SRINAGAR: Ex-servicemen Devanand B Meshram is riding from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on his bicycle starting 9th October with a mission is to motivate youngsters to join the armed forces and to promote cycling, amongst Indians of all ages.
The ride was flagged off by Cdr Girdhari Lal, ZSWO Srinagar, a large number of other veterans/dignitaries were present for the flag off ceremony.
Devanand will be riding for about 18-19 hours daily during which he will cover about 300 kms. He plans to cover a distance of 3600 km in 12 days.
Devanand belongs to Amravati district of Maharashtra. After serving the nation for 15 yrs in Indian Navy, now he is working in revenue department of Maharashtra government.
He has already undertaken many long distances cycle tours in past, like the 1200 km trip from Delhi to Dharamshala (Macloedganj), and the 5 days SR series at Jintur, Parbhani where they covered 1500 kms in 5 days. Apart from this, he is active in social activities like blood donations, tree plantation and water conservation. In 2016, he bagged Rs.25 lakhs for his village Wathoda in Amravati Maharashtra from Paani Foundation.
Devanand has also completed Indians toughest ultra cycling race Deccan Cliff Hanger from Pune to Goa. He started cycling 5 yrs back with the intention of cycling 3 days in a week for going to office. But now it has become a passion for him.
He is a motivator for others and is promoting cycling for pollution free environment.
The trip is being facilitated by Rajya Sainik Board J&K and Kendriya Sainik Board New Delhi.

KR Desk