A series of cycling events, collectively branded as ‘Sundays on Cycle’, were recently organised in Punjab’s Ludhiana city, aiming to promote physical fitness and an active lifestyle among residents. The initiative saw participation from athletes, officials, and fitness enthusiasts, highlighting the growing importance of regular physical activity in urban settings.
SAI and GST Collaborate for City-Wide Cycling Event
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) Training Centre in Ludhiana, in conjunction with the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Customs Department, orchestrated a ‘Sundays on Cycle’ event. This collaborative effort brought together approximately a hundred cyclists, including athletes and officials, for a 10-kilometre route. The event was held under the auspices of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, underscoring a national push towards fitness.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Customs Commissioner Varinder Kaur and GST Commissioner Sugreev Meena graced the occasion as chief guests. Assistant Commissioner of GST Bikram Singh also attended as a special guest and served as the event’s coordinator. The cyclists embarked on a 10-km route, commencing from the SAI Training Centre and concluding at the GST Office before returning to the starting point. This rally garnered attention and positive reception from local residents along its path.
Officials stated that the primary objective of this initiative was to raise public awareness about the benefits of fitness and to encourage individuals, particularly the youth, to integrate cycling and other forms of physical exercise into their daily routines. The event also served to showcase the burgeoning culture of community-driven fitness campaigns prevalent in the city.
PAU Students Champion Cycling on Campus
In a parallel development, the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) Pedal Club organised a bicycle ride that saw the participation of at least 30 students from the university. The PAU Pedal Club, a recent launch by the Directorate of Students’ Welfare, aims to cultivate a cycling culture among the student body and faculty.
The ride was officially flagged off by the Director Students’ Welfare, K S Suri, who commended the students’ initiative. He urged them to embrace cycling as a habitual component of a healthy lifestyle. Suri acknowledged the students’ commitment to participating in the ride despite their ongoing examination schedules, praising their dedication and enthusiasm. He further emphasized the critical role of physical activity in maintaining both mental and physical well-being.
Paramvir Singh Grewal, who oversees cycling activities at PAU, also joined the ride, providing motivation to the students. Grewal encouraged the participants to continue cycling regularly, citing its benefits for health, fitness, and environmental conservation. The event concluded with an overwhelmingly positive response from all participants, reinforcing the PAU Pedal Club’s mission to promote cycling as a sustainable and health-conscious mode of transport and recreation within the university community.
These ‘Sundays on Cycle’ events are part of a broader trend across India where various institutions and local bodies are organizing activities to combat sedentary lifestyles and promote public health through accessible forms of exercise like cycling.
The Chenab Times News Desk