Pune: “Cycling is highly beneficial for physical fitness and environmental protection. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given the call for Fit India, and Punekars should follow the five-point programme he has outlined to maintain their health,” said former Union Minister Anurag Thakur. He added that the unique initiative taken up by Punekars on the occasion of Modi’s birthday, through the efforts of Medha Kulkarni.
To celebrate the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a ‘Pune on Pedals’ cycle rally and Pune Walkathon were organised in the city by Rajya Sabha MP Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni. Thousands of Punekars enthusiastically participated in the event. The cycle rally route stretched from the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue at Kothrud to the Rani Lakshmibai statue and Bal Gandharva Chowk. In contrast, the walkathon route went up to SNDT College. Participants raised slogans like ‘Ride a Cycle’ to spread the message of fitness and environmental protection.
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur and Minister of State Madhuri Misal flagged off the rally. The event saw the presence of Pune Municipal Commissioner Nawal Kishore Ram, Indian cricketer Kedar Jadhav, and Maharashtra Kesari Shivraj Rakshe. Prominent citizens, including Vishram Kulkarni and Jayant Bhave, were also present. On the occasion, 75 bicycles were distributed to underprivileged children by Thakur and Misal. The atmosphere was electrified with slogans such as ‘Har Har Modi, Ghar Ghar Modi’ and ‘Modi Hai To Mumkin Hai.’
Anurag Thakur remarked, “This initiative by the environment-conscious citizens of Pune (PM) is a tribute to the Prime Minister (PM) of the country. Just like Medhatai, other public representatives should also take up such environment-friendly initiatives to ensure the health of society. To promote fitness, Prime Minister Modi has launched several initiatives like International Yoga Day, Fit India, and Khelo India.”
Madhuri Misal said, “Punekars must adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle. Using bicycles not only helps in controlling pollution but also enables a healthy way of life. Such initiatives are important to create public awareness. Medhatai’s efforts will help Punekars strike a balance between physical fitness and environmental health.”
The initiative has been organised annually for the past six years to promote the use of bicycles. Pune has long been known as the “City of Cycles.” Cycling is beneficial for health, and celebrating Prime Minister Modi’s birthday with such an eco-friendly initiative is a matter of pride, said Prof. Dr. Medha Kulkarni in her introductory remarks.
Nawal Kishore Ram observed, “Pune, known as the city of cycles, is once again witnessing growing awareness about cycling. This initiative encourages more and more citizens to adopt cycling for their own fitness and for environmental well-being.”
Nearly 5,000 participants of all age groups took part in the event with great enthusiasm. Young achievers from various fields — yoga performer Swara Kenjale, trekker Nandkishor Mulik, Iron Kid Vihaan Kashikar, and juggling player Ketan Amonkar — were felicitated for their notable achievements in sports. All participants were awarded certificates, medals, and T-shirts. The event was anchored by Jayant Bhave, while Vishram Kulkarni proposed the vote of thanks.
