Defying age, 66-yr-old cyclist covers five Takhts in 63 days

Defying age and exemplifying social responsibility, 66-year-old Mangal Singh Hundal has been creating awareness against drug abuse by cycling for the last 10 years. Today, he received a hero’s welcome at the Golden Gate as he cycled across the five Takhts, the most revered seats of spirituality in Sikhism, peddling 7,130 km. Hundal is on a mission for the last 10 years – to make Punjab drug-free and his bicycle is a way to reach out to masses with his message.

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A resident of Amritsar, he started his journey on April 16, on a spiritual tour of five Takhts and completed it today at Akal Takht. His feat was celebrated by Sukhwinder Singh, a cyclist of the Turbinatar Group Amritsar, who arrived specially on this occasion. He said Mangal Singh is an example for the Punjabi youth. A retired government employee, Hundal completed the journey in 63 days.

“Shukrana for the Almighty as he gave me strength and perseverance to complete my journey without facing any major health challenges. I believe that if you make up your mind, the heart follows,” said Hundal.

He first reached Takht Sri Damdama Sahib, Sabo ki Talwandi, from Sri Amritsar Sahib for darshan, where he paid obeisance at Takht Sri Abichal Nagar, Nanded, Hazur Sahib via Rajasthan, Gujarat and Mumbai. From here, he started his journey to Takht Sri Patna Sahib and there after paying obeisance at the birthplace of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, he reached Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, via Paonta Sahib. From here he left for Amritsar.

For Mangal Singh, it was a pilgrimage of a different kind. “Our Gurus have taught us the principle of sewa, of kirt and so, everyone must do their duty towards their family, the community and for Sikhi. I feel that this was my way of following the Gurus’ path, with prayers for Punjab and its youth finding their way back to prosperity,” he said.

He said more people interacted with him and got to know about his mission and support came in from all sides. He specially thanked the Gurdwara Management Committees, Sikh organisations, and Sikh devotees for this journey.