Pune Pedal Power: For a greener tomorrow
Events & Happenings — By Editor on June 7, 2012 at 3:13 PM
On a beautiful Sunday morning, the sight of hundreds of enthusiastic cyclists, from 7 to 82, including 30 differently-abled soldiers, was indeed heartening! The sound of ‘Dhol Tashas’ and ‘Tootaries’, added to the existing levels of high energy! This was the 3rd edition of the Pune Pedal Power Cycle Rally, to celebrate World Environment Day.
Super-Model and ‘Marathon Man’, Milind Soman, the ambassador for this rally, led the cyclists. They took off from the S.P. College grounds to the Corinthians Boutique Hotel. The distance was just 13 Kms, but the commitment was much larger – it was a pledge to help save the environment.
As is the practice, after the rally, the Pedal Power Foundation hosts breakfast and holds a Ceremony wherein they felicitate personalities from the cycling community. This year, 15 cyclists were recognized for being the first contingent to represent India at the Paris-Brest-Paris, in its history of 120 years. Apart from that, they also honoured a senior citizen, Wing Cdr Marathe. He took to cycling at the age of 71, and in 11 years, has toured all the states of India on his cycle!
An E-Magazine, ‘Pedal Power’ (www.pedalpoweremag.com) containing cycle & environment related topics contributed by prominent writers was made live on this occasion.
In his inaugural address, Mr. Mrityunjay Singh, DC Head, Pune Infosys expressed his desire to join the movement for building special cycling tracks in Pune.
The keynote Speaker, Ms. Anu Aga, Padmashri, MP Rajya Sabha, Ex-Chairperson of Thermax and member of National Advisory Council (NAC) in her address to the audience, stated that technology was making us increasingly dependent and inactive. In order to create a healthy life style she gave a call to Punekars to use cycle more often, especially for short distance commute.
The ambassador, Milind Soman broadened the definition of environment conservation to include day to day activities like using the stairs and switching off lights when not required.
Let’s all start doing our bit for a ‘Greener tomorrow’!
The mayor receiving a memento from Kuljeet Singh – President of Pedal Power Foundation.
