Solo drive across India in 75 days, Kerala woman fulfils her late father's dream

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For 47-year-old Josphine Jose, a psychologist from Thrissur, one of her brightest childhood memories is the ride on her father's two-stroke Bajaj Super.

Image Credit: Photo: Special arrangement

It was during those trips her father, Jose Kavalakkat, who had served with the Military Engineering Services, would tell her about a dream to tour the country on his two-wheeler.

Image Credit: Photo: Special arrangement

Fate didn’t allow them to fulfil that dream together. Josphine decided to honour her father's memory in a unique way—17 years after his passing.

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With her brand-new Grand Vitara, fondly named “Laadalee” (meaning darling in Hindi) and affectionately nicknamed “Laddoo,” she embarked on a solo journey across 18 states and 4 Union Territories, covering an impressive 14,277 kilometres in 75 days.

Image Credit: Photo: Special arrangement

“I have a habit of gifting myself an experience every year, and a Kanyakumari-to-Kashmir road trip was always on my bucket list. But this journey was entirely unplanned,” says Josphine.

Image Credit: Photo: Special arrangement

“I packed a few essentials, informed some cousins and friends for safety, and told my mother and sister that I was collecting data for my PhD thesis.”

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A psychologist practising in Thrissur for six years, Josphine had left her 19-year-long corporate career in the stock market to focus on her family in 2013.

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Without a detailed itinerary, she often took detours and adjusted her routes as challenges arose. A self-imposed rule kept her driving only during daylight, with evenings reserved for finding homestays or hotels to rest.

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While Josphine describes the experience as “crazy,” it wasn’t without its share of hurdles.

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In Odisha, a group of bikers staged a fake accident to rob her and later pursued her after realising she was travelling alone.

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Josphine described her happiest moment as sharing her accomplishment with her mother, Bloomy Jose, and hearing her say, "Your dad would have been proud of you."

Image Credit: Photo: Special arrangement
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