From Coimbatore to London: 4 Women Are Driving 24,000 Km in 70 Days for an Important Reason

Meet Meenakshi Arvind, 45, Vrinda, 20, Priya Rajpal, 55, and Mookambika Rathinam, 38 – four women who have embarked on a journey of a lifetime with an important mission. They are on a 70-day drive from Coimbatore to London and are travelling to promote the cause of ‘Rotary India Literacy Mission’, spreading awareness about women’s empowerment and literacy.

The women started their journey from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya in Coimbatore on March 26. They will reach London on June 5 where they will be received at the Indian High Commission.

The drive, which is being called XPD 2470, will cover a distance of 24,000 km. The women will cross 24 countries including Myanmar, China, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Austria, Czech Republic, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Netherlands and United Kingdom. They are driving a modified Tata Hexa with security features and a place to save extra fuel.

Also read: A Foreigner Shares 10 Practical Safety Tips For Women Travelling Solo In India.

“The 70 day-trip is in commemoration with 70 years of Independent India. We also want to send the message that India is much more than what it is perceived to be,” Meenakshi, a Coimbatore resident told The Times of India.

Vrinda is Meenakshi’s daughter and she joined the trip in the last moment after another woman, Rukmani Sekhar had to cancel because of health issues.

Mookambika from Pollachi has left behind her 8-year-old daughter with her relatives. While she would miss her daughter, she has been preparing herself mentally and physically for months now.

They plan to cover at least 500 km every day. All three women have received basic training in car repairs. They have taken a guide in China and Kyrgyzstan and also arranged for military support in Myanmar. In Uzbekistan, where diesel is not available, they will use the extra fuel they are carrying.

“We are aware that this inter-country and inter-continental trip is ambitious but we are strong-willed women. We have done extensive planning,” said Priya from Mumbai. They also plan to honour women such as Rajshree Pathy, Neerja Malik, Usha Uthup, and Mary Kom. The entire road trip will cost Rs. 60 lakh.

State municipal administration minister S P Velumani flagged off the trip on Sunday with family members of the women who came to see them off.

All pictures: Facebook

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: [email protected], or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

Found Value in This Story?Pay What You Can to Support Impactful Journalism

If you found our stories insightful, informative, or even just enjoyable, we invite you to consider making a voluntary payment to support the work we do at The Better India. Your contribution helps us continue producing quality content that educates, inspires, and drives positive change.

Choose one of the payment options below for your contribution-

₹201
₹501
₹1001

By paying for the stories you value, you directly contribute to sustaining our efforts focused on making a difference in the world. Together, let’s ensure that impactful stories continue to be told and shared, enriching lives and communities alike.

Thank you for your support. Here are some frequently asked questions you might find helpful to know why you are contributing?