Udupi: A cyclist from Udupi, Dinesh Bovi, has returned home after completing a 3,300 km journey from Udupi to Ladakh over 11 continuous months, carrying a message of environmental conservation. Dinesh, son of Parvati and Sheshu Bovi from Hallihole near Kamalashile, Kundapu, is a former student of Kalyanpur Milagres College.

On Saturday, the college hosted a felicitation ceremony to honour Dinesh’s remarkable accomplishment. The event was attended by Malpe police station PSI Anil Kumar, retired professors Jayaram Shettigar, alumni association office bearers Alan Louis, Shekhar Gujjarbetta, Shalet Mathai, and teachers’ association member Ganesh Mesta, among others.

Journey across eight states

Dinesh began his cycling expedition on October 15, 2024, from Udupi and reached Ladakh on September 15, 2025, completing the journey in 330 days. During this epic ride, he traversed eight Indian states: Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and finally Jammu & Kashmir.

The journey took longer than expected due to road access limitations in Thang village, Kashmir, which is open only six months a year. Dinesh took a one-month break in Mumbai and stayed for three months in Gujarat.

Funding and support

The 11-month journey cost approximately Rs 1.5 lakh, mostly for food, funded by donors and alumni coordinated by Kalyanpur Milagres College principal Vincent Alva. As a cyclist himself, Alva also contributed a bicycle to Dinesh and supported him throughout the expedition.

Unusual travel companion

Interestingly, a street dog named Charlie joined Dinesh midway through the Karnataka-Goa border. The dog accompanied him for the remaining 326 days to Ladakh and returned home with him.

Raising environmental awareness

Dinesh stated that the journey aimed to raise awareness about environmental conservation among the people he met along the route. Initially hesitant, his parents later fully supported the endeavour. Dinesh has also completed previous long-distance rides, including walking from Udupi to Dharmasthala and cycling 1,500 km from Udupi to Kanyakumari over 21 days. He credited his achievements largely to guidance from Vincent Alva, saying, “My achievement is 90% due to the guidance and support of Vincent Alva. I can never forget his contribution.”

Principal Vincent Alva expressed his pride, stating, “It gives us immense joy that our student completed this extraordinary 11-month journey. Our college fully supports students undertaking such remarkable endeavours and will continue to encourage them in every way.”

Conclusion

Dinesh Bovi’s journey from Udupi to Ladakh is not only a testament to personal determination and endurance but also highlights the importance of environmental awareness. Supported by family, college, and well-wishers, his expedition demonstrates how individual efforts can inspire communities and promote social causes.