The Finale
As we sat down at Alps Residency on National Highway 48 alias Golden Quadrilateral for the final day of 300 KM — over — 3days Cycle Yatra-1 in Krishnagiri (also my birthplace), Tamilnadu, the caller at the other end said: “I am here!”.
Seated near the entrance to the glass-fronted restaurant serving buffet breakfast at Rs.166/person by the Bengal-Uttar Pradesh hotel management executives, we noticed the entry of Mukundan Seshadri’s SUV into the premises. He drove from Chennai to ensure that all that began well on the sands of Marina 48 hours ago ended well equally at Hosur.
He waved, and we waved, too. He could not refuse our filter coffee offer. Quickly, we stepped out and promised to meet him at Shoolagiri, 29 KMs away, before proceeding to our final destination: Hosur, another 22 KM yatra where our Cycle Yatra-1 would wrap up.
Roads are steep between Krishnagiri and Hosur. Don’t strain, messaged ex-colleague Selvan Dasaraj. He was echoing the same sentiments of several others.
Like what he did at Marina beach 48 hours ago by arranging a grand flag-off ceremony, Mukundan was on repeat mode. Between Soolagiri and Hosur, he arranged an equally grand farewell function for the cycling trio: Algor Supply Chain Virendar Chaudhry, Syed Kausar Hussain, and self.
Krishna Inn, the well-known vegetarian restaurant, was chosen to host a lunch for us in the company of several local dignitaries: Panchayat President Sivarasau, NGO Uyirootal’s Sampath Kumar, Boys Hr Sec school Head Master and his team, Hosur Rotary Club President, past President and their team; not to be missed, the AUMM Clothes Foundation ladies trio: Anita, Ashwini, and Pavitra.
Post-lunch and a group photo chore, blocking the traffic inside the restaurant parking area for quite some time, Shoolagiri Boys Higher Secondary school hosted a fantastic welcome event: consisting of a guard of honor by scouts with flowers raining on us, the cyclers, and planting of a mango sapling in the school premises. A lengthy interaction with headmaster Mudde Gowda and his teaching colleagues. A warm hug to Sampath Kumar.
Another 22 KMs away awaited the finale: the concluding session of the Cycle Yatra-1 at Hosur. The local Rotarians came together to fete us. Genuine love and affection were bestowed. Mementos, shawls, juice/tea sessions, and innumerable group photos with them followed.
It was the handiwork of the architect of the event. Remotely Mukundan ensured superlative reception at the first mile and last mile. Subramaniam, past Rotary President and ex-Ashok Leyland, burning the proverbial midnight oil for the farewell event. Appreciate his leadership in bringing together all Rotarian heads of 8 Chapters of this buzzing Rose City Hosur. A large team from Seenu transport added glitter to the event.
Seenu Transport Managing Director (rare lady boss) Selvi, one of the prominent ribbon cutters at Marina two days earlier, ensured a visit to her Bengaluru branch in Peenya Industrial Estate, near Bangalore, the next morning. At Hosur, outside the famous Ramraj showroom, her branch head and team greeted us as well.
My original script did not envisage such a grand opening and an equally grand closing ceremony. Full credit for this goes to Mukundan. No exaggeration.
My skepticism emanated from the lip service most logisticians exhibit while dealing with the issue of long-haul truck drivers over the years. This maiden Cycle Yatra-1 disproved that notion. Some genuine well-wishers mean what they say.
It was a litmus test for me, not only in terms of examining my physical stamina to withstand the arduous cycling but also the attitude of various stakeholders. I have no complaints. No regrets. So far, so good.
Already there are queries on when will be the next Cycle Yatra. They mean Cycle Yatra-2.
When? Keep guessing!
Thanks a ton to all who supported this initiative.
