IMPHAL, Jan 23: In commemoration of the first anniversary of the Manipur Cycle Club (MCC), the “First Cycle Summit” was observed at two different locations in Imphal today.
The first half of the program was held at the Western Gate of Kangla as a part of inauguration of “Cycle on Rent” facility inside Kangla.
The function was graced by chief secretary, D.S. Poonia as the chief guest and Dr RK Ranjan, director of College Development Council Manipur as the president.
Ramananda Wangkheirakpam, vice president and founder of MCC, in his opening speech stressed on the importance of bringing back the trend of cycling on the roads to mitigate the challenges of urbanization in Imphal City and beyond.
DS Poonia, in his speech, stated that the initiative taken up by the Manipur Cycle Club is a timely one, mentioning that fuel guzzlers have taken over the roads and the numbers of vehicles have multiplied in an alarming manner.
He further said that pollution in all its manifestations is harming the environment and the public have become prey to all sorts of health hazards. Increasing number of patients has flooded the hospitals, and as a result, the doctors have become overworked and private clinics have exploited the situation.
Further, he added that cycling sends out a positive message to the masses as it is a healthy and environment friendly. He urged MCC to work hands and hands with the government bodies including the Imphal Municipal Council, PDA, MAHUD, Department of Environment, etc. to strengthen the cause and also to seek cycle lanes in the state capital.
The speech was followed by inauguration of MCC’s “Cycle on Rent” facility by the Chief Secretary. Later, the President of the function flagged off a cycle rally, which proceeded from the Kangla and ended at the Manipur Press Club.
The second part of the program took place at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal. The formal function was attended by Prof. Dr. H. Nandakumar, Vice Chancellor of Manipur University, and Sr. Journalist Yambem Laba (advisor of MCC) as the Chief Guest and President, respectively. Prof. Dr. RK Ranjan Singh, Director of College Development Council Manipur and Dr. M. Homeshwor, Chief Scientific Officer, Department of Environment, Manipur took the dais as the Guests of Honor. The Chief Guest released the first yearly publication of MCC, “Cycle for Life”. Dr. M. Homeshwor later launched the official website of MCC, <www.manipurcycleclub.org>”.
The Vice Chancellor, in his speech, endorsed the cycle movement of MCC and exhibited his interest to launch cycle facilities in the Manipur University campus.
Yambem Laba, in his presidential speech stated, “When the right time comes for an idea nothing wouldn’t be able to stop it”.
Further, the guests of honour stressed on the need of a cycle policy for a better environment, economy and health.
The event was supported and endorsed by Babina Health Care RIMS Road, Ibohal Cycles, Kids Foundation, Lemon Mobiles, Tiddim Motors. Department of Environment was the official partner and MK Enterprises was the Design partner of the event.