FREEDOM RIDE: Pedal for the Nation
A ‘Freedom Ride’ (Cycle rally) was organized to
celebrate 69th Independence Day by visiting places which are of
historic importance during the freedom struggle.
The ride started from August
Kranti Maidan (a place from where Gandhiji ordered the British to ‘Quit India’
on 9 August 1942) at around 7 am by flag hoisting ceremony and paying respect
to the freedom fighters who lost their lives. It was followed by Mani Bhavan (a place which was the epicenter of India’s struggle for freedom during
1917-1934 when Gandhiji stayed here. It is from here Gandhiji launched Satyagraha and Civil disobedient
movement.) A two storey building is now converted into a tourist attraction
which has exhibition depicting Gandhiji’s life
through miniature figures and library having more
than 40,000 books. The next point of the ride was Lokmanya Tilak statue at
Girgaon Chowpatty (now renamed as Swarajya Bhumi). In order to unite people Lokmanya
Tilak initiated celebration of ‘Ganeshotsav’ and ‘Shiv Jayanti’ which
continue even today. It was at this place where Tilak was cremated which was witnessed
by over two lakh people. The cyclist pedal through marine drive upto Nariman
point where they had a interactive session. “It
was a unique way to celebrate Independence day rather than going out on a
holiday” said a 20 year old student who participated in the ride.
This rally is part of the ‘PEDAL FOR JOY’ initiative to
popularize Cycling. It had also organized two cycle rallies last year to
celebrate ‘Eco friendly Diwali’ and ‘Pedal for Peace (26/11)’ rally. It also
plans to organize cycle rallies in different parts of the city in future.
FB PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/PEDALFORJOY
SANKET SUBHEDAR