Parbhani Man Cycles 720 km to Join Maratha Quota Protest in Mumbai
Mumbai, 29th August 2025: The Maratha reservation agitation, led by activist Manoj Jarange Patil, at Azad Maidan in Mumbai drew thousands of people on Friday. But among the sea of protestors, one man’s extraordinary journey drew special attention, 39-year-old Sandeep Gawhane Patil from Parbhani, who cycled nearly 720 kilometers to reach the protest site.
Sandeep set off on August 23, beginning his journey after offering tributes at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Parbhani. From there, he rode across towns and villages, meeting Jarange at Antarwali Sarati before heading towards Mumbai. Along the way, fellow Maratha families provided food, shelter, and encouragement, with many welcoming him at village stops.
During his ride, Sandeep not only pushed forward with grit but also interacted with people, explaining why the Maratha community’s reservation demand was critical. This wasn’t his first such endeavor, he had earlier cycled to Mumbai in support of the same cause.
His cycle route passed through Manwat, Pathri, Ashti, Kumbhar Pimpri, Antarwali Sarati, Shevgaon, Malegaon, Paithan, Ahilyanagar, Shikrapur, Shirur, Tulapur, Alandi, Dehu, Talegaon, Lonavala, Vashi, and Chembur, before finally reaching Azad Maidan at midnight on August 28.
His bicycle itself became a moving symbol of the movement, adorned with two saffron flags, placards reading “Chalo Mumbai – Maratha Reservation Struggle Cycle Yatra”, and images of Shivaji Maharaj and Manoj Jarange Patil. With just a small bag tied at the back, he carried little beyond essentials and his unwavering commitment.
Sandeep now plans to remain in Mumbai until the protest concludes, after which he will return home by train or private transport. His feat has earned admiration across the community, marking him as a symbol of devotion and solidarity in the Maratha quota struggle.
