53-YEAR-OLD FEROZEPUR OFFICIAL RIDES 2,342 KM ACROSS HIMALAYAS ON ACTIVA

Vikrram Ditya Sharma/Ferozepur

A 53-year-old Ferozepur resident has completed a challenging 2,342-km solo expedition across the Himalayas on a 110cc Activa, travelling through some of the region’s highest and most difficult mountain passes and reaching Thang, one of India’s last villages on the frontier.

Rana Harpinder Pal Singh, Assistant Public Relations Officer at Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University, began his journey from Ferozepur on September 23 and returned to the university today, completing the expedition with a message for youngsters to stay away from drugs and embrace fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

One highlight of his expedition was his visit to Thang, where he unfurled the Tricolour. Beyond Thang lies the Baltistan region on the Pakistan side. During his journey, he interacted with local residents and used the expedition to encourage youngsters to stay away from drugs and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

His route took him from Ferozepur through Pathankot, Jammu, Srinagar, Sonamarg, Zoji La, Dras, Kargil, the Batalik sector, Lamayuru and Leh before reaching Khardung La. He then travelled through Khardung village, Nubra Valley, Diskit, Hunder, Turtuk and Thang.

On the return leg, he travelled along the Shyok river and covered Pangong Lake, Chushul, Saga La, Loma, Nyoma, Mahe, Debring and Tanglang La. He subsequently crossed Lachung La, Naki La, Pang, Sarchu, Baralacha Pass, Jispa, Darcha, the Atal Tunnel and Manali before proceeding through Bijli Mahadev, Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Jalandhar and Zira to reach Ferozepur.

During the expedition, he crossed six major high-altitude passes, including Zoji La, Khardung La, Tanglang La, Lachung La, Naki La and Baralacha Pass. Khardung La rises to around 17,982 feet, while Tanglang La is situated at about 17,480 feet.

He also interacted with members of the Balti community in Nubra Valley, Turtuk, Thang and the Pangong region, gaining an insight into life in the remote Himalayan areas.

When contacted, Rana Harpinder attributed the successful expedition to the encouragement extended by Shaheed Bhagat Singh State University Vice-Chancellor Dr Suresh Kumar Sharma. He said the Vice-Chancellor had motivated him to undertake the journey and continued to encourage him throughout the expedition.

He also acknowledged the support extended by Indian Army personnel at several points during the journey. Abhishek Arora of Apandip Hospital, Ferozepur, also supported the expedition.

“The purpose of the journey was not merely to reach the heights of the Himalayas, but also to convey to youngsters that life needs passion, not drugs. If one has strong determination, neither age nor limited resources can become a barrier to achieving one’s goal,” he said.

Completing thousands of kilometres across some of the country’s most challenging terrain on a 110cc Activa, Rana Harpinder Pal Singh has turned his expedition into an example of determination and endurance, bringing pride to Ferozepur and the university.