Meenakshi Das inspires the women of tomorrow

Joydeep Paul 

(joydeepp123@gmail.com)

This is the story of Meenakshi Das — a woman from  Guwahati, Assam who rode solo across 64 countries and 68,000 kilometres, not just to set a record, but to defy every stereotype thrown her way. What started as a response to gender bias became a powerful journey of courage, purpose, and pride.

More than a ride, this is a tale of resilience, quiet rebellion, and the will to rewrite what is possible.

Q: What inspired you to begin this journey as a solo rider, especially aiming to become the first North-East Blue Rider to cover 64 countries?

My motivation came from the negative comments people made—especially around being a woman. They would say, “You can’t do anything without your husband.” We were the first from the Northeast to reach the Umling La Pass, and I was listed in the Indian Book of Records as the second woman in the world to reach that point by motorcycle. Yet people only praised him. I was doing all the hard work, and still, the credit always went to the man. That frustration sparked my determination to ride solo and make my own mark.

Q: What were some of the most difficult challenges—mentally, physically, and logistically?

Physically, I underwent training twice a day—heavy weight training to build core strength in case I had to lift my fallen bike. Mentally, the pressure was intense. Everyone said, “You cannot do it. You do not have money. Your bike is not strong enough.” But I tuned out the negativity. I mortgaged agricultural land for visa funds. I applied for 60+ visas myself, wrote personal letters to consulates, cried on foreign streets when visas were denied, and fought my way through. Logistically, flying my bike twice was financially brutal—Rs. 2.8 lakh from Bombay to UAE, and Rs. 6 lakh from Malaysia back to Mumbai. I survived on the goodwill of strangers, crowd-funding, and the strength of a cause greater than myself.

Q: Can you describe one of the most terrifying moments on the road?

At the Iran-Armenia border, Armenia refused my carnet (an international customs document). I had exited Iran already, had no internet, no translator, and night was falling. The region was remote, mountainous, and dangerous; no shelters, just drunk men nearby and not a woman in sight. I disguised myself, covered my face, walked like a man to get food, and stayed in a tiny, overpriced room with only tap water. That night, I barely slept - alert to every sound. It was one of the scariest moments of my life.

Q: What were the most emotional or unforgettable highlights?

So many. Being called a goddess in Nepal. People touching my feet in foreign countries. Speaking at a historic British riding club in the UK where everyone stood up and shouted Joy Aai Axom after my speech. Becoming the first Indian-registered rider to reach the Isle of Man TT track (an annual motorcycle road racing event). These were moments that made me realize that this journey was not just about me. I was carrying Assam. I was carrying India.

Q: How did people support you along the way, especially financially?

I did not even know how to start a crowdfunding page, but people stepped forward. In the UK, the Assamese community raised over Rs. 3 lakh. In Dubai and Malaysia, business leaders and rider groups contributed. Every host, every shared meal, every $5 note handed to me was an act of faith. That generosity kept me going when I had nothing.

Q: What is the message you would want young women to take from your journey?

Do not wait for perfect conditions or for someone to give you permission. Go out there, even if you are scared, even if you do not feel ready. People will doubt you. Let them. Just make sure your journey becomes the answer to their doubt. It is not about proving you are stronger than anyone. It is about showing the world that women can, and will, write their own stories.

Meenakshi Das firmly reckons that her feat will be inducted into the coveted Limca Book of World Records. Her journey is nothing short of alchemy, as it renders incredible inspiration to the women of the world to strive for excellence and reach the zenith. She shows that every woman carries an indomitable spirit capable of defying the odds and prevailing over the strenuous obstacles hurled into their lives. She also emphasizes that the world is their oyster, they only need to zero in on their aspirations to nullify the pessimistic outlook society often holds toward the women of the realm.