Indore: Taking a break from their regular hectic life, as many as 30,000 citizens from all walks of lives participated in Saksham Cyclothon held in city on Sunday to raise social awareness and popularise measures to effectively implement cycling as an environment friendly alternative means of transport.
The event was inaugurated by minister for petroleum & natural gas and skill development Dharmendra Pradhan at Sayaji Square on. Indore Cycling Association president Kailash Vijayvargiya, Indore-2 MLA Ramesh Mendola and other dignitaries were also present. The highlight of the event was the participation in the 13 km green ride aimed at making India greener, people healthier and economise fuel.
In his address, Pradhan touched upon the benefits of cycling.
He said that cycling improves one’s health and also helps a nation in petroleum conservation. He appreciated the people of Indore for participating in large numbers in this endeavour responding to the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi towards conserving fuel. He added that a milestone has been set in Indore by creating the largest cycling event till date.
Vijayvargiya praised the initiative by PCRA and Oil Industry and said this will help spread the message of conservation of petroleum products besides being beneficial for the environment. World over, efforts are on to reduce dependence on traditional fossil fuels. In India too, different options are being explored. Cycling is now seen as one of the most cost-effective option that will not only reduce our dependence on fuel, thereby reducing carbon footprints, but also provide us with the regimen needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Keeping this in mind, Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) in association with IndianOil, Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, Oil India, NRL, GAIL, ONGC- MRPL, CPCL have planned 76 such events across the country to prod people into taking cycling as a mass movement.
The Indore event, in which around 30,000 cyclists participated, was organised by PCRA and all the above mentioned public sector oil and gas companies ably supported by Indore Cycling Association. The event comprised the following five categories and originated from three places in the city.
The most popular category – a non-timed event of 13 km – the Green Ride was an initiative to instil socio-environmental consciousness amongst the people of Indore. Cash prize totalling Rs 12 lakh was awarded across various categories. In addition, 200 cycles were distributed to participants through a lucky draw.
Popular Sufi singer, Hans Raj Hans regaled the cyclists with rendering of foot tapping numbers which created a mass euphoria among the people
The entire event translated to a fun filled cycling experience on building a community that is aware about its fuel conservation responsibilities.
Article Source: The Free Press Journal