A group of foreigners are taking fun rides all around the state, in auto rickshaws, to help a cause
About 25 foreign nationals are on a fun ride called Tamil Nadu Run 2016, where they will ride a total distance of 1000 km, across the length and breadth of the state, in auto rickshaws! This proves to be exhilarating for the participants as they need to rely on the natives for guidance during their journey. The joy ride has been planned in order to raise funds for ‘Round Table India’, an organisation that builds classrooms and other facilities for economically-deprived areas, to help unprivileged students of India.
The participants, who are currently in Tanjore, took time off to talk to us about their exciting venture.
Lindsay Nickel, from US, shares, “So far we have had a pretty good time though it has been a long day. This is my first time on a manual vehicle — I haven’t driven an auto in my life before. But I am getting a hang of it,” (laughs).
“We have to depend on the locals predominantly but they have been nice. My co-passenger and I have these funny wigs on, so we get stared at. Our team is an all ladies one, and the best part is, I know my co-passenger only since the last 5 days. It’s all great!” she adds.
Joanna Barry from Ireland, who rides with Lindsay, sounds really excited. ”You need a lot of concentration to drive on the roads of India. It’s pretty exciting since we have to navigate on our own. Looking forward to more adventures,” she exclaims.
Another participant, Brendan Horan (South Africa), says — “It’s unbelievable! We took a lot of pictures on our way. The ride is worth it. The charity part of the event is really nice. Round Table India called us this morning and told us about the way our trips would be helping what they are doing. Yes, we are here to enjoy, but we are also glad we are able to help someone in need.” The journey that will come to an end in Chennai on October 22, will be flagged off by Melba Pria, Mexico’s ambassador to India, who has made the autorickshaw her official vehicle.
