Evolution and Experiments - bringing tandem cycling to India | Meera Velankar | TEDxNITKSurathkal

Dr. Meera Velankar's journey is one of transformation and triumph. After returning to India with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the US and South Africa, she faced the daunting challenge of unemployment. Despite the societal pressures of being jobless, and the additional expectations placed on her as a mother, she refused to be defined merely as her husband's wife. From 2011 to 2015, Meera found her calling in endurance cycling. Transitioning from a scientist to a cyclist, she set her sights on becoming one of India’s top five cyclists. Ignoring societal judgments, she pursued her passion with determination, completing half Ironman events and various brevets. Through cycling, she discovered the freedom of a "Hakuna Matata" mindset, embracing the physical and mental well-being it provided and cherishing the outdoor adventures it offered. Meera’s cycling feats are nothing short of remarkable. She completed the Golden Quadrilateral route in 42 days and set multiple Limca records, all while promoting the tandem cycle as a powerful symbol of women’s empowerment. One of her most significant achievements was riding 1,800 kilometers from Agra to Muringla with Utkarsh, earning a Guinness World Record despite a 20-year age gap between them. Throughout these journeys, she emphasized the importance of synchronization and shared vision in tandem cycling, pushing beyond societal norms. Her husband has been her unwavering supporter, never doubting her capabilities and standing by her side through every challenge. Balancing her passion for cycling with her responsibilities as a mother, Meera has redefined what it means to be both a parent and a trailblazer. Her philosophy of always having a "Plan B" ready has guided her through life's uncertainties, turning every obstacle into an opportunity for growth.
Meera Velankar is a resilient and accomplished individual with a Ph.D. in Life Sciences. Over the past decade and more , she accidentally transitioned into an endurance cyclist, defying conventional expectations and carving a unique path in the world of cycling. Her accidental entry into cycling in 2011 became a transformative journey, encompassing racing, triathlons, and self-supported long-distance events.
Dr. Meera's cycling journey, averaging an impressive 8,000 km annually, symbolizes not just a sport but a transformative means of overcoming identity crises and embracing unforeseen passions.
The years from 2015 to 2023 witnessed Dr. Meera's notable cycling expeditions, including a Guinness World Record, and the completion of challenging routes in India amid the complexities of three corona waves. of particular significance is her tandem cycling expedition to Umlingla in 2023, an exploration of high-altitude riding that embodies the essence of living life fruitfully and embracing challenges.
Dr. Meera's story resonates with the belief that life's challenges are opportunities for growth. Her experiences underscore the importance of continuous self-challenge and a commitment to embrace daily challenges as stepping stones to a fulfilling life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx