Karnataka Health Worker Pedals 2000 Kilometers to Honor Bhagat Singh and Promote Cleanliness
Shivarayappa Neeraloti, a dedicated staff member at a primary health centre in Hiresindogi village, Koppal taluk, has achieved an extraordinary feat. He successfully completed a grueling 2000-kilometer bicycle journey to Banga town in Punjab. This remarkable expedition aimed to spread awareness about the Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat campaign.
A Dream Journey Inspired by a Revolutionary
The 16-day journey commenced on December 25 from his native village. Shivarayappa revealed that revolutionary Bhagat Singh has been his inspiration since childhood. He shared his long-held dream with TOI, stating he had envisioned such a journey even before his marriage. Despite facing numerous obstacles and adverse weather conditions, he expressed immense happiness at fulfilling this dream.
MLA Hemalatha Nayak highlighted the initiative's purpose. She emphasized it aimed to create awareness about cleanliness and healthy living among people in villages and towns along the entire route.
Overcoming Challenges from the Start
The journey presented immediate challenges. Shortly after departing from Hiresindogi, the chain of his bicycle snapped. After necessary repairs, he reached Koppal town. There, MLC Hemalatha Nayak and members of various organizations felicitated him. They extended their best wishes and officially flagged off his onward journey.
From Koppal, Shivarayappa gained a companion. Naveen Kumar K, a youth from Mudenur village in Vijayanagara district, joined him. Together, they cycled through Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh to reach north India. They braved peak winter conditions, enduring severe cold and other hardships. The risk of theft in unfamiliar places added to their challenges.
Daily Struggles and Unwavering Determination
The duo maintained a rigorous pace, covering an average of 125 kilometers every day. Nights were spent at petrol stations or roadside dhabas. On one occasion, Naveen Kumar lost his mobile phone and gloves while sleeping at a petrol station. Shivarayappa recalled these difficulties but stressed they never considered stopping the journey.
He added that people they encountered along the way showed great curiosity about their mission. Many offered wholehearted encouragement, which boosted their spirits throughout the long ride.
The Final Push and Emotional Arrival
As they approached Punjab, the cold intensified significantly. However, all hardships seemed to fade upon reaching their destination. Standing before the Bhagat Singh Memorial in Banga town, Shivarayappa felt all difficulties vanish. The emotional moment made the entire struggle worthwhile.
A Veteran of Long-Distance Cycling
This expedition marked Shivarayappa's third long-distance cycling journey. Currently working as a PHC staffer in Betageri village, Koppal taluk, he had previously cycled to Porbandar and Cuttack. Although this journey was his longest, he managed to reach Banga four days ahead of his original schedule.
Future Plans and Documentation
Inspired by this profound experience, Shivarayappa now plans to document his journey in book form. He has already begun preparations to write about his adventures, the people he met, and the message he carried across four Indian states.
