Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Jul 9: Thirty-year-old instructor at Indian Naval Academy Ezhimala, Manoj Gupta, has set on a solo ride on his bicycle from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to promote Armed Forces Flag Day Fund which is used for the service of wounded soldiers and martyrs and also to encourage youth to join navy.
Hailing from Mumbai, with 8 years of service, Manoj Gupta reached Mangaluru on Sunday, July 8. He received a rousing welcome from Track and Trail store team at Ballalbagh.
Speaking to media Manoj Gupta said, “I started my solo bicycle ride from Ladakh scouts regimental training center on June 6. The motto of this ride is to promote Armed Forces Flag Day Fund which is used for disabled soldiers and martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for their mother land. The benefits of this fund are also extended to ex-servicemen’s kin. Through this solo ride, I want to motivate and encourage youth to join navy. My ride will culminate on July 16 in Kanyakumari,”
“The total ride covers of 4,000 km. I cover up to 80 to 100 km on average daily. I have set a target amount, but anyone is free to contribute as per their capacity. So far, the response has been quite good. People are enthusiastic in finding the reason behind the solo ride and about the funds. I also gave talk to people on how people can join Indian navy,” he added.
"From Mangaluru, I will proceed to Kannur via Kochi and will reach Kanyakumari on July 16,” he informed.
“I do not travel in the dark. I ride from sunrise to sunset and make sure that I cover up 100 km. Since i was out of schedule for a few days, I covered up to 160 km. My official sponsor is Montra Track and Trail which gives me technical assistance in their outlets throughout my journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Kendriya Sainik Board, New Delhi gives me administrative assistance for staying. Indian Naval Academy and sub naval commanders support this cause,” he said.
Meanwhile a cheque of Rs 5,000 was handed over to Manoj Gupta by Track and Trail store.
Mahesh Vikram Hegde, CEO of Octa Plus Abhishek Bhandary, and Track and Trail's Nithin Kumar were present.