Sat Jan 03 03:52:54 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
S. Suresh Kumar, a 70-year-old BJP MLA for Rajajinagar and former Minister, overcame serious neurological complications stemming from a rare variant of chikungunya encephalopathy that left him debilitated. Despite this, he regained his fitness and completed a 702 km cycling expedition from Bengaluru to Kanyakumari with a 15-member team. He dedicated his accomplishment to Prime Minister Modi, who encouraged a focus on fitness. He cites cycling as instrumental in his recovery and a source of personal reflection. His achievement, particularly in light of his health struggles, has garnered attention and inspired others to take up cycling.
News Article:
Veteran Politician Defies Illness, Cycles to Kanyakumari, Earns Praise From PM Modi
Bengaluru, January 3, 2026 – In a remarkable display of resilience, S. Suresh Kumar, a 70-year-old BJP MLA for Rajajinagar and former Minister, has completed a 702-kilometer cycling expedition from Bengaluru to Kanyakumari, overcoming severe neurological complications that once left him unable to even fold his fingers.
Mr. Kumar suffered a rare variant of chikungunya encephalopathy in August 2024, severely impacting his physical abilities. However, driven by determination and a passion for cycling, he embarked on a rigorous recovery program. He gradually returned to cycling, supplementing it with swimming, eventually regaining enough strength to undertake the ambitious Kanyakumari expedition.
The five-day journey, which began on December 23rd with a 15-member team named “Rajajinagar Pedal Power,” saw Mr. Kumar cycling for 48 hours. This was not his first visit to Kanyakumari, and he had hoped to mark the 50th anniversary of his first trip in 2024, before the illness took hold.
His remarkable achievement caught the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally called Mr. Kumar on New Year’s Day to congratulate him. Mr. Kumar noted that he dedicated his success to Mr. Modi, who had called for increased cycling to maintain fitness. “I will cherish those moments forever,” Mr. Kumar said.
“Shri S. Suresh Kumar Ji’s feat of cycling from Bengaluru to Kanniyakumari is commendable and inspiring,” Mr. Modi wrote in social media post. “The fact that it was done after he overcame health setbacks highlights his grit and unyielding spirit. It also gives an important message of fitness.”
Mr. Kumar hopes that his story will encourage others, particularly young people, to embrace cycling for its health benefits. He estimates he has recovered 75% of his strength and believes his story has made people consider cycling as a means of improving their lives.
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