Citizens gave a warm welcome to Manoj Gupta of the Indian Navy, who arrived in Mangaluru on Sunday as part of his solo bicycle expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to create awareness about the Armed Forces Flag Day.
Lieutenant Commander Gupta, who is with the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, Kochi, embarked on the journey also to encourage the country’s youth to join the armed forces. His mission also includes creating awareness about the plight of families of martyrs of the armed forces and encouraging people to help them.
Interacting with fellow cyclists and the people of Mangaluru, Mr. Gupta said not many know about the condition of the families of martyrs even though many talk the pride in becoming a martyr. Mr. Gupta has covered over 3,000 km since he began riding from Kashmir. He is expected to reach Kanyakumari on July 16. His plan was to pass through 11 States and 40 districts, riding an average of 100 km a day. So far, he has not faced many problems even though he ran into some issues with his in Vijayapura. The vagaries of nature, however, have affected him to some extent, he said.
Mr. Gupta was seen off by fellow riders towards Kerala on Sunday afternoon.
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