Ramila Latpate, an entrepreneur and a social activist known as “Bharat ki Beti” for her selfless deeds, is on a quest to set off on an inspirational adventure of travelling over 1 lakh kilometres on a bike while she is dressed in a traditional Maharashtrian saree. In a conversation with The Pioneer, she discussed her goals, the inspiration behind the cause, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining her resolve along the journey.
Tejal Sinha
Seeing a woman riding a scooter, as people call it, is a common sight. But as soon as you see a woman riding a bike, your head just turns towards them. ‘Oh! Look, a girl is riding the bike’.
Gone are the days when you’d only see men riding bikes. And why not? There are women who love bikes just like the rest. And today we have one such woman rider, Ramila Latpate (Ramaa, Ramilabai), who is here for a change. When we say ‘change’, it doesn’t just focus on ‘even women can ride a bike’ but a change for society. Even when we see a woman riding a bike, she wears those pants and comfy clothes. But something that makes Ramila different from the rest is that she rides the bike wearing a ‘Nauvari’ (a traditional Maharashtrian saree).
This ‘Bharat ki Beti’ is on a mission to cover over 1 lakh kilometres on six continents to make people connect back to their roots. We all have an innate desire to connect with our roots, and in a world that is increasingly globalised and disconnected, she aims to keep those connections alive.
A strong believer in “Vasudaiv Kutumbakam,” which means the world is one family, she had recently introduced the ‘RAW BHARAT’ (Ride Across the World), an initiative to make an impact on the world. Through this ride, she focuses on adding value to global tourism, cultural development, sustainable urban and rural development, innovation and exposure, community building, and more!
The impact that she is creating is by showing the world that we can still belong to our roots. She is a leader who knows the way, shows the way, and leads the way. She wears a saree throughout her ride because she wants us all to remember our roots and honour our female leaders.
The 27-year-old is the founder of Ahilyas Foundation Life Coach and has always had a passion for adventure. To our surprise, she’s been travelling since the age of 16. “I loved how liberating it felt when the wind brushed past my hair. And as I grew up, I thought of breaking that stereotypical aspect that girls can’t ride bikes. Why? Girls can and should ride bikes if they want to. Biking is a fun and healthy activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders. In fact, women have been riding bicycles since the early days of cycling, and there are many talented female cyclists who compete at the highest levels of the sport. Unfortunately, there are still some outdated stereotypes and gender norms that suggest that biking is a “masculine” activity, or that it’s not appropriate for girls or women to ride bikes. So I’ll be breaking these stereotypical thoughts,” enthused the ‘Bharat ki Beti’.
Her mission to inspire women around the world to follow their dreams and pursue their passions, no matter how unconventional they may be, is not only being supported by her family but also by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sadhguru, Chief Minister of Maharastra Eknath Shinde, and the Tata Groups. She believes that her mission is not just about her personal journey but about representing India and its people to the world.
It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech in 2022 that motivated her. PM Modi stated in his G20 speech that women in India are reaching remarkable heights. “It began with Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech in 2022. He talked about empowering women and promoting local artisans. His words stuck with me, and after some thought, I decided to cover all six continents on my bike, but in a saree.”
With her unwavering spirit and bold vision, for Ramabai, the term “impossible” does not exist in her dictionary.
This mission might sound adventurous to many of us, but it will surely be challenging. But she stood unshaken against the challenges, as she zealously goes on, “I’ve faced a little bit of challenges, but challenges will arise when you embark on a new journey or endeavour, but it’s important to remember that these challenges are often small in comparison to the larger goal that we’re working towards. Sadhguru has taken care of each and every need of mine, which is a testament to the importance of having a strong support network when pursuing a challenging goal.”
It’s thrilling enough to promote culture and visit new places, but is it safe to ride a motorcycle while dressed in a saree and without any protective gear other than riding boots and a helmet? The simple answer is ‘absolutely not’. Riding a motorcycle without proper riding gear can invite fatal accidents. “I’ve been wearing all the necessary safety gear, including riding jackets and boots, and I’m a very careful and attentive rider. Riding equipment is designed to keep you safe without sacrificing comfort. For many others, it has turned out to be a lifesaver. A good idea is to promote Indian culture. Your security should be given first priority, nevertheless,” signed off the fearless woman, who’ll be finishing her journey and will probably be getting back on March 8, 2024.
