India, June 27 -- For 24-year-old Suraj Soni, the open road doesn't just offer a destination; it offers a lesson of life. Currently midway through a cycling expedition from Lucknow to Leh-Ladakh, the air-conditioner mechanic-turned-adventurer is covering thousands of kilometres on a self-modified bicycle, driven by a simple mission: to celebrate life, "Mujhe bas ghumna hain, paise thhe nahin train-hawaijahaz ke toh bas cycle se chal diye."

"Itna pyaar milta hai jahan bhi jaa raha hoon," says Suraj, laughing. "Now, I just want to explore entire country on my cycle. And who knows? Maybe I'll go international next time."

Suraj's journey is as humble as his ride,"I save my earnings, only to spend one half on my trips. To date, I have covere...