Eric Paul covered a total distance of 3,917 km in the record of 159 hours and 59 minutes in a customised hatchback with hand controls.
A 29-year-old man has made it to the Limca Book of Records after driving from Leh to Kanyakumari in a record time. Eric Paul covered a total distance of 3,917 km in the record of 159 hours and 59 minutes in a customised hatchback with hand controls. Eric is a paraplegic who is paralysed from the chest below and has been confined to a wheelchair since February 2012 after a road accident. Eric had to face many challenges on the long journey yet is glad he was able to set a record with his trip. Eric is employed with the Taj group of hotels and is a passionate driver. Last winter he completed the ‘Golden Quadrilateral’ road task of the Limca Books to set a record.
He had then driven 6,000 km from Delhi to Mumbai and then Bengaluru and Chennai to Kolkata to enter the Limca Book of Records. The Leh to Kanyakumari drive is his second record published in the Limca Book. Being a believer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ he has campaigned for cleanliness during both his travel expeditions across the country. After two successful trips, Eric is now planning for a third journey for raising awareness about issues of disabled people. He plans to set another record with his third trip too.
PTI quoted him as saying, “It feels really good but I think I have just crossed a milestone and there is a long way to go. There were many challenges on my way like no toilets, restrooms, shelters or any public place which is wheelchair- friendly. Neither are people aware of offering help. Instead, they look at me with pity, which makes a special person uncomfortable. Divyang kite festival finds place in Limca Book of records with participation of 4000 divyangs: Vijay Rupani
Talking about issues he faced during the journey, Eric said, “Other challenges were instant changing weather conditions, no mobile network, petrol pumps at long distances in hilly areas, poor condition of roads, and landslides. Language barrier while getting food and shelter was also a task.” He added saying, “I want to see a new India which is accessible for people like me or with any other disability. It is only possible when the whole society comes together and works in this area. I’ll try my best to contribute towards this.” (Image-Free Press Journal)
