Mrs Neelima and Major General Shiv Jaswal, at the ages of 69 and 75 years respectively, took up a
challenge many youngsters would find impractical. On learning of Atulya Ganga Cyclothon planned for
creating awareness among our Countrymen, for the rejuvenation of Ma Ganga, the couple jumped in,
though they had no previous cycling experience.
They decided to join the Cyclothon from Kanpur to Patna, a distance of 600 kms. They decided to take their
car along. The plan was that Neelima would travel in the car and the General would cycle for maybe 20 to 30
kms of the 120 to 140 kms scheduled in a day. Whenever he got tired he would load the bike on the car.
Guided by Brigadier Narendra Chaarag, The Commandant Punjab Regimental Centre, at Ramgarh, an
experienced cyclist, they purchased a sports bike from Decathlon Lucknow, and joined the Cyclothon at
Kanpur. The General dug in his heels and surprised himself by cycling 85 to 130 kms on all five days instead
of the planned 20 to 30 kms per day.
.As they rode along, they learnt of the concerted efforts of the Veterans, a commitment of eleven years, to
rejuvenate Ma Ganga and bring it to its pristine state. They found the briefing and motivational talks to NCC
Cadets and School children along the route very inspirational.
Mrs Neelima graduated from of IT College, Lucknow in 1972. She’s been a teacher for 17 Years as also
Principal of various Schools where the General was posted. General Shiv did his schooling at St Joseph’s
College, Nainital, as a boarder, from 1954 till Senior Cambridge in 1963. After training at the National Defence
Academy, and Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned to The Bombay Sappers in June 1968. He held
command assignments, starting with the Independent Parachute Field Company, followed by an Engineer
Regiment, then an Infantry Brigade in Eastern Ladakh during Kargil Operations. He commanded a second
Infantry Brigade in the Western Desert. On promotion to Major General, commanded an Infantry Division
during Operation Parakram. General Shiv retired in 2006, as Chief of Staff of a Corps.
Post retirement, they live a happy retired life at Gorakhpur. General Shiv has done several long distance rides
on his motorcycle. He has done Chandigarh to Leh twice, driven in North Thailand, driven across Bhutan. In
2021, he motorcycles across North East India. Neelima accompanies him on all the rides.
A paratrooper, General Shiv did my last Para jump on 11 Dec 2021, in commemoration of the Tangail
jump done 50 years ago. Mrs Neelima keeps busy with the home and garden, while he spends his time on
music. The General plays Trumpet like a professional.