Career Launcher Student Cycles to IIM Raipur

Day 1

Chennai to Kavali- Rider on the go!

The cycle riding like a dream and the man on it, Ashwin Irudayarajan gave a headstart to his journey from his home in Chennai. He crossed Gudur late at night and reached the second checkpoint of his ride- Kavali at 9:00 am covering a whopping 230 Kms!!! The picturesque fields of southern Andhra and the friendly locals kept him a good company. He then checked into a hotel at Kavali to regain energy for the next leg.

Fun Fact: Ashwin reached the 150 Km mark milestone on the first day. Coincidentally, the Father of our nation also reaches his 150th birth anniversary this year.

Day 2

Kavali to Chilakaluripet- Definitely a fighter!

The hurdles during his journey could not challenge the rider's high spirits. A minor setback in his cycle-a flat tire en route to his next checkpoint at Medarametla resulted in the loss of time in addition to the woes caused by certain logistical issues with his hotel at the checkpoint. Despite being knocked down, the champ got up and fought his way to reach the revised checkpoint at Chilakaluripet in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. He successfully completed 144 km and was well on time for his next destination.

Fun Fact: More than 90% of Tour De France winners encounter a flat tire on the way to their yellow jerseys. Our Ashwin is no different and by no means lesser than the TDF champs.

Day 3

Chilakaluripet to Vijayawada - Decathlon as a savior!

Problems did not end here. On the next leg of his journey from Chilakaluripet to Vijayawada, his cycle battered and bruised with a couple more punctures, but the friendly folks along his way helped him to make it to Vijayawada - his next destination. He reached the hotel at Vijayawada at around 10 in the morning, took rest, got his bike into shape and got ready for his next leg. He was felicitated and flagged off by the Career Launcher, Vijayawada team. On the way, he stopped at Decathlon Vijayawada to procure a new tire pump and get the bike checked.

Fun Fact: Vijayawada, the economic capital of Andhra Pradesh, was recognized as the 'Global city of the future' by Mckinsey Quarterly. We hope the prosperity rubs into Ashwin as well.

Day 4 & 5

Vijayawada to Bhadrachalam- Towards a roller coaster!

The journey from Vijayawada to Bhadrachalam via Penubali was no less than a roller coaster! The torrid conditions under the scorching Andhra sun was beating down upon Ashwin and caused him to slow down his pace which was compensated the next day by a nice refreshing wind and provided one of the most enjoyable phases of the trip.

Encountering torrential rains halfway to Bhadrachalam, the Chennai boy after a two hour halt, resumed his trip via a nice downfall topography coupled with a nice petrichor. The wedding party in Penubali who took an interest in Ashwin's mammoth undertaking deserves a special mention here. They invited him to their celebration as their own and served him a delectable lunch.

Fun fact: Legend says that Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana manifested their images on the summit of the Bhadra hill, around which the famous Sita Ramaswamy temple was built. Ashwin visited this temple on his way and we hope that the Almighty watches over him for the rest of his quest.

Day 6, 7 & 8

Bhadrachalam to Sukma | Sukma to Jagdalpur | Jagdalpur to Kanker- The last leg.

Riding through the wilderness of Chhattisgrah, Ashwin was sheltered from the elements throughout this stretch by a canopy of greenery overhead which made up for the lack of human population. While monkeys, thronging on the sides, and snakes encountering him made him more cautious, his drive through the uneven terrain was also challenging, especially in a particular place between Jagdalpur and Kanker, where the grade of the slope was so high that he had to push the cycle for about 10 km. Thanks to the friendly village folks who kept his journey cheery by making Ashwin a part of a part of their festivities. Finally, he reached Raipur at 1 pm on 14.06.2019 and had a press meet before heading to IIM Raipur.

Fun fact: Some sources say that Chhattisgarh is named after 36 forts that the Marathas built across this region, but archaeological evidence suggests otherwise. Whatever be the reason for its etymology, we hope Ashwin captures the MBA fort at the state capital with aplomb.