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These pages are about the riders who are lucky to be on TFN 09, for whom cycling is a religion, a passion, a way of life. It is their way of letting us know they care for the environment; that they have made a deliberate and responsible lifestyle choice; and that no barrier, not even 900 km in 8 days, will come in the way of what they believe they can do.
But, of course, most of all, it is about people who want to extract some fun out of life. We hope they inspire you to take up cycling (and be on TFN 10!)
Take a moment to catch up with our brave and adorable bunch of hillbillies.
Note from TFN editor: Information reproduced here is from mails sent by participants. Sometimes the information may not be complete. This is because the participant has chosen not to provide the information. |
| 1. Ram Shankar, 34, works with a French Bank (also happen to like Mark Knopfler) |
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I am a very, very proud TFN 09 rider. What keeps me ticking is my parent’s love; my wife’s unflinching support in my crazy activities and my wonderful son who I reckon will ride TFN some years from now. For some it is Mecca and for some it is Amarnath and for some it is Jerusalem. But for me it is TFN . This is my pilgrimage. This will be the journey of my lifetime. |
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| 2. Sudhir Palliyil, 23, working towards a PhD in Neuroscience, Trek 4300 |
| In my spare time, I work for 'Cradles Of Innovation', teaching science to school kids in an enjoyable manner. I love endurance running and have completed many races ranging from 10km to 78km. I also love photography, which goes well with the running and cycling. Being on TFN last year, I know that its gonna be a party on the roads...loads of ride stories exchanged at night, battling sleep...and all of it in the fresh air and green surroundings of the Nilgiris. |
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| 3. Yogesh Rao, 39 (feels like I am 18) |
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"Self discovery" and "Self realization" perhaps describe what I am looking for the most at this time. I am hoping to use the silent cycling moments through the forests to reflect back on life and discover myself. Great Indian philosophers like Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Madwacharya, and Swami Narayan walked long distances from Kanyakumari to Manasarovar and Kailash to go through a self-realization exercise. I look at TFN as the week long alternate to go on such a long journey. All this aside from the physical challenge I crave. |
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| 4. Rakesh Nair, 31, Financial derivatives trader, Trek 1200 |
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I have asked myself on several occasions why I want to be cranking TFN 09 and at every occasion the sheer joy of a 900 plus km challenge charged me up. I was lucky to be part of TFN -08. I think what makes the tour even more exciting is the fact that I will be riding with my brother who is "100" up on me when it comes to passion and skills. Nilgiris is a lovely place to bike and all along the route you are assured that you will pass beautiful villages and its equally beautiful inhabitants. It is nature at its best. Besides biking, I have taken to the pool. I love swimming. |
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| 5. Dr. Harsh Shah, 48, Ahmedabad-based orthopedic surgeon specialising in knee and hip replacement surgeries, Trek 1.2 |
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Someone asked me about long distance cycling, "What do you enjoy more, the cycling or getting there?" Honestly, I don't have an answer to that. Perhaps TFN will provide that answer. I have a wide array of hobbies - ranging from food, computers, running, designing, and almost anything where I have to use my hands - including creating, repairing etc. My wife Neha is a homemaker, son Shail studies in the 11th and daughter Shaili is in dental school. |
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| 6. Suma Rao, 40, freelancer with recruitment agency, Giant MTB (plans to get an unspecified road bike) |
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I work with children on imparting outdoor/wilderness skills. I have a wide range of interests involving the outdoors (rock climbing, trekking wind surfing, running), pottery, and bird watching. I am looking forward to the TFN for the challenge of the ride, as well as traveling through the Nilgiris on a cycle with like-minded people for company. |
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| 7. Siva Sai N, 36, Founder ProcessAxis, Singapore & ROIP a Singapore government supported startup, 2005 Lemond Reno Road Bike & Vintage 1987 Battaglin Lugged Steel Road Bike (for some stages of TFN ) |
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For Diwali in 2002 I undertook climbing a volcano in Bali, Indonesia, with a friend. That day I realized how unfit I was and vowed to get into shape. Fast-forward to October 2009: I am still not as fit as I would like to be. TFN is like a deadline - get into shape or ride in the truck. I like tinkering with gadgets and doing a lot of DIY stuff. |
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| 8. Darshan Jadav, 33, "Aquarian by birth, geek by nature", Manager - Systems and Security at Widget Factory Software – Associate Sponsor of TFN , Trek 1.2 |
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TFN is an attempt to find bliss, connecting with nature, a personal test of endurance and letting people know that we need to protect the fragile world we live in by using a alternate transport as much as possible. Apart from cycling, I live for exploiting security vulnerability and scuba diving. |
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| 9. Prathyush K, 26, works with Samsung in Audio DSP, Trek 4300 |
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The day I picked up my Trek 4300 from BOTS (bicycle shop in Bangalore), was also a movie night at BOTS where they screened the TFN 08 video. I was instantly inspired. I am a big fan of the TDF and I've been dreaming about participating in a tour like this and finally, here's my chance. I'm a die-hard rock fan, movie buff, an avid reader of books and love running, photography, tennis, hiking, horse riding and snowboarding. |
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| 10. Gaurav S. Shah, 45, Crossword Franchisee, Ahmedabad, Hero Aluminium Body Racing Cycle |
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I have been actively running and cycling for the last 5 years. Every year I run the marathon in Ahmedabad and also take part in the Mumbai Standard Chartered Marathon where we run the half marathon. Last year, we did a single day of cycling from Ahmedabad to Abu Road (Rajasthan) that was 204 km in 9 hours. If I can do the TFN on my Hero, I plan to reward myself with a better cycle. |
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These pages are about the riders who are lucky to be on TFN 09, for whom cycling is a religion, a passion, a way of life. It is their way of letting us know they care for the environment; that they have made a deliberate and responsible lifestyle choice; and that no barrier, not even 900 km in 8 days, will come in the way of what they believe they can do.
But, of course, most of all, it is about people who want to extract some fun out of life. We hope they inspire you to take up cycling (and be on TFN 10!)
Take a moment to catch up with our brave and adorable bunch of hillbillies.
Note from TFN editor: Information reproduced here is from mails sent by participants. Sometimes the information may not be complete. This is because the participant has chosen not to provide the information. |
| 11. Aju Arelt, 31, SAP HR consultant, AXA |
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Thrilled to be among the few to take part in TFN 09. The best thing about TFN is the route. To visit Mysore, Ooty, Madikere on cycle is a dream and to have a support team backing you is a blessing. Apart from cycling I love photography and traveling. I play football and the guitar. TFN would be the right programme to enjoy cycling and photography. |
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| 12. Ramesh Velayudam, 31, Aerospace Design Engineer, ATKINS Aerospace, MTB-Merida Matts 40V |
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If "Ramesh Velayudam" is difficult to pronounce, you can call me "Ramey". I am doing TFN because it gives me an opportunity to convey a message to those around me that we need to take care of the environment and we are not clowning about – TFN is how we create that higher level of awareness around Critical Carbon Design (CCD) and how it is necessary to find ways to reduce CO2, cradle to grave. I go trekking. I hope to make more friends on TFN . |
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| 13. Sameer Shisodia, 35, Product Strategist in the tech space, and a wannabe entrepreneur exploring multiple ideas, Merida SUB 40V |
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I did the TFN 08 hesitatingly, and having been-there-done-that, no way I was not going to go-there-do-that again! I'm riding the same bike and hope to learn much more about myself, the places we ride through and the friends I make on the tour. |
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| 14. Arvindra Singh Kanwal, 47, Chief Revenue Officer, Webaroo.com/ SMSGupshup.com, either a F4 Cannondale with slicks or the Bianchi Nirone 7 Road bike (admits he is confused about the choice) |
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See BSA TFN as a quasi spiritual cleansing. Some do Ramzan, Lent etc. See it as my dedication to me. Can’t diet or have water without the right spirit. Carry 83 Kg. If I don't finish then I guess will have to explore a non spiritual lifestyle. Took up cycling three years ago inspired by the MTB Himachal challenge .The south is uncharted territory and look forward to seeing it slow and easy and make some great friends in the process. |
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| 15. Manjula Sridhar, 34, Engineer/ Entrepreneur, founder Aujas Networks and Parigna Technologies, trained martial artist and teaches karate, Trek 1.2 |
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TFN has everything that I ever want and need: mother nature, adventure, a sense of dynamism, and a great bunch of likeminded folks; I am looking forward to breaking my own limits and loads of stories of the kind that one uses to enthrall their grand children. |
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| 16. Shay Mandel, 36, Program Manager at India development centre of a large MNC, organiser of the Hyderabad Bicycling Club, Eddy Merckx Gara |
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I have been in India 18 months now, in which I became the organizer of the Hyderabad Bicycling Club. The club has grown a lot lately, and is now flourishing with many rides every week, organized by the members. I am married and have a 6 years old daughter, with whom I like to spend my time (when I am not riding). I mostly expect to see the country, meet great people, and get a good ride with a lot of hills that I miss here in Hyderabad. |
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| 17. Akash Narayana, 36, with Mercedes-Benz Research, LA Spectrum |
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For over a decade now, what has kept me balanced has been volunteering for better education for the underprivileged. I am part of 'Friends of Children', where we sponsor & mentor college education for around 70 kids/year. I got back to cycling this year. It was a desperate urge to get back to something I did every day in my childhood. TFN epitomises endurance & adventure. Looking forward to explore the flora-fauna of Western Ghats & Nilgiris and to make new friendships. |
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| 18. Ashish Bhardwaj, 27, IT professional, LA Urbano - Road Bike |
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End of 08 I started biking again on a borrowed bike and loved it. Start of 09 I bought an MTB and in a few months bought a road bike. TFN was an obvious challenge to accept, so I am here. For hobbies apart from pedaling, I play badminton and ping pong and watch a lot of movies. |
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| 19. Rajesh Nair, 35, co-founder, Tour of Nilgiris (TFN ), US-based professional photographer, Pinarello Paris Road Bike |
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I ride well over 10,000 km a year and participate in bicycling races in the US and Italy. TFN is maturing into one of the premier cycling events in India. It definitely has a lot to offer to meet everybody’s taste and expectations; it is held in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and it can be experienced in different ways, from the touring pace, all the way up to the fast pace-lines. What keeps me coming back to TFN are the beauty of the places we ride through, the unique memories of last year’s experience and importantly, the friendship I built with many others. Besides bicycling, I travel a lot and windsurfing is my other beloved sport. |
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| 20. Abhishek Sareen, Manager – Performance Bikes, TI Cycles of India, also the Title Sponsor of TFN |
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I started with management consulting and am now in the business of cycling. Although I consider myself lazy, I have always liked endurance sports. After mountain biking in the Himalayas for 10 days, I consider I graduated in cycling. BSA-TFN is something I am really looking forward to. Hoping to make new friends on this tour. |
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These pages are about the riders who are lucky to be on TFN 09, for whom cycling is a religion, a passion, a way of life. It is their way of letting us know they care for the environment; that they have made a deliberate and responsible lifestyle choice; and that no barrier, not even 900 km in 8 days, will come in the way of what they believe they can do.
But, of course, most of all, it is about people who want to extract some fun out of life. We hope they inspire you to take up cycling (and be on TFN 10!)
Take a moment to catch up with our brave and adorable bunch of hillbillies.
Note from TFN editor: Information reproduced here is from mails sent by participants. Sometimes the information may not be complete. This is because the participant has chosen not to provide the information. |
| 21. Gaurav Dwivedi, 28, works for an anti-virus company in Bangalore, Bianchi Nirone |
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Love travelling, reading, playing the guitar. Started cycling in June 2009 on my MTB and got hooked to cycling. Was amazed to know people cycling 900+ kms!! First question that struck me, “Do I have it in me? “ And that’s why I am on what could be the most memorable ride of my life. |
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| 22. Malvika Jain, 23, Copywriter at an advertising agency, Gurgaon, does branding and design projects, Trek 3700: |
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I am doing TFN 09 because I need a good reason to get exhausted, get my adrenalin pumping. I need to pedal, pedal, pedal and then collapse, breathing deep and staring at the sky as my heartbeat slows down to normal.
Also, I need to hit South India in December as my internal body heating system is screwed. Some sun for the cold-blooded animal.
BoDy NeEdS |
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| 23. Bharani Shivakumar, 26, Technical Associate, Emmeskay Systems, Cannondale F9 with slicks |
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I started cycling to work from Feb 09 as a "Go Green" and recessionary austerity measure. It didn’t take long to rediscover the fun of "cycling for cycling", instead of "cycling to a place". Spent hours on the web finding like-minded people and after reading about TFN 08, I felt, "Damn! I wasted all of winter roasting in the Chennai heat :-(". My serious cycling saga started with the Chennai-Bikers and the group has induced me to scale higher limits. I am eager to meet the cycling stalwarts I have been reading about for a year and go through the acid test at TFN 09. |
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| 24. Aditya Pisupati, 28, Enterprise Account Manager, Cisco Systems, Bianchi Sora |
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I saw the poster of TFN last year at one of the Nilgiris outlet on 26th Dec and kicked myself that I had missed it. Then maine kasam khayee thi ke agle saal main jarooor jaungaa. And here I am. TFN sounds like ‘Pure Natural Fun’ and it reflects the passion people share for cycling. Plus there’s the sheer excitement and challenge it throws at us. Apart from cycling I play tennis and love to travel (wife and self have been at it for the last 2 years). |
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| 25. Shreyas U Chowhan, 23, family business, RockRider 5.1 |
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The open roads. Jimi Hendrix going crazy on the guitar with 'Voodoo Chile'. It's like this constant game of one-upmanship, You against You. The freedom that I've experienced cycling has been an unparalleled experience. A strange and sublime madness engulfs the tribe of cyclists. A certain ferocity and devil may care attitude. And that made me want to test my endurance levels to the hilt, and what better platform than TFN .
I spend my time working with my family business. I enjoy travelling to new places, listening to classic rock and reading non-fiction.
I've always wanted to 'Stay Hungry and Stay Foolish'. The status quo bores the living daylights out of me. I have miles to go before I die and this is quite a start! |
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| 26. Adarsh Parekh, 39, management consultant by profession, budding sustainability entrepreneur who also dreams of turning passion for cycling / touring / eating / cooking into something that will pay the bills, Pinnacle Expede cyclo cross with slicks |
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Can I ride 100 km? 150 km? Get out of bed after doing 150 km and ride another 150 km? And again the next day? This is about me discovering my "sense of self" and training my body and mind to be able to do it. It’s really about me proving to myself that I can do something that is extremely challenging. But it’s also about having fun, getting an adrenaline rush of hitting 70km / hour on a stretch of beautiful road – downhill (!), rolling through some of the most picturesque parts of India, meeting a bunch of other folks who are as passionate about getting on their bikes, exchanging stories at the end of the day...that’s what excites me! I am outnumbered by the women in my life – wife Gautami and daughters Kaveri and Prakriti. |
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| 27. Anand Almal, 32, design lead, Yahoo!, Merida TFS100V |
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When not on the saddle, I adventure into the world of food and cooking. TFN 08 opened the exciting world of cycling to me. The decision to join this year's tour was almost immediate. I got myself my first cycle and registered for TFN 09. Since then, I have been cycling to work and doing longer rides on weekends. On the tour, I look forward to traveling slow and taking in the amazing countryside the route offers (something often missed when travelling in a car). |
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| 28. Lavanya S Viswanath, 31, Product Manager in Life Sciences/ Healthcare industry, Merida TFS 100V (maybe with slicks) |
| I'm into travel, trekking, photography, world cinema, biking. When I came to Bangalore in 1999, the first thing I bought was a heavy purple Hercules MTB. Biking was not particularly cool then and there wasn't much of a biking community. So when my work place moved 15 km from home, the bicycle took a back seat. Fast forward to 2008: I took a sabbatical and 2 months of that year I spent in Ladakh where I saw some hardy bikers powering their way from Manali to Leh trying to conquer the majestic mountain on their bicycles. I tell myself, 'Hmm, gotta do that sometime!' Left the heady mountain air and headed back to the plains and picked up a bike. First, it was work commute. Was rather easy. And then slowly started doing weekend long rides and morning rides. I was still not comfortable to committing to a trip that was several months down the line! Besides I had not trained enough for a 900 km trip. But then I slowly realized that registering for TFN and throwing in the towel was the ONLY way I was going to bring the discipline to train. Why TFN ? What can beat the insane fun of biking 900 km through South Indian’s most amazing landscape! Will it be easy? Not for me. Doable? Probably. And hopefully this will be the first of the many biking tours that'll follow! |
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| 29. Anita Bora, Communications Professional, Trek 7100 |
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Top 10 reasons for wanting to be in TFN :
- Because I learnt how to cycle last year and want to make up for lost time
- If someone is going, why not me?
- I missed it last year!
- I need to get the most out of my investment into an expensive cycle!
- I’ve seen the Nilgiris by car, the cycle would make for an interesting perspective…
- I get to indulge in three of my other hobbies - blogging, photography and travel!
- Increase my fitness, stamina and aim to be Iron Woman – just kidding – getting leaner, meaner and faster would be a good start
- Be in the company of 60 odd super spandex sporting stud bikers – what more can a woman ask for?
- The awesome sights and sounds of the Nilgiris and the delicious food on the way – did I mention being a foodie?
- Because I qualified! Yay!
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| 30. Dinesh Kumar C, 30, Tech Lead, TechMahindra, RockRider 6.3 |
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Other than cycling, I play badminton regularly and enjoy photography. I like hills and mountains and nature. I like to be part of TFN as it is India’s longest cycling event and is the ideal platform for me to get double benefit: see nature and do a long distance ride. I look forward to interacting with fellow riders so that I can learn things and improve myself. |
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These pages are about the riders who are lucky to be on TFN 09, for whom cycling is a religion, a passion, a way of life. It is their way of letting us know they care for the environment; that they have made a deliberate and responsible lifestyle choice; and that no barrier, not even 900 km in 8 days, will come in the way of what they believe they can do.
But, of course, most of all, it is about people who want to extract some fun out of life. We hope they inspire you to take up cycling (and be on TFN 10!)
Take a moment to catch up with our brave and adorable bunch of hillbillies.
Note from TFN editor: Information reproduced here is from mails sent by participants. Sometimes the information may not be complete. This is because the participant has chosen not to provide the information. |
| 31. Arvind Bhateja, 40, Medical Director, Sita Bhateja Speciality Hospital - Medical Partner of TFN |
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I am a brain and spine surgeon. My journey into cycling began with the end. The end to running due to a knee injury early this year. Things have come full cycle, since then! Cycling has given me friends, fitness and fought my flab. I am very excited to be on what is a very challenging bike ride and am eagerly looking forward to the challenge that TFN promises. |
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| 32. Anand V. Avati, 26, |
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I am a programmer interested in cycling. TFN is the perfect platform with the right preparations for being able to be part of such a cycling event. |
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| 33. Bhavish Aggarwal, 24, works at Microsoft Research, Bangalore. Trek 1.2 |
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I took to cycling as a regular exercise 2 years. I had done the Mumbai Marathon a few years ago but had not challenged myself to any major physical activity after that and TFN seemed to be the ideal objective to start training again. Not only did it look challenging, it also sounded like a lot of fun and I was hooked! Apart from cycling, I enjoy photography a lot and the occasional game of squash. |
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| 34. R. Venkatachalam, 27, SME banking - Product Specialist in Citibank, Bangalore, LA-Spectrum |
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A techie who never worked for an IT company, and by chance landed in Fin sector 4 years back, and is dreaming to open his own McD equivalent for mass distribution of rice pancakes (aka idlis). I enjoy running, cycling and learning animation. I am looking forward for some great fun while riding the hills. TFN will be the dipstick to test my endurance levels, and I am looking forward to make a lot of friends during the ride. Am hoping that there will be a lot of people who will ride at my snail pace and give me company all through the week. |
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| 35. Raghav Goel, 25, entrepreneur |
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I am an entrepreneur and love photography, soccer, along with most high adrenaline activities (bungee jumping, skydiving). I recently moved back to India after quitting my job in the US as I felt that I had more to contribute and experience in life than live by a paycheck. I am riding on TFN to experience nature, rejuvenate and interact with people of similar enthusiasm and diverse backgrounds. Above all, I want to ride and ride just for the pure fun of it. |
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| 36. Madhukar Rajagopal, 47, works for a multi-national IT company, Gurgaon, all-aluminium MTB |
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Being an outdoor kind of guy who loves activity, I am glad to be on this year's TFN . Wanted to be on it last year but had other engagements. Been cycling well in to my college years and then picked it up again a few years back. The challenge of cycling 900-odd kilometers, in the company of like-minded persons and enjoying the ride and scenery are all motivational factors. Really looking forward to the overall experience. I am Taurasean, a techno-geek and love photography and music. |
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| 37. Anand Mulky, 47, Distributor for Airtel Prepaid, Tatasky DTH and Apple (India), Colnago Prima |
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If you ask people to name something that makes them instantly connect to childhood memories (other than Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button!) then, chances are that the cycle will figure in that list. The TFN 09 is helping me realize a long cherished dream (since school): to climb the Nilgiris on a bicycle. Got back to cycling after witnessing the TFN 08 flag off and now, no better way to bond with the kids on the weekend, while staying fit. |
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| 38. Ullas Holla, 30, writes code for SAP Labs to put beer on the table. |
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TFN 09 is a dream come true for me. Around this time last year, I stumbled upon discussions of TFN 08 and fell in love with cycling all over again. Riding in TFN 09 became my personal Everest. Having never done anything of this proportion before, I relish the physical and mental challenges that lie ahead. Over 900 km of riding pleasure, with like-minded bikers, in terrain dotted by scenic views and beautiful villages with their people and cattle galore, not to mention enjoyable weather. I can't wait. |
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| 39. Vishwas Narendra, 26, works for a start up called Lifeblob, Trek 4300 (has had to drop out of the tour for personal reasons) |
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One fine day, I realized that all the reasons for not commuting by cycle were merely excuses. Within a week, I was riding my new Trek 4300 to work. Around this time I heard of TFN '09. I just knew I had to be on it. I started training immediately. A constant search for new life experiences has made me acquire several hobbies and interests – philosophy, economics, photography, film and now cycling. |
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| 40. Bibhushan, 30, Assistant Product Manager, i2 Technologies. |
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I am not eccentric... just want to do things differently! This is what I have to say to people who have not registered for TFN 09. Doing things differently perhaps has been the reason that motivated me to go for a PhD after my post-graduation. However, life's been dull while working on my research :-( Though that ordeal is gone now, the habit of doing things differently is still there ;-). So, here I am, looking forward for an experience of my lifetime. Other than that, as the punch line of TFN goes, I am going there to 'Experience Nature' (and also to shoot it on my camera). I already have two bikes, one MTB and the other my trustworthy Hero Hawk. However, looking at the route profile I am looking forward to gift myself a decent road bike ;-). |
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These pages are about the riders who are lucky to be on TFN 09, for whom cycling is a religion, a passion, a way of life. It is their way of letting us know they care for the environment; that they have made a deliberate and responsible lifestyle choice; and that no barrier, not even 900 km in 8 days, will come in the way of what they believe they can do.
But, of course, most of all, it is about people who want to extract some fun out of life. We hope they inspire you to take up cycling (and be on TFN 10!)
Take a moment to catch up with our brave and adorable bunch of hillbillies.
Note from TFN editor: Information reproduced here is from mails sent by participants. Sometimes the information may not be complete. This is because the participant has chosen not to provide the information. |
| 41. Gaurav Lodha, 24, Business Analyst, Kona Zing |
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7 reasons I want to be on TFN :
- I want to brag for the rest of my life.
- From surgeons to professional photographers, copy writers to management consultants, I will be interacting and sharing stories with an eclectic group of people
- I love reading travelogues and hope to write one some day. TFN should ensure enough material for that.
- 900 km in 8 days on highways as well as hills is a great way to review a road bike
- TFN will be a learning experience to know all about bikes from fellow bikers
- I have never been south of Vindhyas and there can't be a better way to know more about a place than touring on a bike
- Having spent childhood in tea plantations of Assam and West Bengal and then living in urban jungles for the rest of my life, TFN will help me reconnect with nature
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| 42. Vivek RR, 26, IT professional, Thunder Racer |
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The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do. And this is gonna be true for my ride in TFN 09. Invigorated by my colleague who cycles to office daily, I started cycling with him last year and later we participated in Goa cycling 2008 conducted by YHAI. And now I wanna try something better than that and could not find something better than TFN . Apart from cycling, I have a penchant for tennis, trekking and mountaineering. Some of my best treks include trekking in mighty Himalayas, Swiss Alps and Mt Zugsplitz, Germany. |
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| 43. Jitin Munjal, 37, General Manager, Castrol, Firefox Viper (MTB) |
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When I heard about TFN 08 late last year, I was kicking myself for not getting to know of it sooner…no way was I missing TFN 09. Started riding more regularly this year, and now is the test of endurance – can I do 100+ km several days at a stretch? Look forward to meeting a great bunch of like-minded people and riding with them in the picturesque environ of the Nilgiris. Apart from cycling, I love motorcycling, reading, travelling, photography, watching movies and collecting coffee mugs. Oh, also, being part of TFN 09, I can’t think of a better way to get away from the summery winters of Chennai J |
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| 44. Srikar, 25, working with Guruji.com, Merida 20MD |
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Cycling started as a way to cross-train for squash. But got hooked to it. Thinking more about it, cycling for me has got philosophical connotations. When you are cycling, it's you and your cycle, that's it. Everything else is an obstacle. No matter who you are or how many friends you have, when you see that monster ascent you can count on no one else (but yourself) to pull you through. I started deriving pleasure from the burning calves after conquering a hill after a long ride. Everything changes after a long cycling ride. The pillow on your bed never felt softer, water never felt sweeter. TFN is a concept that epitomises all these and more. Ergo in it. |
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| 45. Anand Iyer, 28, with Qwest (IT), Trek 4300 |
| The Tour of Nilgiris epitomises the quote "It is the journey that matters and not the destination." The journey would surely be demanding but it would also be rewarding. It is for this unique sense of accomplishment that I want to do The Tour of Nilgiris. Apart from cycling I enjoy reading and photography. I plan to religiously Tweet during the TFN . |
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| 46. Manish Bhatnagar, 40, Sales & Marketing Director, UL India, Trek 4300 |
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I switched from running to cycling last year, and TFN is the test whether it’s all been worth it. Apart from that, it’s a good way to drum up some appetite for the party season just after TFN . This year’s tour is for Shreya and Ria – hopefully it will inspire them to explore a world outside Nick and Pogo! |
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| 47. Muthu Kumar, 38, undecided on the bicycle - may build a new bike off a cx frameset |
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Even after doing several cross country rides here in the US I still miss those aimless rides from the good old school days, in India, when we'd all wander way off the beaten tracks, on our bikes. TFN has given me a wonderful opportunity to relive the same feeling, some 20 years later and I am really looking forward to it. What can beat the feeling of waking up to a cup of garam chai and riding up the desi roads surrounded by tropical landscapes. |
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| 48. Santosh Kumar G, 27, Sr. Business Analyst on a Derivatives project, Societe Generale (French Bank), b’Twin Rockrider |
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Frankly, I am a newbie to cycling. I took up to cycling as a cross-training for my running. I bought my cycle in August 2009. My wife and mom have been supportive to all my whims - right from buying my b’Twin Rockrider to Nandi trips and now to joining TFN . I wanted to see how far I can go; its a personal challenge to complete TFN . |
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| 49. Reena Chengappa, 32, runs urban gardening company MySunnybalcony, Cannondale-Quick5 |
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Quit Infosys a few months ago to start MySunnyBalcony along with three other friends. Been an avid traveller and a photographer - part of the seeking and the discovering, I guess. I've been running for about three years now and cycling is something I've been fascinated about of late and my love for the long, meandering trails and mountains and hills attracted me to the TFN ! This has most definitely awoken the wanderlust in me. So, here I am to soak it all up, ride into the horizon and have an affair to remember, with the Nilgiris! And, I have a Cannondale-Quick5
for company and do I love it or what?! :)
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| 50. Shahid Khan, 39, works for Microsoft managing Alliances in Asia-Pacific, Bianchi. |
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Tour of Nilgiris is nothing less than a dream for me. It is simple excitement, fun, test of endurance, challenging your limits and will to keep going for 120+ km every day. Of course, it will give me a huge sense of achievement, satisfaction, and chance to experience the rich fauna and flora through the amazing ride of TFN . I can also tell my grandchildren that I completed TFN 09. I love photography, adventure sports, and like to keep myself fit. The greatest thing about TFN – “900kms in 8 days – are you sure, can you do it?” Well that’s the challenge; let’s go for it.
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These pages are about the riders who are lucky to be on TFN 09, for whom cycling is a religion, a passion, a way of life. It is their way of letting us know they care for the environment; that they have made a deliberate and responsible lifestyle choice; and that no barrier, not even 900 km in 8 days, will come in the way of what they believe they can do.
But, of course, most of all, it is about people who want to extract some fun out of life. We hope they inspire you to take up cycling (and be on TFN 10!)
Take a moment to catch up with our brave and adorable bunch of hillbillies.
Note from TFN editor: Information reproduced here is from mails sent by participants. Sometimes the information may not be complete. This is because the participant has chosen not to provide the information. |
| 51. Santosh V Kulkarni, 25, Embedded Software Engineer with Pace, Felt Z35 |
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I watched this space as TFN 08 was happening, and I knew this is where I had to be next year. So here I am to witness and experience the beauty of nature first hand. TFN is gonna be one unforgettable and challenging journey with like-minded bikers. Apart from biking I enjoy reading, swimming and billiards. I have a few words to describe NILGIRIS:
Nature Inspires Liveliness, so Gear up for an ultimate and Incredible Ride of your life. It is time to Saddle up.
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| 52. Jasvipul Singh Chawla, 25, Wind Energy researcher, Mumbai, Trek 4300. |
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I missed out on TFN 08 - there was no way that I was going to miss TFN 09. I registered on the first day the registrations opened. Cycling through Nilgiris would be a good way to unwind, travel at a slow pace, make friends, and well, push myself. |
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| 53. Pramod Bhardwaj, 32, proud to be working at Texas Instruments, Bianchi Nirone 7 Alu Carb |
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One of my mottos is to follow my heart. I have always loved travelling and meeting people on the way. Looking forward to meeting and riding with a crazy bunch. Special thanks to my wife for her inspiration in making this dream come true. |
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| 54. Peter Clarence-Smith, 55, Trek 4300 XT |
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I'm an off-road mountain biker really. We ride cross-country anywhere in a 50 km radius of Auroville and Pondicherry, and go on riding/camping trips to the Kalrayans, Yercaud, Western Ghats, Nilgiris...anywhere in reach of an overnight bus. I couldn't resist signing up for TFN 09 even though it is mostly designed for road bikes. I mean the route is irresistible. I'm really looking forward to getting all the way to Coorg and Madikeri where I've never been and riding in the company of such a bunch of bikers! It will be my third big event this year, after MTB Sikkim in March and MTB Himachal in October, so 2009 is really turning out special for me! |
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| 55. K M Thammiah, 28, Chartered Accountant, Trek 4300D |
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What started out on a lark has today become a passion. Having to spend long days and quite often nights! in front of my laptop, cycling provides me with a great outlet to let off some steam and really clear my mind. The moment I heard about TFN it instantly earned a place on my bucket list. The sheer strength, both mental and physical, required to complete the tour, really enticed me to sign up. It will be a challenging endurance test and I am thrilled to be part of it. My other interests include golf, scuba diving, karting, photography, music and travel. |
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| 56. Arun Marc D’Silva, 52 |
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MBA from XLRI with over 27 years experience in industry with extensive exposure to HR, Marketing, Advertising, Business Strategy and Retailing. Arun is a think tank, and the conceptualizer of strategy. Arun’s professional energy is being utilised in building India’s first rural retailing network in association with Metro Cash and Carry. He has been a professional footballer, playing for clubs in Punjab, and competed at national level in soccer, squash, swimming and show jumping. His passion for cycling started in the late 80s when he bought a BSA Mach 1 bike, and continues till today. For Arun, TFN is like a breath of fresh air, and a strong beacon of hope for a lonely rider who has yearned for someone to ride with all these years. So what he is looking for is a fun bunch to ride with. |
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| 57. Rajagopalan Babu, 40, Trek 6000 with slicks |
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TFN is great way to enjoy nature. TFN is a unique opportunity to enjoy local culture, scenic beauty and appreciate the diversity of India. Cycling is an amazing way to explore the beauty in a non-intrusive way. I have participated in TFN 08 and enjoyed every km of the ride and the post ride experience. |
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| 58. Sridhar Varadaraj, 40, runs a technology business, Cervelo Soloist |
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I am the quintessential Great Dabbler in nature, having climbed the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc in the European Alps, rock climbed in Joshua Tree and Red Rocks in the USA, dragged myself up Mt. Kenya and Kilimanjaro in Africa, Ski Mountaineered in France, Kayaked and trekked in New Zealand and Nepal, ran marathons like the Jungfrau marathon in Switzerland, the Great Wall marathon in China and a 78K at the Ultra'07 in Bangalore and completed an Ironman 70.3 in Singapore last year, while running a Technology Business out of Coimbatore and serving as amusement for one wife, two kids and two dogs. I am doing the TFN at a time when I celebrate turning 40; it feels like coming back full circle to do such a fantastic tour in the Nilgiris from where I have some of the fondest memories of my life. |
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| 59. Nischal Pai, 31, Behavioural Trainer, HDFC Standard Life insurance, Cannondale Quick5 |
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As a behavioural trainer, I give loads of gyaan to people at work about how to achieve their true potential. I am now going to put my money where my mouth is. Have been marathoning for a while, and the cycle seems to give me a new perspective on the road. 900kms on the TFN with some awesome fellow-riders, and 2009 will have a glorious, bright, healthy finish!! |
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| 60. Navin Mathew, 29, Technology Analyst and Freelance Content Writer, Rockrider 6.0 |
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Am a relative newbie when it comes to adventure, but I am hooked onto the adrenalin rush that pedaling into nature gives me. This tour also happened to be on my '100 Things to do before I kick the bucket' list, so getting a chance to be on TFN is perhaps the most exhilarating experience. My hobbies include flying my RC Helicopter, swimming and backpacking. Planning to hit the tracks, drink in the excitement, drown in the experience and make friends that would last a long time. |
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These pages are about the riders who are lucky to be on TFN 09, for whom cycling is a religion, a passion, a way of life. It is their way of letting us know they care for the environment; that they have made a deliberate and responsible lifestyle choice; and that no barrier, not even 900 km in 8 days, will come in the way of what they believe they can do.
But, of course, most of all, it is about people who want to extract some fun out of life. We hope they inspire you to take up cycling (and be on TFN 10!)
Take a moment to catch up with our brave and adorable bunch of hillbillies.
Note from TFN editor: Information reproduced here is from mails sent by participants. Sometimes the information may not be complete. This is because the participant has chosen not to provide the information. |
| 61. Gayathri Jagadish Chablani, 24, works for a reinsurance company, BSA Ladybird, is the winner of the Radio One BSA TFN Contest and is part of the Radio One Team |
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I'm a happy go lucky person who is always ready to experiment and try out something new. I like dancing, painting and writing apart from cycling! I was very upset when I was in the 9th Standard coz I didn't know how to cycle. I requested a friend who used to come to school by cycle to teach me and I soon got the balance and then I told my dad to buy me a cycle. However, some bitter experience in the neighbourhood took the cycling spirit away and my cycle lay in a corner and was soon buried in dust. When I heard of the Bengaluru Cyclothon, I was all charged and asked my dad to transport my cycle from Coimbatore to Bangalore. I was all so thrilled when I rode again. Since then, I have kept the cycling spirit flowing and am part of the Sunday Cycling Club in office. I was excited to know that I will be a part of the BSA-TFN . I'm anxiously counting days and waiting to ride my "pink princess" - my pink BSA Ladybird at the event. |
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| 62. Pratvii Ponnappa, 28, Clea PR, b’Twin, is the winner of the Radio One BSA TFN Contest and is part of the Radio One Team |
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Dedicated to the gods of speed is a line that I believed in until I got back on to the saddle 6 months ago. That’s when I decided to get back to cycling and laid my hands on the b’Twin . The seat was not as comfortable as I Imagined but once I hit the asphalt and the wheels went round and round and round only to go back to the good old days and BAM the need for some fluid brought me back to reality.
Feeling the wind in your face is the best part of being on two wheels. Always preferred two wheels to four.
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| 63. Ramesh Palani, 37, Senior Manager at IBM, Merida Sub-40 |
Am a very active person when it comes to any sport/games and play all racquet sports pretty well. I was introduced to RFL & running community by one of my friend/colleague and that had really transformed my life. I have been actively running since start of this year and had done many Half Marathons all over India ranging from Leh (Great Tibetan Marathon), Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi (ADHM), Ultra (B'lore) with the recent Midnight Marathon just days before TFN !!
I got into cycling as part of the Duathlon event organized by RFL and since then have been actively cycling and have done close to 1500 kms so far. Enjoy cycling at my own pace (20km/hr should not be called as pace??) and more importantly down hills. Love to ride on freewheels with my hands off d bar !!
Btw, having high hopes to run a 100km in-addition to the 900k ride!!, :) |
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| 64. Bhaskar Rao,44, I.P.S., Commissioner for Transport & Road Safety, Govt. of Karnataka, Colnago Primavera |
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I am interested in sports like marathon running and long distance cycling -- have done Bangalore-Mysore in 1980 on a Hercules and 800 km of Discover Karnataka in` 6 days in 1985. Keen on supporting activities like the promotion of the green movement, child safety and traffic awareness. Served in Kosovo, Europe, with the United Nations Peace Keeping Force. Have served as Superintendent of Police in Bangalore Rural, Coorg, Shimoga, as the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Hubli, Dharwad and for Bangalore city, and as the Commissioner of Police at Mysore. |
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| 65. Shilpa Garg, 30 |
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I grew up in Mysore and Coorg and spent the prime of my adolescence training to be a lawyer in Bangalore. After law school, I headed North, lived and traveled around the world, studied, worked, doped, met my husband, turned 30 a couple of months ago, and now I feel complete. Fortunately, BSA TFN will take me through places that will bring back a lot of memories that I can hardly wait to relive! |
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