Pics by Dayananda Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network
Mangalore, Aug 16 (DHNS) : Samarth Shenoy rides 2-wheeler blindfloded from Mysore to Mangalore in 11 hours battling rain, bad roads, hunger and fatigue .
It was a journey against all odds, said Samarth Shenoy who created a record with a remarkable 300 kilometre ride from Mysore to Mangalore (via Hassan) blindfolded.
Samarth started his journey at 7.10 am from Mysore Palace grounds. He drove the entire 300 kilometre stretch blindfolded on a two-wheeler 'TVS Wego' battling rain, bad roads, hunger, thirst and fatigue and arrived at Mangalore at 6.10 pm.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Shenoy said that he always wanted to do something for the country. Hence, he decided to take up the challenge of riding blindfolded.
“The journey was not easy. As you cannot see, you need to concentrate throughout. If you lose focus, then the consequences are dangerous,” he said.
Samarth was accompanied by his technical crew, who drove alongside him throughout the journey. “I had an aim of reaching Mangalore within 10 hours.
However, I was delayed by an hour as it rained very heavily. There was a point when we decided to end the journey in Uppinangady. However, we decided to complete it. Driving in the Ghats section was extremely challenging,” he says.
Samarth further added that he wanted to travel without consuming food and water. “At one point, I was very thirsty. I decided to drink water but the technical crew did not have water. So, I decided to drink water after I reach my destination,” he says.
Samarth claims that he has traveled blindfolded, three times earlier. However, it was only for about 25 kilometers. This ride was a real challenge. “I have filmed the entire journey. I hope it will enter the Limca Book of Records,” he says and adds that he dedicates the ride to India's 66th Independence day celebrations.
The blindfold tied on Shenoy’s eyes was opened by DDPI Moses Jayashekar, to mark the end his journey.
When asked, if he will take up the fete again, Samarth smiles while his team cheers saying, "Samarth go for it".
Being a winner of several international and national awards, Samarth Shenoy has been performing magic since he was 13. He has performed over 1000 shows across the globe including countries like Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy and Tanzania. He has also performed magic for education called ‘Shaikshanika jadoo’.