UGC asks varsities to promote cycling

Bhubaneswar: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has urged varsities and their affiliating colleges to celebrate World Bicycle Day on June 3 by popularising cycling as a means to solve the problems of global warming and unhealthy lifestyle.
A series of events would be organised by various ministries as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (celebration of 75 years of Independence). Ministry of youth affairs and sports will organise World Bicycle Day on June 3 by involving its youth organisations Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) with the support of their vast network of volunteers across the country.
According to the plan, the ministry will launch the celebration in New Delhi and organise events at 75 places across India. It will hold block level bicycle rallies from June 4 to 10. The purpose of the celebration is to enhance the spirit of brotherhood and nationalism among the youths and to popularise the usage of cycling to solve the dual issues of global warming and unhealthy lifestyle, official sources said.
Youth organisations can take part in the cycle rally of minimum 7.5 km between 6 am and 9 am. Keeping the arrangements of the youth affairs and sports ministry for the event in mind, UGC has requested the higher educational institutions to ensure that the programme is celebrated with maximum outreach through their websites and other mediums to make the event a grand success. tnn