As the morning sun rose over Belagavi, a lone cyclist quietly pedalled out of the city, his left hand firmly gripping the handlebar, his eyes set on the road ahead. For many, it was just another morning. But for Tameem Ansari, a 38-year-old cyclist from Tamil Nadu, it was another powerful push forward in his extraordinary 6,000 km solo journey across India.
Born in 1986 in Attur, Tamil Nadu, Tameem’s life has never followed the ordinary route. At just 18, he lost his right hand in a devastating industrial accident. Many would have seen that as a full stop. Tameem saw it as a comma—a pause before a longer, more meaningful sentence.
Tameem Ansari moved to Chennai as a child, studied till class 7, and began working early in life. From insurance sales to being a PAN card agent, he hustled to make ends meet. But it was a moment of quiet desperation that sparked something bold. Unable to buy a simple gift for his sister’s child, his mother quietly placed ₹100 in his pocket. That moment of silent support led him to buy an old bicycle for ₹1000—his first companion in what would soon become a life-altering journey.
In 2021, Tameem Ansari set out on his first major cycling trip—200 km on a basic bicycle. Encouraged by friends, he took on more challenges, upgrading his cycle with help from supporters. Since then, he’s clocked over 52,000 km, including Super Randonneur rides of 200 km, 300 km, 400 km, and even 600 km.
Through unbearable heat, uphill climbs, and long lonely highways, Tameem pedals with purpose—not just for himself, but for the causes he believes in. Whether it’s spreading messages like “Don’t give phones to children”, or promoting cleanliness and fitness, he has turned his cycle into a vehicle for awareness.
His Kashmir to Kanyakumari ride earned him a mention in the Limca Book of Records, and his application to the Guinness Book of Records is pending. He camps at petrol pumps, washes his own clothes, and posts his location on social media where fellow cyclists often step up with support, companionship, or just a word of encouragement.
As he passed through Belagavi this week, his quiet determination left a lasting impression on those who met him. Despite the language barrier—Tameem speaks only Tamil—his spirit spoke louder than words. Local cyclists offered him support, rode alongside him for a while, and bid him farewell as he rolled out of the city on his humble yet powerful machine.
“I want to show that a physical challenge need not deter people from achieving their goals,” says Tameem. “I also want the able-bodied to see that they should never underestimate someone who is differently-abled.”
He now dreams of representing India in the Para Olympics, and trains rigorously on the Chennai bypass road, pushing himself in endurance rides and races.
Downhill rides with one hand? No problem. Heatwaves? He endures. Flat tyres? He hasn’t had one yet, thanks to high-quality tyres. And if one comes, he says, “I’ll ask strangers. Someone will help.”
Tameem’s journey is not just across Indian cities—it’s across hearts, breaking barriers of doubt and disbelief. As he cycles on—one hand, two wheels, and a thousand dreams—we salute this unstoppable hero from Tamil Nadu who reminds us all: Strength isn’t about what you have; it’s about what you do with what’s left.
So many amongst us are willing to play the victim card when faced with even small obstacles. Tameem is testimony to making the most of whatever life has to offer and inspire people to spread positivity at all times. He seems to portray, it’s easier done than said.