Limitless: Boy with epilepsy embarks on 1000 km Brevet to inspire hope

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, December 11

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 2005, Delhi-based Vinay Jani had two options to choose from—allow himself to get overwhelmed by the stigma that ignorance about the disorder perpetuates or pull himself together and get on with life.

Vinay chose the latter and here he is, having completed half of his 1000 km Brevet which began from Gurugam in Haryana on December 10 and is scheduled to end at Kundli on December 13.

“This is my second 1000 km Brevet and must be completed in 75 hours. This time I am riding to create awareness about epilepsy and to motivate other persons with epilepsy to believe in my philosophy — there are no limits,” says Vinay Jani, who has already covered 551 km today reaching Punjab’s Attari after covering a range of towns including Ludhiana and Phagwara.

 He is now on his return journey—Punjab to Haryana (Kundli)—to spread awareness about epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders affecting more than 65 million people worldwide.

 India alone has an estimated 15 million or more cases.

 “Despite such a high prevalence, the awareness about epilepsy in India is very low. This lack of awareness further perpetuates the already existing stigma around epilepsy. Persons with epilepsy face discrimination and harassment for education, employment, and marriage. Thus, the lack of knowledge makes epilepsy a social problem, not just a medical one,” said Manjari Tripathi of AIIMS Neurology department, speaking at a meet and greet event which EKATWAM, an NGO working for persons with epilepsy, organized here on December 10 with Vinay.

The event was significant with Vinay showing others like him that it is possible to push the envelope.

He started long-distance running and Randonneuring (endurance or long-distance cycling in specified time) called BREVET.

“Vinay has completed five half marathons, a full marathon, and several BREVETS: multiple 200 km, 300 km, 600 km ones, one 1000 km. He even attempted Paris Brest Paris Brevet,” says Komal Kamra, founder member of the NGO supporting the event.

Accompanying Vinay are his teammates and they must all cover a phenomenal 333 plus km daily to hit their goal.