Purpose on odometer, resolve in tank, message on batteries

Rajkot: Age is no barrier to bold dreams when purpose leads the way. Proving this and spreading a wider message, 58-year-old Jivan Parmar, originally from Porbandar and now based in Rajkot, set out on a 19,000km motorcycle journey from Rajkot to London at 6am on Saturday.

A retired businessman, Parmar will be accompanied by Ahmed Chavda from Rajkot and Mumbai-based Sanit Mishra.

The three motorcyclists have embarked on a journey that goes beyond adventure riding. Their expedition focusses on a strong environmental message at a time when lithium batteries are ubiquitous — in mobile phones, laptops, electric vehicles and numerous other devices. Improper disposal of used batteries, they say, is emerging as a serious threat to soil, water and public health.

Through this international ride, the three aim to raise awareness about the dangers of e-waste, especially lithium and lead batteries being discarded carelessly. Their route to London will take them through several countries, offering opportunities to engage with people and highlight the environmental damage caused by the growing volume of unmanaged electronic waste.

Nearly every household today uses lithium batteries in devices such as mobile phones, laptops, power banks, inverters and electric vehicles. Once these batteries are no longer usable, many end up mixed with regular household waste. Poisonous chemicals released by this seep into the soil, degrade land and contaminate groundwater.

Turning his ride into a campaign, Parmar hopes to build long-term awareness about responsible battery disposal. At every stop, he plans to reiterate a simple message: used batteries should be deposited at authorised e-waste collection centres or within proper recycling systems, not thrown away with domestic waste.

Associated with motorcycle riding for the past 25 years, Parmar believes collective responsibility can prevent major environmental damage. Over the last decade alone, he has travelled nearly 2,50,000km by motorcycle and says there is hardly a hill station in India he has not ridden to. By linking his passion for riding with public outreach, he has now launched this international expedition.

Preparing for the Rajkot-to-London journey required nearly six months of paperwork. Parmar secured the many visas required, including those for China, Russia, the Schengen region covering 29 European countries and the UK.

The journey that began in Rajkot is not just about fulfilling a personal dream. It is an awareness drive rooted in the resolve to leave behind a cleaner and safer environment for future generations. As the riders head towards London, their message remains clear: proper disposal of lithium batteries and e-waste is not only an individual choice, but a shared duty towards the planet.