In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, two women from Maharashtra have etched their names in the annals of Indian adventure by completing a monumental circumnavigation of the country by car. Dr Anshuaja Kimmatkar, 48, and Lakshmi Mathre, 47, from Ramtek town near Nagpur, successfully concluded their 22,000-kilometer Bharat Parikrama, traversing the nation's most challenging landscapes entirely on their own.
The Epic Journey: From Concept to Reality
The ambitious expedition, named "Bharat Ke Rang, Naari Ke Sang," commenced from Nagpur's iconic Zero Mile marker on October 1. After an intense two months and 23 days on the road, the duo triumphantly returned to their starting point on a Tuesday, having covered the length and breadth of India without an additional driver or guide. The idea, initially born from discussions about an international road trip, quickly transformed into a profound mission to explore and understand their own homeland first.
"We traveled through every region of the country," shared Dr Kimmatkar, detailing their route that included the highest motorable passes like Khardung La, Chang La, and Zoji La in Ladakh. Their car navigated the narrow, rugged roads of the North-Eastern states, long coastal highways, dense forest stretches, and even reached Dhanushkodi, India's southernmost accessible tip. Mathre revealed the demanding daily schedule: "Our days often began at 4 am and stretched till late night, sometimes ending around 10 pm or 11 pm. We once covered nearly 800 km in a single day."
More Than Miles: A Mission for Social Awareness
This journey was far more than a personal challenge; it was a mobile campaign for critical social causes. Dr Kimmatkar outlined the expedition's four core objectives: women's empowerment, menstrual health education, promotion of sustainable menstruation, and breast cancer awareness. Instead of formal events, they integrated their mission into the fabric of the journey, engaging in direct, impactful conversations at villages, highway stops, public spaces, and educational institutions across their route.
The North-East leg presented the toughest challenges, testing their resolve with limited infrastructure and unpredictable terrain. Meticulous preparation was key to their success. "We underwent over 15 days of intensive training before departure, focusing on route planning, vehicle handling, and emergency response," explained Mathre. The expedition was curated by sports adventurer Atul Chouksey, who designed the entire route and monitored their progress via live-tracking systems. Their vehicle was a fortress on wheels, equipped with dash cameras, comprehensive safety kits, spare tyres, and emergency gear.
Overcoming Obstacles and Celebrating Support
Remote regions brought moments of true trial, particularly when network connectivity failed and communication lines broke. "There were moments of uncertainty," admitted Kimmatkar, "but our prior training helped us navigate such situations calmly." Beyond the physical and logistical hurdles, the journey underscored a powerful, silent force: unwavering family support. Their achievement stands as a testament to how belief and encouragement within households can empower women to shatter boundaries and achieve the seemingly impossible.
The story of Dr Anshuaja Kimmatkar and Lakshmi Mathre is not just a travelogue; it is a powerful narrative of modern Indian womanhood—blending adventure with advocacy, and personal grit with a profound purpose to drive societal change, one kilometer at a time.
