VISHWAS GOVIND Kulkarni was welcomed with applause and garlands by household and shut buddies at his society gates on June 6. The 77-year-old had simply accomplished his expedition of shakti peeth darshan of 48 pilgrimage websites in three months and three days, travelling over 20,000 km throughout states on his vivid blue Activa, alone.

The septuagenarian, whereas speaking to The Indian Categorical over a video name, mentioned he had been an avid traveller since childhood. “Whilst a toddler, I simply took my cycle and went out and about. I used to be 17 after I escaped from dwelling to hitch the Air Power. I had a number of postings and I visited many villages throughout my street journeys. I used to be a corporal for 15 years and, thereafter, I labored with Tata Motors for 23 years. Even then, I travelled,” he mentioned.

This isn’t the primary time Kulkarni has deliberate a visit on his two-wheeler. In truth, he mentioned he most well-liked to journey this manner as you could possibly halt anyplace and respect the scenes round you. “My first such journey was in 1992, with my spouse. We lined 8,000 km of the shoreline of India in a month, ranging from Mumbai to Kanyakumari, then to Kolkata and returning to Pune on our Kinetic Honda,” he added.

So far, he has visited Sikkim, Northeast India, Ladakh, Panipat, Kokan Darshan and Uttarakhand (for Char Dham Yatra), and even Bhutan and Nepal, using on his M-80, Kinetic Honda and Honda Activa, through the years. “I’ve travelled with buddies, family members, journey teams, however I choose travelling solo,” he mentioned.

Kulkarni deliberate the journey earlier this yr with the assistance of his daughter-in-law Mrunal. She designed his route in addition to a GPS system to facilitate reside monitoring.

He was in Tamil Nadu when the second wave hit India. “My household was frightened, however even travelling again dwelling appeared like a danger,” he mentioned.

Covid restrictions, poor roads and unpredictable climate have been his companions. “I used to be drenched in Leh; I met a person named Abdul Shaikh, who took me dwelling and supplied me heat garments and meals. Whereas getting back from Kargil, at Zojila, I fell right into a pond wherein the water was freezing. Some good samaritans helped me attain the Srinagar Honda showroom. The proprietor, Mr Kaisa, took me dwelling and repaired my car so I may proceed with my journey,” he added.

Kulkarni additionally mentioned whereas he may enter some temples, others have been shut as a result of strict lockdowns. “At state borders, I needed to endure fast antigen testing to enter,” he added.

All this whereas, Mrunal sat subsequent to her cellphone, checking on him. “His reside location was up to date each quarter-hour. In sure states, there have been technical glitches as a result of poor community. We needed to divert his routes as a result of state guidelines as effectively. We stored a median of 250 km of daytime using, so he may discover a place to remain and keep away from visitors at night time,” she mentioned.

Kulkarni has already deliberate his subsequent journey — Narmada Pradakshina. “After the scenario will get higher, I plan to go on this journey with my youthful sister on foot. I’m in good well being and I imagine our nation is filled with distinctive locations to go to,” he mentioned.

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