Two Enterprising Individuals are All Set to Spread the Message of Peace on their Royal Enfields, Finds Vastsala Chhibber
On the 12th of August 2012, two spirited individuals will embark on the journey of a lifetime. While this might sound like the tagline of a movie, it is actually the most accurate description of an initiative conceived by Nitesh Square and Parth Vasavada. Covering approximately 13,000 kilometres on their Royal Enfields, this duo will travel through 8 nations, visiting more than 50 cities in 65 days. Though these dreamy figures comprise the fantasies of most travel enthusiasts, for Nitesh and Parth this is not a mere journey, it is a mission. These two visionary change-makers will promote youth empowerment, Indian wisdom and peace by connecting with more than 50 million youth during their travels. This mission, titled ‘De Paix Yatra’ has received the support of the United Nation Volunteers, the Ministry of External Affairs, PETA India, TedX and many such organisations. A number of celebrities have also shown their support for this endeavour by sporting ‘Ride for Peace’ t-shirts.
Messengers of Peace
Nitesh Square, who was supposed to attend the Cannes Film Festival in May 2012 as a freelance photographer, came up with an ingenuous plan to add meaning to this journey. Being a former journalist with an itch to write, Nitesh decided to reach Paris and travel to the festival on a motorbike, interviewing people along the way to gather material for a coffee table book. His friend, Parth Vasavada, expressed the desire to join Nitesh on this journey. “I have known Parth for the past seven years, and we represent the new face of Indian youth when it comes to change and welfare work. I didn’t have to think twice before saying yes to him. He came up with the name ‘De Paix Yatra’, since ‘de paix’ means peace in French,” says Nitesh. Both Parth and Nitesh have been active in their social endeavours. Parth has founded and given shape to numerous social movements, while Nitesh has volunteered with several International and Indian NGOs.
Mumbai to London in 65 Days
De Paix Yatra will officially start from Mumbai on the 12th of August 2012. There are a couple of reasons why Nitesh and Parth have decided on this date to mark the beginning of their journey. The 12th of August not only marks the end of the London Olympics, which is a symbol of countries coming together in peace, but is also International Youth Day.
Starting from Mumbai, these enterprising friends will travel to seven other nations-Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, France and the United Kingdom. Explaining the reason behind selecting these countries, Parth says, “There are several reasons why we decided on this route. We wanted to travel developing, under developing and super developed countries and this is the only route which is connected via road. This route also allows us to understand the diverse cultures of these nations”.
During the course of this journey, the team of De Paix Yatra will promote youth activism in implementing change by going to colleges, schools, universities and conferences. “We will connect with everyone from change makers to trend setters who promote peace, the common youth who are seeking reformation and civil society who can support us in building this revolution. We will travel to more than 50 cities and organize peace talks, kindness shows, free hugs campaigns, music shows and youth exhibitions in schools, colleges and universities of the respective cities, states and nation,” says Parth Vasavada.
The Journey Continues
While De Paix Yatra’s technically ends in London on the 15th of October 2012, Nitesh and Parth’s efforts at promoting peace will continue. Once they return, the team will travel across 100 villages in India and share their experiences with the youth, in order to motivate them to work towards change. They will also publish a book, which will compile the stories they collect during De Paix Yatra. In addition, their journey and experiences will be documented in the form of a short film.
Having undertaken this monumental project, Nitesh and Parth have even bigger plans for De Paix Yatra. In fact, they intend to make this journey again next year and at a larger scale. “De Paix Yatra will be an annual journey, which will be carried out in different parts of the world. By looking at the response of this year, we are sure that it will reach new heights in coming years,” says Parth.
When asked if they would like to give out any message to the youth of the country, a unique response follows,
“We are no one to send out a message; our journey and this motorbikev project itself will be our message to the youth of this nation. This nation has been the land of philosophers from the beginning, now is the time that we rise up as nation of doers; De Paix Yatra is all about action.”
“Youth is wasted on the young”, said George Bernard Shaw. However, De Paix Yatra is an effort to equip the youth with the right knowledge to support their ability. Armed with a vision, Nitesh and Parth have taken significant steps to ensure that ‘youth is not wasted on the young’.
De Paix Yatra at a Glance
On 12th August 2012, Nitesh Square and Parth Vasavada will commence their journey from Mumbai
The duo will travel to 8 nations and more than 50 cities in a period of 65 days and promote youth activism by going to schools, colleges, universities and conferences. They will also honour revolutionists and peacemakers in these countries
Their journey will end in London on 15th October 2012. Once the team returns to India, they will publish a book and release a mini-series, documenting the highlights of their journey
De Paix Yatra has received the support of eminent personalities such as, Shashi Tharoor, Gul Panag, Omar Abdullah, Imran Khan, etc.
Volume 2 Issue 2
