56-year-old Tarun Parmar pedals from Noida to Hyderabad, urging India’s youth to stay away from addiction and embrace meditation, concludes journey at Kanha Shanti Vanam, world’s largest meditation center and Heartfulness Global Headquarters

Noida : In a remarkable display of endurance, determination, and purpose, 56-year-old software engineer and Heartfulness meditation practitioner, Tarun Parmar has completed a 1700 km journey from Noida to Hyderabad to raise awareness about the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ and promote Heartfulness meditation. Beginning on September 13, Parmar concluded his 14-day journey today at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the world’s largest meditation centre and global headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute. His arrival coincides with the Bhandara celebrations marking the birthday of Shri Kamlesh D. Patel, lovingly called Daaji, the Global Guide of Heartfulness, adding symbolic significance to the culmination of his journey.

Cycling an average of 110 to 120 km every day, Parmar crossed Noida, Mathura, Agra, Gwalior, Shivpuri, Guna, Biawara, Bhopal, Itarsi, Betul, Nagpur, Pandharkhadwa, Nirmal, Kamareddy, and finally Hyderabad. The journey tested both his physical and mental limits. Parmar faced scorching heat in Madhya Pradesh, heavy rainfall across Telangana, dangerous highway stretches, and dense forest areas where he often had to navigate in darkness. Hilly terrain in places like Shivpuri and Nirmal forced him to push his cycle on foot. Despite getting minimal rest, cycling late into the night, and enduring wet and challenging conditions, Parmar completed the journey with resilience, attributing his strength to Heartfulness meditation.

Along the way, Parmar met people who expressed curiosity and interest in his mission, often stopping to ask about the purpose of his journey, record videos, and encourage him. At every stop, Heartfulness practitioners welcomed him warmly, providing food, lodging, and support that sustained him through the physically taxing journey.

Tarun embarked on this journey to support the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign) – a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment that aims to curb substance abuse, raise awareness about its harmful impact, and build community-led preventive systems across the country.

The campaign places special emphasis on engaging youth and educational institutions in building a healthier, addiction-free India, and promote the transformative power of Heartfulness meditation – a simple practice of relaxation and inner connection that helps individuals reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate emotional balance. Rooted in yogic traditions, it is offered free of cost worldwide and has been adopted by millions to bring peace, clarity, and purpose into their daily lives.

Parmar prepared for the journey with a 36-day training plan, including consecutive long-distance rides to test his stamina. “The youth are the backbone of any nation, and it pains me to see so many young people falling into the trap of drugs and addiction. Meditation builds mental strength, focus, and inner resilience, helping people overcome habits that harm themselves and society. By promoting meditation alongside awareness for a drug-free India, we can protect our youth and empower the future of the nation,” Tarun Parmar said on completing his journey.

Congratulating Tarun on completing his mission, Daaji, Global Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission, said, “At Heartfulness, we believe that true transformation begins from within. By practicing meditation, individuals and especially the youth can develop inner strength, clarity, and emotional balance, which are vital in making conscious choices and avoiding substance abuse. Tarun’s journey is a true example of how individual willpower, guided by purpose, can inspire change. Addiction is a critical challenge for our youth, and meditation nurtures inner strength to combat it. Heartfulness stands with the youth, pledging for a healthier, stronger, and addiction-free society. Let us spread awareness, inspire action, and together create a brighter, drug-free future for India.”

Tarun’s endeavor stands as a reminder that the path to a drug-free society is strengthened by meditation, inner discipline, and personal commitment.