued that he drives only during day time so that he can see the roads and the driving habits in India.

Saying that he also braved many difficult situations during his journey, including strong heat waves in States like Haryana and Delhi, he asserted that he drinks at least 10 litres of water per day and prefers liquid food during the journey.

Sharat continued that he will also write a book detailing all his experiences in connection with his journey.

The veteran journalist who has also covered Bhutan recently as part of his trip, will be heading for India-Myanmar border tomorrow.

He hails from Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh.

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