Ex-serviceman Devanand pedalling his way from Kashmir to Kanyakumari

Srinagar, Oct 08: Devanand B Meshram, an ex-servicemen is riding the length of India from Kashmir to Kanyakumari on his bicycle. He started his journey from October 09.
The ride was flagged-off by CdrGirdhariLal, ZSWO Srinagar, a large number of other veterans and dignitaries were present for the flag off ceremony.
According to a statement, the main purpose of the mission is to motivate youngsters to join the armed forces and to promote cycling, amongst Indians of all ages.
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 the Indian Navy, he is now working in the revenue department of Maharashtra government.
He has already undertaken many long distance cycle tours in the past, like the 1200 km trip from Delhi to Dharamshala (Macloedganj), and the five days SR series at Jintur, Parbhani where they covered 1500 kms in five 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 India’s toughest ultra-cycling race Deccan Cliff Hanger from Pune to Goa. He started cycling five years back with the intention of cycling 3 days in a week for going to the office. But now it has become a passion for him. He is a motivator for others and is promoting cycling for a pollution free environment, the statement said.
The trip is being facilitated by RajyaSainik Board J&K and KendriyaSainik Board New Delhi.