By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy

New Delhi, Jan 9, 2026: A 37-year-old man from Kerala is on an all-India cycle tour with a special mission: to build India’s first enclave for the disabled.

Raneesh Thattaruparambil, a mobile shop owner, and his schoolteacher friend began the journey on January 10, 2021, collecting just one rupee from people on the way.

They took a break mid-2025, as his fried had to leave on an emergency.

After the break that lasted six months, Raneesh resumed the cycle-caravan mission on January 7 – this time with his wife Rajini and Rio, his fourth-grade son. Kerala Transport Minister Ganesh Kumar flagged off the “Give one rupee–change somebody’s life” tour at Pathanamthitta bus-stand.

Raneesh shared with Matters India about his unique mission.

MI: Why did you take up this mission?

Raneesh: Some time ago, my wife and I decided to leave our signature in the world before we die. The best way was to help the less privileged. We came up with the idea of “mission one rupee.” Our goal is to build houses for families of five physically disabled, collecting just one rupee from people.

Why did you choose to help the disabled?

There are many homeless people around us. They are normal people. If they are not able to build houses despite being healthy and hardworking, how much more difficult it is for the disabled. Hence, our choice of the disabled with no land or home.

How was the first part of your tour?

My teacher friend Nijin was my companion in the first part. We shared the same desire to help the poor. We planned to complete the first part within 18 months, but it took more time. Due to some reasons my friend could not accompany me in the second leg. So, my wife and son have joined me.

With the fund collected in the first leg, we bought land and laid the foundation stones for five houses at Ambalavayal, Wayand. Once completed, it will become the first colony for the disabled in India.

Was your family afraid that you would return only after several years?

(Laughs) Right. My son said, “Even if daddy says he will return after a year, he will not. Because he has to complete his mission.” They did not want to send me alone. They hope a family vlog enroute will help raise funds quickly. The two-room house with a hall and a kitchen will cost 6 lakh (600,000) rupees. The house work progresses as we are on the journey.

Who is at home when you are away? What about your son’s education?

My parents and grandmother are in the house. My son will study online, that is our plan.

How do you collect money during the journey?

We go from person to person asking them to give us one rupee. Everyone is willing to contribute.

Please describe your cycle caravan?

Actually, we have made a small house on two bicycles – perhaps the biggest cycle caravan in the world. My wife and I will peddle all the way. It is a mini house with all the necessary things, except the bathroom. It has a fan, light, solar system, water tank. We cook inside the house. At night, we convert it into a comfortable bedroom. We accept the discomforts as we are on a noble mission.

What has been people’s response?

We find people very supportive. Actually, every contributor joins our mission. Not everyone can make a journey like this. But all have an inner desire to do good for the poor. I started the mission with no fund. But my friends and well-wishers helped build the caravan. They worked round the clock for three weeks to complete the work.

Some people donate more than one rupee. A person gave 45,000 rupees when we asked for one rupee. Some hesitate to give even the one rupee as they have lost faith in people collecting money for charity. They say they have seen such people using half the funds collected on themselves or doing nothing for the poor. The trust issue is a problem we encountered.

So, how do you overcome such suspicion?

Somehow, I have to complete the five houses and hand over the keys to their beneficiaries. Otherwise, people will lose trust in charitable organizations. During this travel we plan to raise funds through my YouTube channel. I accept money from anyone. But I do not want to trouble anybody.

What about the license and other documents for the vehicle?

This is a poor man’s caravan. It does not need license, petrol or diesel. We do not travel much at night. So, we have only two headlights.

Were you into any charitable work earlier?

Earlier, I helped people with food, medicine and whatever they needed. There were times when we had nothing to eat at home. Yet we helped the needy. I have given food to a home for the aged.

I follow the teachings of Christ who went around doing good to all.