The 28-year-old Ramabai Latpate shared her motivation for this daring expedition during her recent stopover in Dubai from August 14 to September 5, where she explained, “I want to break the stereotypes and show that a woman can be both graceful and fearless at the same time.”
Ramabai Latpate, a trailblazing adventurer hailing from Pune, India, embarked on an extraordinary journey in March. Her mission: To traverse an astounding 80,000 kilometers, spanning 40 countries, all while challenging conventions and stereotypes, reported thenationalnews.com.
What sets her journey apart is not just the sheer magnitude of her feat but her decision to do it in a distinctly elegant yet unconventional manner—donned in a traditional nine-yard sari and astride her Honda 350CC bike.
The 28-year-old Ramabai Latpate shared her motivation for this daring expedition during her recent stopover in Dubai from August 14 to September 5, where she explained, “I want to break the stereotypes and show that a woman can be both graceful and fearless at the same time.”
Ramabai’s journey began in Mumbai on International Women’s Day, March 8. As a trained pilot and entrepreneur, she embarked on this solo trek with the aim of dismantling stereotypes and pushing boundaries. Her choice of attire, the Nauvari sari, is a traditional garment worn by women in her home state of Maharashtra, India. Unlike other saris, it is draped in a dhoti-style, adding to the uniqueness of her endeavor.
Her route took her through India, Nepal, Bhutan, Thailand, and Malaysia before reaching Singapore. However, due to the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, her bike had to be airlifted to Bangkok. Nonetheless, she pressed on, accumulating 23,000 kilometers across Asia and Australia.
One of the most daunting challenges of her journey came as she crossed the vast and unforgiving Australian outback, covering 1,600 kilometers from Perth to Sydney. There, she faced isolation and a lack of mobile connectivity but persevered, camping solo in the wild.
Upon reaching Australia, she shipped her bike to London and flew to Dubai, marking the next leg of her adventure. Her ambitious itinerary includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and eventually returning to India by March 8 the following year.
Ramabai Latpate’s incredible journey is not only a testament to her fearlessness and determination but also a powerful message of empowerment and the breaking of stereotypes. It’s a voyage that inspires women worldwide to chase their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem, and to stand proud in their unique identities
An unforgettable highlight of her journey was a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. She found inspiration in his Independence Day speech, where he spoke of the remarkable achievements of women in India and encouraged her with the words, “The whole world belongs to women like me.”
Ramabai’s passion for pushing boundaries began in her school and college days, with the unwavering support of her parents. Following her studies, she pursued a career as an entrepreneur, owning a lifestyle brand called Stattya that sells clothing and jewelry. Later, she followed her dreams of flying, obtaining a commercial pilot’s license at the age of 24.
With this journey, Ramabai Latpate aims to be seen as “Bharat ke Beti” (daughter of India), promoting women’s empowerment and challenging societal norms. She plans to launch a brand called “Renaissance” to promote culturally-inspired clothing that is both functional and empowering, such as a denim sari designed for everyday tasks.
One of her greatest challenges is financing the entire trip, which she claims is entirely self-funded. To raise funds, she’s been appealing to those she meets, asking each person to contribute just one rupee. She is also guided and supported by Indian spiritual leader Sadhguru and his volunteers, who share her commitment to environmental preservation.
Ramabai Latpate’s incredible journey is not only a testament to her fearlessness and determination but also a powerful message of empowerment and the breaking of stereotypes. It’s a voyage that inspires women worldwide to chase their dreams, no matter how audacious they may seem, and to stand proud in their unique identities.
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