Kanyakumari’s Rency Thomas (37) undertook a daring solo expedition to navigate the Ganga River in 100 days, using only human-powered methods like biking, kayaking, and walking.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, Rency was once bedridden, but he refused to let the disease stop him from pursuing his love for the outdoors.

“I loved the outdoors and had nurtured only one dream all my life — to become an Air Force pilot,” he recalls. “I didn’t know what to do with myself. The Air Force wouldn’t accept someone with arthritis,” he recalls.

His childhood dream of becoming an Air Force pilot was shattered by his diagnosis, but he forged a new path by flying light aircraft and embracing outdoor adventures. “The symptoms can reoccur, but there’s no stopping this disease, only preventing it,” he says

On 4 November 2023, Rency began his 2,600 km journey from Gaomukh, aiming to complete it in 100 days. He was supported by a small team of three.

He completed the trek from Gaomukh to Gangotri in a day and cycled from Gangotri to Devprayag, covering challenging terrains along the way.

After cycling, Rency switched to kayaking. He kayaked through the white-water stretch from Devprayag to Rishikesh before moving to calmer waters for sea kayaking.

Each night, he set up camp by the river, confronting rough waters, unpredictable weather, and occasional low visibility. He remained optimistic, believing that with improved weather conditions, he could complete his journey a few days ahead of schedule.

Around 25 days into his expedition, Rency reflected on his journey, saying, “I am racing against time as I am not sure for how long my body will be able to take such adventures.”

Near the Farakka Barrage, he faced the challenge of navigating tidal activities in the river, especially near the Bangladesh border. His team was prepared for these obstacles.

Rency successfully completed his expedition on 6 February 2024, about 95 days after he first began his journey.

His journey was about more than just adventure — it was about resilience. He hopes others with similar conditions know that no matter the obstacles, dreams can still be achieved. “Whatever you’re dreaming, if you push yourself enough, you can achieve it,” he says.