TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Their avowed mission was simple: To realise the dream of driving down from UK to India and in the bargain raise funds and ensure that any kid admitted in Asro, Cavelossim, was well taken care of and does not go hungry.
The Patels ~ Himanshu (Hary) and his nephews Nilesh and Rajesh ~ have finally achieved their twin dreams as they successfully reached their destination in Goa on Saturday in a 23-year-old Mercedes Benz Sprinter. The trio had set on a journey 18 months ago, and has travelled 17 countries, before descending on Goa yesterday. They set themselves a target to raise funds to the tune of 12,073 pounds when they started their journey, but ended up raising around 14,000 pounds which will all go to Asro and other charities.
Says Himanshu Patel: “It was always our dream to travel from England to India, but it could not materialize all these years. Last year, I turned 50 and backed by our families and friends, we all decided to undertake the journey and raise funds along the way for Asro.”
He said the Mercedes Sprinter had not given them any problems along the way. “There was no fan, no AC. The roads were rough, but we had a safe journey. The sprinter had a provision for a bathroom, kitchen and three beds. We started our journey from UK, travelled to France, Switzerland, Italy, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, China, Tibet, Nepal and finally India,” he added.
“We came across lovely people along the journey. We met orthodox Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. There was no cause for any alarm to abandon the journey at any point of time. There were no hassles relating to immigration or customs or from the police,” he said.
“We are not multi-millionaires, but all of us contributed our bit for the charities. The funds raised by us would go to our charity Just Imagine. The funds raised by us would help the children at Asro. It can take care of 15-20 children and ensure they do not go hungry,” Himanshu added.
