Pedalling Hope: How Bousti Vincy of AICIF Rode 1,000 km to Put the Planet—and Young Women—on the Map

Chennai, January 2, 2026: From the windswept shores of Kanyakumari to the bustling streets of Chennai, one young woman’s bicycle carried more than tired legs and spinning wheels. It carried courage, conviction, and a quiet challenge to society’s limits.

When Bousti Vincy mounted her bicycle for the ‘Save Nature, Reclaim Right to Life’ rally, she was not just embarking on a long-distance journey—she was rewriting a story rarely told. As the only woman to complete almost the entire 1,000-kilometre environmental bicycle rally from Kanyakumari to Chennai, the AICUF young woman leader emerged as a striking symbol of youth-led action, resilience, and women’s leadership in public spaces.

A first-generation graduate with a Master’s degree in Mathematics and a full-time state worker of the All India Catholic University Federation (AICUF) in Tamil Nadu, Vincy’s journey is rooted in humility. She hails from Xavier Palayam village in Kallakurichi district, on the banks of the Thenpennai River. Losing her father at just ten months old, she was raised by her mother, Helen Mary, an agricultural labourer who single-handedly brought up three children with grit and sacrifice.

That same resilience defined Vincy’s cycling journey. Organised jointly by AICUF and the Tamil Nadu Religious Assembly, the rally took place from November 5 to 20 after nearly two years of planning. Concerns over health, safety, and logistics initially limited women’s participation. Though two women were selected, Vincy was advised to cycle only short stretches. She chose otherwise—pushing herself day after day to cover nearly 850 kilometres alongside male comrades on demanding national highways.

“It was painful in the beginning,” she recalls. “There was leg pain, exhaustion, and even cycling during my menstrual cycle. But with hydration, rest, and the support of the team, my body slowly adapted.” What began as struggle soon turned into strength, as she matched the pace of the group and completed the journey with determination.

Fr. Parthasarathi S.J., AICUF Advisor for Tamil Nadu, describes her as “a courageous young leader with a clear vision for society,” calling her journey “a symbol of hope for women who want to make the world a better place.”

Vincy’s path to leadership began during her postgraduate studies at Mother Teresa University, Kodaikanal, when a friend introduced her to AICUF. A month-long street play campaign on the Indian Constitution became a turning point, eventually leading her to serve as a full-time AICUF staff member—a role she has embraced for the past three years.

The bicycle rally transformed her personally as well. “It taught me that youth cannot wait for change—we must become the change,” she says. She now consciously avoids plastic, carries water from home, and practises responsible waste disposal. The journey also sharpened her sense of discipline, teamwork, time management, and environmental responsibility.

Back home, her family initially thought she was attending a routine AICUF programme. The truth unfolded through social media videos—of her cycling across districts and being recognised by the Deputy Chief Minister. Pride replaced surprise. In her village, her achievement sparked admiration, especially among women for whom such opportunities are rare.

Vincy describes her life simply: “Before AICUF and after AICUF.” The movement helped her find her voice, broaden her worldview, and challenge the social boundaries placed on women. It also gave her first taste of international travel and exposure beyond familiar horizons.

Her message to women is clear and grounded: believe in yourself, care for your health, earn your family’s trust, and do not be paralysed by society’s perceptions. “Society changes with time,” she says. “What matters is travelling according to one’s conscience.”

Looking ahead, Vincy is pursuing a part-time B.Ed. and dreams of becoming a Professor of Mathematics with a Ph.D.—the first doctorate holder in her family. She also hopes to practise natural, non-toxic farming and continue her commitment to social transformation inspired by AICUF values.

As she reflects on her long ride for the planet, Vincy credits her mother, brothers, mentors, comrades, and God for unwavering support. Her journey proves that sometimes, a single bicycle—and a determined young woman—can carry the weight of change far beyond the road.

Pedalling Hope: How Bousti Vincy of AICIF Rode 1,000 km to Put the Planet—and Young Women—on the Map

Latest News