After 37 Countries, Sameera Cycles 2000 KM From Andhra To Bihar With Message Of Girl Child Empowerment

Sheikhpura: Nearly 1800 kilometres separate Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh from Sheikhpura in Bihar. One would usually choose a train or a flight to cover the distance. But Sameera Khan chose the bicycle to cover the entire stretch, driven by a mission to inspire girls to dream beyond social boundaries.

For Sameera, the long road was not merely a physical journey, rather it mirrored a life that was shaped by unyielding determination even in the face of early loss - her mother passed away at the age of nine and father soon after. Such tragedies usually silence the dreams of many but Sameera made it the foundation of a resolve that has since carried her across continents and mountain peaks.

Sameera on a climbing endeavour. (ETV Bharat)

“Daughters are not just meant for marriage, each of us has dreams and I believe, every family must support those dreams,” Sameera says, with a sense of conviction earned through experience.

It was in 2018 when Sameera stepped out of her home with a purpose - to launch a mission and inspire girls by being an example, by standing with them and by supporting their cause. Since then, she has cycled through 37 countries, including France, Germany, Norway, Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa and Japan, on the bicycle.

She however admits that cycling in India remains far more challenging than abroad.

“Cycling is much more difficult in India compared to other countries. From safety issues to social behaviour, women cyclists face many obstacles. There are times when people stare, harass and even mock me during my journey,” she says.

But her experience changed when she entered Bihar.

“After reaching Bihar, I felt encouraged when the state’s DGP, Vinay Kumar honoured me. That recognition gave me strength,” Sameera recalls.

But Sameera’s courage extends far beyond highways. An accomplished mountaineer, she has scaled 11 mountains and successfully conquered seven peaks. Her most formidable achievement so far has been standing tall on Ama Dablam in Nepal, a peak rising 6,859 metres above sea level.

Each ascent for her was an encouragement that made her believe that there should not be any limit to dreaming big. Setting boundaries can be challenging, she feels.

Currently, Sameera is cycling across Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, spreading awareness on girl child empowerment. As a part of her expedition, she visits government and private schools, encourages girls to become self-reliant, speak up against social evils and pursue their ambitions fearlessly.

Even at Sheikhpura, she interacted with students of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, where her story resonated deeply with young girls.

“We are girls but that does not mean we are weak. We must hone our talents and empower ourselves,” she told the students, asking them to demand their rights - that is equal opportunities in society.

Sameera cycles 50 to 60 kilometres every day with a resolve to reach more number of people. But she nurtures an ambition to establish an institution dedicated to educating and empowering girls.

The only thought that comes back all through her journey is that she has not received government support despite her international achievements and tireless grassroots work.

“But that will never be a hurdle in what I want to do. My journey continues,” she states assertively.

Today, Sameera Khan is not just a cyclist but a symbol of hope for many, pedalling all the way from one end to another to encourage girls to dream - where most dreams are often clipped by tradition.