Pics: Adithya Aithal

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Dec 19: A bicycle rally organised by Paripoorna Sanathana Charitable Trust to spread awareness on the message “Use Swadeshi Products, Save the Nation” reached Udupi on December 18 and was accorded a warm welcome at the Udupi Swagatha Gopura, Kinnimulki.

Hundreds of people participated in the rally, which is being led by senior retired officers of the Indian Army. The rally commenced from the Udupi Swagatha Gopura, passed through the city bus stand, and concluded at the Rajangana of Sri Krishna Math. Upon reaching Sri Krishna Math, the participants offered prayers and later took part in an awareness programme organised at the venue.

Held under the guidance of ex-servicemen, the rally aims to encourage the use of indigenous products and strengthen the Indian economy. Adding colour and enthusiasm to the event, several young children joined the rally while skating, drawing the attention of the general public.

Organised in association with Kreeda Bharatiya, the Swadeshi awareness cyclathon aims to cover every district of Karnataka. The rally, which began on December 13, will continue for 35 days across the state. Participants include retired Army officers, retired principals and teachers, scientists, and three women members. All participants are using Indian-made bicycles.

The rally began from Paripoorna Sanathana Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru. The team is led by retired Indian Army officer Brigadier Ravi from Bengaluru, along with another retired infantry officer. Other participants include a retired general manager of Coal India Limited, a retired deputy commissioner of commercial taxes, scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and 77-year-old Ashok Gulati from Delhi, the oldest member of the group.

Brigadier Ravimuni Swamy, leader of the team, said that the initiative had been a long-cherished dream and was launched with the objective of contributing meaningfully to the nation and society. He said the target distance was 3,500 kilometres and that 17 participants would cycle for 37 days, covering around 100 kilometres per day, adding that the use of Swadeshi products would help strengthen the Indian economy. He also urged the youth to exercise regularly, stay fit, and consume healthy food grown by Indian farmers.

General Mohan, a retired Indian Army officer and medical doctor, said the Swadeshi Jagran tour across Karnataka was being undertaken to promote the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. He said that after reaching Karwar, the team would return to Bengaluru and then proceed towards Uttara Kannada, concluding the journey in Bengaluru by January 20.

Mithra Shenoy said the cyclathon aimed to spread awareness about Swadeshi and that purchasing indigenous goods would ensure money remained within the country, contributing to national development.

Sagar from Bengaluru said that the team had covered about 600 kilometres in five days since the start of the journey, adding that the main aim of the ride was to reduce dependency on imports and strengthen the economy through the use of Indian products.