Techie cycles to save nature
By Sharada Balasubramanian

Some people live a life of their choice. In the league of such courageous people is Vaibhav Desai, whose thirst for global travel intensified as he started cycling to different states in India. As techie Vaibhav crosses different paths and States, and learns about the culture and tradition of locals, he also connects and educates the people about conserving local biodiversity.

Vaibhav Desai talks to Techgoss about his journey so far and his plans for the future.

Techgoss (TG): How long were you working with Godrej and what made you get to cycling? The passion to save the nature and earth...where did that come from? Was it something on your mind from a long time?
Vaibhav Desai: I worked in Godrej Infotech from 1st August 2008 to 8th September 2010. My last designation was Programmer Analyst. I am still with them on their payroll though (sabbatical leave with no salary). I have been cycling since childhood. I took up cycling for the sheer pleasure it gave me, there was never really an objective to save the nature. My outdoor activities started with a passion to enjoy God’s creations. I always wanted to explore the world, especially Antarctica, Afghanistan, Africa and of course...India as it is a spiritual land. I often questioned myself - when will I get to do this kind of travel?
 
In the recent past, the earth has been affected in various ways and this is the time we need to act and I am playing my part for nature conservation.

TG: With cycling, you achieve a great objective of travelling and knowing new people. The objective with you with respect to the environment, how did that emerge?
Vaibhav Desai: The main objective in the beginning was to explore, know local communities, their culture, food habits and so on. Now, along with that, I take steps to inspire them on acting upon biodiversity conservation at a local level.

TG: When did you start this mission and how did you go about it?
Vaibhav Desai: "GreenCycleGreenEarth" started on 20th Dec 2010. I will be travelling across all the states of India for minimum of 2 years and then across Central Asia, Europe and Africa.

I have planned this mission for five years. I am taking one step at a time and will plan my route taking into account the weather factor. It will also depend on my mental, physical and financial abilities apart from the political and weather issues. 

TG: There must be a strong urge / motivation to start something like this? What or who was your motivation? How was the drift from job to doing something you are passionate about?
Vaibhav Desai: As I said before I always wanted to do this, the only question was when. I am actually worried few years down the line many places won’t be there the way they are today. I feel that the time is right now to act and do something about the issues.

TG: How did you organisation and family react to this? What kind of support did you get from them?
Vaibhav Desai: I feel great about my family especially my parents who are actually the ones finding my journey difficult though I am mentally prepared. I received support from my organisation, especially from Anil Verma, my Executive Director (Personnel & Administration) of Godrej & Boyce. He suggested taking me back on payroll. Therefore, I have the job as back up. I also thank Homi Daruwalla of Godrej & Boyce E & E division for the donation to start off with. Wildcraft- India's largest outdoor gear sponsored the camping kit for expedition.

Currently, I am not sponsored financially, but I will work hard and at same time enjoy each moment.

TG: What is really your mission and what approaches have you taken to sensitize people on environmental issues, and on saving the planet?
Vaibhav Desai: My mission is to explore, document sustainable activities both at micro and macro level.

It is also to share my experience and inspire the attendees through seminars to change their outlook; activate them to do something on an individual basis.

TG: What is the message you wish to give people, who are reading this. What can they do to save the planet?
Vaibhav Desai: We have the whole history data with us how it all started, what are the problems we face and so on. Fortunately, we also have many solutions. One should leave aside ego and start acting to work on issues. People should support sustainable activities and growth; else at the end we are the ones who will suffer.

TG:  Future plans?
Vaibhav Desai: The 5 year plan itself seems so huge. I am concentrating on them in parts. After 5 years, I am sure I will learn so many things that it will get a better shape.

I will like to continue doing expeditions and also have a sustainable community centre. Right now, I would like to enjoy the present!

To know more and support his cause, logon to website greencyclegreenearth.com