New Delhi: Ace Indian kayaker Kaustubh Khade and his cyclist partner Shanjali Shahi recently embarked upon a 100-day expedition across the west coast to support Magic Bus. While Kaustubh will be kayaking through the Arabian sea, Shanjali, a proficient cyclist, will take the road to cover over 3000 km, 5 states and 1 union territory. At the end of the three-month journey, the couple will have covered the entire west coast of India, from Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district in west to Kanyakumari in the south.

Kaustubh and Shanjali aim to support 100 children living in poverty on the Magic Bus programme. Last year, Kaustubh had undertaken a similar challenge covering over 415 kms on the Arabian Sea in 17 days, making it the longest solo open sea kayaking feat and landing him a spot in the prestigious Limca Book of Records. He has earlier represented India in two Asian Championships, finishing 5th at the Asian Sea Kayaking Championship for solo kayaking and winning two silver and one bronze medal at the Asian Dragon Boat Championship.

Matthew Spacie, MBE, Founder and Executive Chairman said, “We are delighted to have supporters like Kaustubh and Shanjali who dare to be different and make a difference in the life of other underprivileged children and youth in India. They have our best wishes as they coast their way from Kutch to Kanyakumari. We have always believed in the power of individuals to bring about change and Kaustubh and Shanjali are standing examples of the same.”

Speaking on their latest endeavour, Kaustubh Khade said, “Magic Bus uses a childhood to livelihood approach to bring children out of poverty. It’s because of this, and tremendous people working there that I am raising funds for them again.”

Shanjali Shahi said, “If 100% of MagicBus girls escape the practice of Child Marriage, there itself is a cause to support.”