Date:08/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/08/stories/2006100802090200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Spreading peace on wheels

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: In two-and-a-half months three persons, led by M. Madurai Veeran of Madurai, travelled through Tamil Nadu's 30 districts to impress upon the people that peace was imperative.

Their journey (48,500 km) ended in Chennai on Gandhi Jayanthi Day.

"Five of us began the journey, but two dropped out in the beginning. The remaining members pedalled our way through the State conveying the message of peace, harmony, health and environmental cleanliness," says Madurai Veeran, secretary of the Mahathma Sarvodaya Movement.

Mr. Veeran and his fellow cyclists have stayed with Hindus, Christians and Muslims in temples, durgahs and churches.

"The problem of religious trouble is not with the majority, but a few negative forces that spark off tensions," he says.