Having flown in from Bahrain on Jan 26, he narrowly avoided being caught in the Middle East conflict that erupted weeks later. A slight delay, he noted, could have placed him in the heart of escalating tensions.
Aware of rising tensions in the Middle East, especially after the 12-day war in June when Israel struck Iran, Katiravan felt it would be better to wrap up his mission in the region sooner rather than later.
The journey in the Middle East was as diverse as it was demanding, from the cultural depth of Iran and Iraq to the modern landscapes of Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where he was even given a police escort in Saudi after the authorities learnt of his mission.
Since setting off from Malaysia on Jan 2, 2023, the former electrician has clocked over 200,000km and planted nearly 200 trees worldwide.
India: a land of contrasts
In Mumbai, Katiravan plunged into a city of stark contrasts. While waiting for his BMW touring motorcycle, Parameswara, he navigated the metropolis by autorickshaw, visiting landmarks from the Gateway of India to Dharavi.
He noted India’s push towards sustainability – electric vehicles with green plates – but also its challenges, including poor air quality and relentless congestion.
Reunited with his bike, he rode southeast to Pune and, from there, headed 350km to Goa. It took him more than two hours to leave the city, highlighting Mumbai’s vast scale.
In Goa, he reunited with fellow rider Hemkalyan Pandit and planted his first tree in the country – an Indian Laburnum. Hemakalyan, a marine engineer, shares Katiravan’s strong passion for riding motorcycles and preserving nature.
A second tree followed at Dr K B Hedgewar Higher Secondary School in Goa, where Katiravan engaged students on environmental conservation.
Tamil Nadu: Roots, culture and recognition
Travelling south via Mangalore, Bengaluru and Cochin, Katiravan reached Coimbatore, where he was hosted by Malaysian businessman and biker R Muruga Nantham (aka Datuk Anand), founder of the Shadowfax bikers group.
Staying at Anand’s home, he enjoyed the typical Malaysian hospitality, planted a tree in the compound with local bikers, and noted Anand’s active involvement in the Coimbatore biking scene as a Harley-Davidson owner.
Katiravan also gave a talk at the RVS College of Arts and Science in Coimbatore, and planted Malaysia’s national flower, the bunga raya.
Next, he rode south through Mangalore, Bengaluru and Cochin before looping back into Tamil Nadu to stop at Ramakrishnapatti near Tirupattur – his father’s ancestral village – where relatives gave him a warm, celebratory welcome.
Travelling northwards, he reached Chennai on March 19, where he was invited to plant 10 trees at a site owned by Dr Singara Vadivel, a close friend and retired lecturer now residing in the US.
Katiravan and Singaravel both share a passion for riding big bikes.
Between engagements, Katiravan visited the iconic AVM Studios – one of India’s oldest film production houses – where he explored relics of Tamil cinema, including vintage vehicles and memorabilia linked to legendary figures such as M G Ramachandran (MGR) and Sivaji Ganesan.
Tamil Nadu’s cultural richness extend beyond cinema. From historic temples to its renowned cuisine, Katiravan embraced the state’s diverse offerings, sampling local delicacies along the way.
A touch of home abroad
With Hari Raya approaching – a celebration he had missed for the past three years – Katiravan found a sense of home at the Malaysian consulate in Chennai.
He was warmly received by consul-general K Saravana Kumar and staff, who invited him to a festive gathering hosted by trade commissioner Wan Ahmad Tarmizi Wan Idris
There, Katiravan enjoyed the company of fellow Malaysians and savoured traditional Aidilfitri dishes. He described the moment as deeply meaningful after years on the road.
“I was really happy to enjoy my favourite Raya delicacies again after three years and meeting fellow Malaysians,” he said.
Legacy in motion
On March 22, Katiravan planted seven trees at the Dr MGR Memorial House in Ramapuram – a symbolic gesture reflecting the late leader’s favourite number. The planting brought his total to 186 trees worldwide.
A long-time admirer of MGR, Katiravan shared that the actor’s disciplined lifestyle – avoiding alcohol, gambling and smoking – influenced his own values.
At Chennai’s Avichi College of Arts and Science, he delivered another talk on environmental awareness. The visit culminated in a red-carpet reception – a rare honour during his travels.
“I was deeply moved to hear the ‘Negaraku’ and see the Malaysian flag during my first red carpet welcome abroad in over three years,” he said.
The occasion was also marked with the planting of a Ponni tree within the college grounds – another symbol of his enduring mission..
“I was deeply moved to hear my country’s national anthem Negaraku and see the Malaysian flag during my first red carpet welcome abroad in over three years,” he said.
The occasion was marked with the planting of a Ponni tree within the college grounds – another symbol of his enduring mission.
His journey drew significant attention from local media, including a feature in leading Tamil daily Dina Malar and the PBC news channel.
As he travelled through cities such as Madurai and Tiruchy, he was increasingly recognised by locals and Malaysian tourists alike, many of whom stopped to take photos and selfies with him and his bike.
And on March 25, Katiravan crossed into neighbouring Andhra Pradesh in the north, continuing his quest in the Indian subcontinent with the Malaysian flag flying high – and with many more places to be explored and trees to be planted.
Check out Katiravan’s YouTube page for more of his adventures.