Gadchiroli youth rides solo to Umling La with Shivaji idol made from soil of 16 forts

A young man from Aheri in Gadchiroli district has set out alone on a motorcycle for Umling La in Leh-Ladakh. Vaibhav Vijay Komelwar's aim is not just to fulfil his own dream, but also to put Gadchiroli's name on the map across the country and inspire the district's youth to dream big.

Umling La stands at a height of about 19,024 feet, and the distance from Aheri to the pass is around 5,500 kilometres. Vaibhav intends to complete the entire journey between September 22 and October 5. He says the trip is not just a personal achievement, but a way to send a message to the youth of Gadchiroli that nothing is impossible if you have the courage in your heart.

The most striking part of the journey is an idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj that Vaibhav is carrying with him on the bike. The idol has been made from the soil and water of 16 forts in Maharashtra where Shivaji Maharaj is believed to have walked, and which are considered sacred. Vaibhav will attempt to carry this idol all the way to Umling La.

There is also effort behind the making of the idol. About two years ago, Vaibhav visited these 16 forts in Maharashtra and collected soil and water from each of them. The idol of Shivaji Maharaj made from that soil and water is now a key part of this journey.

Vaibhav has the full blessing of his family for this challenging journey. Former minister of state Raje Ambrishrao Atram has also provided financial support for the initiative. District Collector Avishyant Panda and District Superintendent of Police M. Ramesh have also wished Vaibhav well for this special effort.

The journey that began in Aheri is now headed towards Umling La. Vaibhav Komelwar says that through this bike journey, he wants to tell the youth of Gadchiroli that if a big goal is set and pursued with courage and hard work, achieving it is possible.