Ramesh Poojary, a 73-year-old cycling enthusiast from Sankeshwar in the Hukkeri taluk of Belgaum, has successfully concluded his journey of over 500 kilometers to reach Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple, driven by a purpose. His campaign was designed to inform the public about the hazards of excessive mobile phone use among children and to emphasize the dangers of overspeeding among the younger generation riding two-wheelers. Poojary achieved his cycling expedition from Sri Raghavendra Mutt in Belgaum to Mangaluru, realizing his aspiration to meet former Union minister B Janardhana Poojary during the journey.
“I have been living with my bicycle for the past 50 years. For me, the bicycle is everything and I have pedalled to Bengaluru from Belgaum twice. Several VIPs and my fans have been encouraging me to continue the passion that I pursue,” Ramesh Poojary told STOI. Poojary was also a bicycle stunt artist. “Since age is catching up, I have stopped demonstrating stunts, but continue to be a cyclist to keep my passion alive. Instead of keeping myself idle at home, I began cycling to Mangaluru from Tilak Chowk Raghavendra Mutt in Belgaum on Jan 26. I will return to Belgaum by pedalling my bicycle.”
Reflecting on his past experience, Poojary mentioned that he had cycled from Sankeshwar to Bengaluru in 2021 when actor Puneeth Rajkumar passed away. “Though it was raining continuously, I did not discontinue then and completed the journey in eight days. Again, I went to Bengaluru pedalling my bicycle on another occasion”, he added.
The Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple committee warmly welcomed him during his visit on Friday. The treasurer of the temple committee, R Padmaraj, commended the commendable effort of a 73-year-old man who is cycling to spread positive messages to society. “People like him should be honoured for their enthusiasm,” he added.
