At 19, while most of his peers juggle academics, smartphones and social media, Indian teenager Sahil Jha is pedalling across continents – quite literally – to raise awareness about one of the planet’s most pressing but overlooked crises: soil degradation.
On March 21, Sahil embarked on an ambitious solo journey spanning 20,000 kilometres and 20 countries, starting in Bundaberg, Australia. His destination? Global consciousness. His mission? To spotlight the critical issue of soil extinction and urge governments to act before it’s too late.
Between June 26 and 29, Sahil, who hails from Kolkata, was in Singapore as part of this epic odyssey. In four packed days, he met diplomats, addressed the media and spoke with students, policymakers and environmental advocates.
His engagements included meetings with the ambassadors of Australia and Chile, diplomats from Cambodia and New Zealand, and a community outreach event co-hosted by the Indian High Commission.
At Isha Yoga Centre in Ang Mo Kio, he addressed a gathering attended by India’s Deputy High Commissioner Pooja Tillu.
He also conducted an awareness session at Temasek Polytechnic, participated in a symbolic cycling event through key landmarks, and used his growing social media platform to amplify local stories tied to soil health.
“Singapore was phenomenal,” he said. “The level of engagement, from students to diplomats, was inspiring. Every conversation is a step closer to making soil a mainstream issue.”
Sahil’s mission stems from a sense of spiritual and ecological responsibility.
Inspired by the Save Soil movement initiated by spiritual leader Sadhguru, he first cycled 15,000km across India at age 16. That journey touched over 250 institutions and garnered over 300 media features. Now, having seen the deteriorating condition of soil across India, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia, he’s sounding the alarm globally.
“Soil isn’t just dirt beneath our feet – it’s the foundation of our food, water and climate systems,” he said. “When I visit farmlands, I see dry, lifeless soil devoid of earthworms and microorganisms. The food grown in such soil has no taste, no nutrients, and, in some cases, toxins.”
Backed by crowdfunding and supported by organisations like Adani Sportsline, Sahil’s journey combines grit, discipline and advocacy.
He cycles 50km to 70km a day, stopping in cities to meet with farmers, political leaders, students and NGOs.
“Each conversation matters,” he said. “I ask leaders to prioritise soil health in national policy – incentivising farmers to increase organic content in soil from 1 per cent to 3-6 per cent is a vital step.”
Sahil rides a Surly-branded geared touring bicycle that has clocked thousands of kilometres without a single flat tyre – a testament to the preparation and endurance required for his solo voyage.
But the journey is more than physical. “I follow a strict fitness and mindfulness routine,” he says. “The biggest challenge is staying mentally resilient across unfamiliar terrains, weather and visa hurdles.”
He is also pursuing his Year 12 studies online while on the road. “Education can’t wait, but neither can the soil,” he quips.
Sahil’s campaign is part of a larger wave of environmental action driven by youth, but what sets him apart is his singular focus and tangible results.
“We’ve already seen impact,” he noted. “India launched a national mission for natural farming with significant investment. The EU is debating a soil monitoring law. China has initiated its first National Soil Survey in 40 years. The conversation is happening – we just need to keep pushing before it’s too late.”
According to UNESCO, nearly 90 per cent of Earth’s land surface could be degraded by 2050 if current trends continue. This would slash food production by 40 per cent, exacerbate climate change and trigger conflicts over food and water. “This is not a far-off crisis,” Sahil warned. “It’s already here, hidden beneath our feet.”
He believes youth hold the key. “Use your smartphones, use your voices,” he urged young Singaporeans. “Talk about soil on social media. Demand policy change. If soil becomes your priority, it will become your leaders’ priority too.”
From Singapore, Sahil headed to Malaysia. He will then move on to Europe, the UK and North America. His campaign will continue with school visits, stakeholder engagements and media outreach.
His ultimate goal is to build a global coalition of changemakers – individuals, institutions and governments – that will treat soil health not just as an environmental issue, but a public survival imperative.
As he left Singapore on his way to the next leg of his journey, Sahil summed up his drive with clarity and calm: “This mission isn’t just about soil. It’s about saving our future. And if I can pedal one conversation into a policy shift, it’s all worth it.”
