INITIATIVES
Saksham
Cyclothon
Flagging off India’s premier
Cyclothon
5th November, 2017 marked the launch
of what would be the first of many
Saksham Cyclothons. As the Hon’ble
Union Minister, P&NG and SD&E,
flagged off the cyclists amidst cheers
from participants and spectators,
the cycling revolution was set rolling
across the country.
Saksham Cyclothons, India’s Premier
Cyclothons, are an initiative by
Petroleum Conservation Research
Association (PCRA) under the aegis
of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural
Gas, Government of India, along with
Oil and Gas PSUs to make citizens
across the country aware about the
conservation and effective utilization of
petroleum products.
Following the first cyclothon in Delhi,
Saksham Cyclothons were organised
across the country, with Bhubaneswar,
Indore and Mumbai as the major
centres. These cyclothons were
launched to inspire citizens across the
country to lead a healthier lifestyle,
to contribute to a better environment
and to create awareness on fuel
conservation by promoting the use of
cycles for short distances. This was
done to create a greener environment
and also better health conditions for
everyone.
The number of participants registering
for the event was overwhelming.
Participants turned out in large
numbers donning the event jersey.
A sea of Orange and Green
captured the streets as the call of
#MainHoonSaksham echoed across
the cities. The participants zipped
through their city streets which had
been specially evacuated for them, as
they got an opportunity to experience
their cities in a unique environment.
The events had multiple categories
for participation — Elite Men, Elite
Women, Amatuer MTB, Hybrid, Road
Bike for Men and Women and the
popular Green Ride. Many categories
were introduced to encourage
participants at all levels of cycling and
to bring together people of all age
groups for the noble cause.
The central message behind the
campaign was ‘Cycle for Health,
Environment and Conservation’, with
the hope that more people will adopt
cycling in their daily lives.
ISSUE 1 2018
5