A journey in time

The 1,500-km-long ride, traversing the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana before finally hitting Delhi, is expected to be covered in 40 days. The riders, chosen with careful attention to their physical fitness, are between six and 25 years, but all equally enthusiastic about this long and arduous journey.

Re-tracing the route Shivaji Maharaj set out on, the riders will ride past Shirur, Ahmednagar, Burhanpur, Khandwa, Indore, Guna, Gwalior, Dholpur, Agra, Mathura, Faridabad, amongst other cities before reaching their destination, where they shall be received at the Red Fort. “We expect to meet the Prime Minister and other dignitaries, before we embark on our return journey, which will not be on horseback,” explains one of the participants.

En route, at each town they halt, the group will present a 30-minute cultural show, sketching images from Chhatrapati Shivaji’s life, elaborating on his life’s ideals and idols. Addressing not just the past, the group will also include motivation lessons in their itinerary, urging other youngsters like themselves not to fall prey to addictions, to inculcate integrity into their personalities, to work for a better tomorrow.

Their eyes trained on their mission, these young adventurers take problems like physical hardships, long hours in the saddle, camping and roughing it out, in their stride. The expedition has been undertaken to spread the message of national integration and patriotism, and they are determined not to rest till they can exult, “Mission accomplished”!

While the organisation functions under the guidance of well-known historian Babasaheb Purandare and Charudatta Sarpotdar, this particular project is being managed by Mahesh Vartak. Armed with the route map of this ride, he successfully carried out a pilot trip late in October this year, and the group is stomping around excitedly, all geared to ride out on D-day.

For over two months now, the riders have been busy. What needed special attention was stamina-building. “While horse-riding and treks to the various forts in Maharashtra are a regular feature of the organisation’s schedule, this ride is different in terms of duration, distance, endurance. Accordingly, with November 22 fast approaching, they spend about 40 km everyday in the saddle,” says Kavita Vartak, also actively involved with the expedition preparations.

Taking the horses out on the city roads daily ensures that they get accustomed to traffic and vehicles zipping past them, just as much as the riders get used to handling their mounts in such conditions.

Along with these come the fitness aspect: again of animals and people. “Exercise and diet – they are strictly monitored,” explains Vartak. “We’ve had a special diet chalked out for the riders, with emphasis on high-protein intake. About a week before, they’ll be put on a vitamin therapy as has been instructed by the physician. The horses, too, have their share of protein injections and salines. We’ll be accompanied by a doctor and a vet, in case of emergency. We’ll also carry equipment to mend broken horseshoes,” she continues.

The actual ride is to be in the form of a relay. Five out of the 10 horses will be on the road at a time, while the remaining horses and riders will follow in vehicles. The riding will be done in the first half of the day, to avoid the afternoon heat and the glare of vehicle headlights in the evening, which could unnerve the horses. Carrying their provisions with them, the troupe will use trucks and two-wheelers which shall ride 20 mts. ahead to clear the way.

“As far as formalities go, getting the requisite permission from various states was most crucial,” points out another organiser. “We have been provided with wireless sets so that any traffic impediment ahead can be known to us beforehand. We have also requested police protection, but do not foresee any problems as this is a genuine sporting activity”.

An event planned on such grand proportions, this surpasses the organisation’s earlier treks in the last 14 years to Shivneri, Panhala, Pratapgad, Purandar, Ajinkyatara. With all eyes trained on this young troupe galloping ahead, we urge them to ride on!