Karnataka Darshana Cycle Expedition

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, 52 Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) personnel embarked on a two-week 1,700-km cycling expedition.

During the cyclothon, named “Karnataka Darshan,” the policemen pedaled imported bicycles, spreading message about Swachh Bharat. The tour began on July 12 and concluded on July 25.

The policemen, during the journey, highlighted issues ranging from minimising plastic use, ecological conservation and importance of toilets at home, among others. The rally also intended to build camaraderie among the KSRP men. “Building unity of the police force is also one of the objectives of the rally,” said Samanth E S, sports officer, KSRP.

Morale booster

A KSRP source said that there have been more than 38 deaths, including suicides, by KSRP personnel over the past six months, and there was a need to boost their morale. The cycle expedition is expected to not only improve inter-personal bonding among the men, but also instil confidence about the police in public.

There are plans to make it an annual event, the source added. The rally began from Bidar and passed through Belagavi, Gadag, Shivamogga, Mangaluru, Mysuru and ended in Bengaluru. The rally halted at all 15 KSRP locations in the state. The cyclists rode on hybrid cycles from Polygon, an Indonesian bicycle manufacturer, which cost Rs 25,000 each, and sport protective gear.

The Karnataka Darshan rally was led by the KSRP ADGP Bhaskar Rao.