Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 16 : The atmosphere around Srinagar’s iconic clock tower (Ghanta Ghar) turned energetic on Thursday morning with the kick-start of a 3,676-kilometer cycle journey from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, aimed at promoting a pollution-free India.
The cycle journey started from Srinagar this morning and was flagged off by Deputy Inspector General (DIG), Central Kashmir Range (CKR), Rajiv Omprakashn Pande, from the iconic Lal Chowk.
According to details collected by the news agency, a group of elderly men, mostly in their 60s, said they gathered at Lal Chowk to promote a pollution-free India.
Jitendra Jayin from Bombay (Mumbai), speaking on the occasion, told KNO they are excited about the journey as it is going to be tough yet thrilling. “We are carrying our work luggage without any support vehicle, and the journey will be challenging but exciting,” he said.
“We all are above the age of 60, and there should always be excitement in life,” he said, adding that they have previously traveled from Mumbai to Goa, but this will be their first time attempting such a long journey.
Jayin added, “If we can do it in our 60s, why can’t young people do it?”
Manoj Kumar, another cyclist, said the hospitality of Kashmir is incredible, and when people learn about their reason for cycling, they offer free tea and refreshments. “Our aim is to promote a pollution-free India, and this cycling rally is a way to make our message clear and loud across the country,” he said.
It is worth mentioning that DIG, Central Kashmir, Rajiv Omprakashn Pande, flagged off the cycle journey and urged youth to adopt fitness as a powerful tool to combat the rising drug menace
