IMPHAL, October 11: Sougaijam Bidyalaxmi Leima successfully concluded her cycle tour of the North Eastern states undertaken to spread the message “Stop violence against women”.
She completed the last leg of her epic journey at Jiribam amid tumultuous applause and joyous homecoming greetings today.
The brave cyclist, all of 17 years and hailing from Jiribam District of Manipur commenced her tour of the region on August 21 after being flagged-off by Social Welfare minister AK Mirabai at Imphal.
Bidyalaxmi had decided to undertake the tour with the aim to raise awareness and spread the message against the increasing incidence of crimes against women being perpetrated with increasing audacity, especially in the North Eastern states.
Jiribam United Committee (JUC), a conglomerate of various social organizations organized a rousing reception for Bidyalaxmi, with yet another reception function being organized at Jiribam Town Hall by the Joint Coordinating Committee on NE States of India Cycle Tour with Addl. SP O. Menjor Singh, Maipaksana Mangang- President JUC, S. Sushila Devi-President AJMP, H. Mema Devi- President JIMPAL and B.C. Sharma- convenor of the Joint Coordinating Committee sharing the dais with Bidyalaxmi as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.
The dignitaries shared their views congratulating the gutsy girl and sharing a brief glimpse of her life with everyone attending the function. The cycle tour it may be mentioned lasted 52 days, travelling through 38 districts of 7 states, covering a total distance of 3875 kilometres, during which 41 press meets/interviews, 48 public interaction programs and 49 felicitation programs by civil social organizations along with various other State and Central Government authorities during her tour.