Retirement, for most, is a time to slow down. But for Shahjahan, who retired from the Kerala police on May 31, it signalled the start of a bold new mission.

Moments after completing 31 years in the Kerala Police, Mr. Shahjahan strapped on his helmet, hopped on his bicycle, and launched a 2,025-km solo ride across all 14 districts of Kerala. The mission of his trip was to take the fight against drug abuse straight to the streets, schools and hearts of the youth.

This is not Mr. Shahjahan’s first time in the saddle for a cause. At 50, he cycled 1,700 km across the state, campaigning for helmet and seatbelt safety - a journey that earned him a certificate of appreciation from then State Police Chief Loknath Behera.

But this time, the stakes are higher, and the cause far more urgent.

“The rising use of drugs is a silent epidemic. It tears apart families, disrupts communities, and threatens the future of our nation. I wanted to use my retirement not as an end, but as a beginning,” he said.

Now in the final leg of his 33-day expedition, Mr. Shahjahan reached Pathanamthitta on Saturday. At the District Headquarters camp, he was warmly received by Narcotics Cell Deputy Superintendent of police B. Anil. “Such efforts inspire action. It’s s so rare to see someone dedicate their post-retirement life to such a noble cause,” the official said.

Mr. Shahjahan’s journey spanned the entire length and breadth of Kerala covering the bustling cities to coastal towns and remote villages. In places like Ernakulam, he hopped onto a metro with his bike to engage with commuters. In Thrissur and Malappuram, local communities joined him for parts of the journey. Even the hilly terrains of Wayanad and Attappadi were not off-limits.

“Drug abuse doesn’t stop at city limits. That’s why I need to reach every corner,” he explains.

At every stop, Mr. Shahjahan engaged with local residents, especially students and parents. During these conversations, his focus was on not just on the consequences of drug addiction but also on the importance of awareness, prevention and collective responsibility.

Mr. Shahjahan views his ride as a grassroots extension of those efforts, carrying the message deep into communities where enforcement alone may not reach.

“This is my small contribution to a much bigger fight,” he says with humility.

Published - June 29, 2025 06:39 pm IST