Pune: As the wari of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dyaneshwar are on their way to Pandharpur, a group of 22 youths from ICC (Indo Cyclist Club), Pimpri-Chinchwad, came together to spread environment awareness through Cycle Wari ‘ICC Devotional Ride’ from Nigdi to Pandharpur.

Gajanan Khaire, president of ICC, told Sakal Times, “This is the second year of the Environment Awareness Cycle Wari. The first year, there were five cyclists, but this year, 22 cyclists completed this wari. Of these 22,  four cyclists returned on the cycles here to complete a total distance of 480 km.

He further said, “We went on the rout e of Sant Tukaram Maharaj Palkhi. The distance was around 240 km and it took 12 hours of saddle time to complete this wari. On the route, we spread awareness about eco-friendly transport and green environment amongst the villagers. Use of cycles will save petrol and will also help to reduce air pollution. 

The cyclists said that conditions were suitable for cycling in the first half but in the second, rain and head wind made it difficult to cycle. “Also, safety was an issue as we were riding on the Pune-Solapur Highway, but with safety measures, sheer determination and blessings of Lord Vitthal,  we managed to complete this wari successfully,” Khaire said.

The Cycle Wari commenced on Saturday at 4 am from Nigdi and reached Pandharpur at 10 pm. The group of cyclists comprised Gajanan Khaire, Ajit Patil, Avinash Anushe, Kapil Lokhande, Giriraj Umrikar, Deepak Naik, Aksah Kurhde, Vikas Shelke, Swaminathan Shriniwasan, Kapil Lokhande, Saurabh Kanhed, Hari Ram, Rajesh Rana, Sachin Walke, Amit Londhe, Vivek Khedkar, Tenis Varma, Nareshkumar  Lamba, Priyadarshan Hatkar, Shrivatsa KR, Dyaneshwar Kashid. Other ICC members Chandrakant Harpale and Ravi Zanzurne also helped the team on the way from Pandharpur to Pune.