An intrepid couple from Birmingham is set to embark on their dream mission, an estimated 10,000-mile road trip from Goa to Kanyakumari in India. Retired Damji Premji and Rama Ladwa, pictured, aged 72 and 71, respectively, fly out to India from London Heathrow this week. Their trip will begin in Goa, a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea and end in Kanyakumari, a coastal town in the state of Tamil Nadu on India’s southern tip. Believed to be the first of its kind, their trip is expected to take around four months to complete. Travelling in their own car, the couple will drive through some of the world’s most dangerous roads as well as most challenging weather conditions. Their journey of a lifetime will take them through Hikkim, a village in Himachal Pradesh which is home to the world’s highest post office, standing at 14,567 feet above sea level. Asked what prompted this daring trip, Mr Ladwa said: “I have always wanted to do this journey and have done road trips across Europe and North Africa in my younger days.” Their objective, is “to have new experiences and adventures while we still can.” Damji and Rama were both born in the East African coastal city of Mombasa and came to British shores in 1967 and 1972, respectively. They tied the knot in 1973 in England. They have a daughter and two grandchildren. Their ancestral roots lie in Porbandar in Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Rama worked as a quality inspector for Samuel Heath & Sons, a British designer and manufacturer of exceptionally crafted bathroom fittings & architectural hardware. Damji worked for Jaguar Land Rover for 45 years. Many years ago, he was also lead agent for the Kenya Sports Federation looking after Kenyan athletes. He also managed international athletes and organised several running events all over the UK. He sat on the Hindu Marathon National Committee as well as on that of the British Road Race Association and was, at the time, the only member of colour on the latter. Readers can follow the Ladwas' progress on their YouTube channel, Damji Ladwa. We at ABPL Group wish Damji and Rama Ladwa all the very best for their extraordinary trip and look forward to hearing all about it on their safe and healthy return.
