Madras Week Celebration: Cycling Yogis choose river Adyar this time to pay special tribute to our city

As Chennai turns 377 today, some nostalgic memories of its origin is a must share. The city was christened Madras back in 22 August 1639 when a fragment of land, where Fort. St. George stands today, was transacted by the East India Company. 

During this 300 year odd journey, Madras has seen many changes, but one thing that stands still, elegantly weaving through the city are its heritage sites. Chennai (the then Madras) is known for its rich history of heritage sites and cultural values. But somewhere in the hustle and bustle of mechanical lives we are forgetting its worth.

A non-profit initiative called Cycling Yogis, have been paying special tribute to Madras every year since 2012 by organising ‘Heritage cycling rides’ to educate the citizens on the importance of the city’s natural and monumental heritage along with personal fitness as the primary goal.

Mr. Ramanujar Moulana, is the proud founder/owner of Cycling Yogis - a unique cycling group in the city, who believes in the fact that public welfare is as important as self care. Thus came into existence Cycling Yogis, whose motto is - ‘Discover Heritage by Cycling’. A compelling combo, isn't it?

Mr. Moulana grins proudly and displays the picture of the cyclist which was taken during the recent heritage tour to Manimangalam, the place of origin of river Adyar and points at the photograph saying, “Do you see them, they are just people like you and me. Very ordinary people from different walks of life, but bonded by the love for heritage conservation and cycling at the same time”. 

The Yogis conducted the 6th edition of Madras Day Heritage Ride as a part of Madras Week celebration 2017, which was one of the four events in their annual agenda. This tour had nearly 90 participants, volunteers cycling and enduring together in union doing a round trip of 102 kms in close to 7 hours towards Manimangalam Dharmeswarer Temple and returning to the start point at Santhome.

Post which, the medal distribution was done by ASI Chennai Circle CA Mr. Saravanan.

“The participants had the amazing opportunity of witnessing the estuary and creek that are rich in flora and fauna at Adyar, some of the Oldest Educational Institutions in the country, located at its bank, Oldest Race Course, National Park, Historic Churches, Ancient Temples, International Headquarters, Battle Fields and Residences of great luminaries”, said Moulana.

One of the participants Mr.John Kennedy, who has been a part of this initiative since 2015 said, ” Through this initiative I have been to places  like Fort St.George, Chandragiri Fort (AP) and High Court and learnt its importance and value. It might be just at a stones throw away, but we seldom notice and revere such exquisite heritage in our city”. 

Further Mr. Moulana promotes free and sponsored rides for the utmost satisfaction of the participants. Since 2015, during its cycling chronicles to alluring heritage sites in and around the city, the group has made it mandatory to take Swaacchh Bharat Pledge.

Heritage Site Cleanup on the 19th November to commemorate the ‘World Heritage Week’ and ‘Republic Day Heritage Ride’ to Gingee Fort on Sunday, 21 January 2018 are some of the upcoming events in the list which you can definitely book mark if you want to go on a cycling spree combined with witnessing the aura of heritage sites in and around Chennai.