Travelling broadens one’s perspective and helps explore new horizons. It provides a rare opportunity to meet different people and enjoy cultural diversity. It is these thoughts that propelled Suresh Joseph into undertaking a 100-day twin record drive — ‘South-East Asian Odyssey’ and ‘Himalayan expedition’ — on a specially-designed SUV.
The journey, with the tagline — Goodwill knows no boundaries — began on February 28 at Cochin. It is set to span over 28,000 km, covering 20 States and 11 countries.
Touching the City of Destiny a couple of days ahead of schedule, the former general manager of Dubai Ports World, who had served the Indian Railway Traffic Service, says that travelling helps him rediscover himself.
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“I get to meet people from different walks of life across the globe and help them understand our culture better by taking a slice of India along with me,” explains the passionate traveller, who is keen on entering the Limca Book of Records and the Asian Book of Records.
This is not the first solo expedition that Suresh has embarked on.
After an all-India expedition that covered 28 States, 28 capital cities, and headquarters of 17 Zonal Railways, he had set off on a North-South tour from Kanyakumari to Leh, coast-to-coast trip from Koteshwar in Gujarat to Bakali in West Bengal, and Kochi to London drive, among others.
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“Indian regulations are difficult. For instance, the toll gate management system in other countries is designed to be hassle-free. You just have to pay the toll fee once for your entire trip, whereas in India it is a different scene altogether,” he explains.
“People were always ready to lend a helping hand. However, travelling can be more pleasurable experience if only we could implement best practices,” he adds.
This time, Suresh Joseph aims at covering 28,000 km, spanning 20 States and 11 countries, and spreading goodwill message across boundaries