INDIA / CHINA :
New Delhi :
Sunday saw an impressive flag-off ceremony for two determined cyclists, Akbar Ali Bandukwala and Rishabh Jain, who set off on an extraordinary journey of 1500 kilometers from India Gate in New Delhi to the Gateway of India in Mumbai, all in the name of promoting cleanliness and health as part of ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat’ vision on this Republic day.
The ceremony, hosted at Vasant Kunj, South Delhi, was marked by high enthusiasm as local councillors Jagmohan Mahlawat and Dharamveer Singh waved the Indian tricolour to send the cyclists on their mission.
Sister Falak BK, who organized the ceremony, highlighted the cyclists’ remarkable journey, nicknamed “G2G” (India Gate to Gateway of India), as a symbol of their dedication to spreading awareness on fitness and cleanliness across the country. The cyclists will travel through several cities, raising awareness about health and cleanliness in schools, public spaces, and communities along the way.
On this occasion, a large number of participants, including notably another host Rakesh Kothari and their enthusiastic team of supporters, warmly welcomed both cyclists with great enthusiasm and fervour.
Later on Sunday, Judicial Magistrate Rishabh Tanwar also joined at India Gate, helping to kick-start the journey with the rallying cry: “Let’s pedal towards a cleaner, healthier India!”
On this occasion, Akbar Ali Bandukwala, an iron trader turned fitness enthusiast, shared his inspiring story at the ceremony. Originally from Udaipur, Rajasthan, Akbar’s life took a dramatic turn after a severe spinal injury in 2013, which led doctors to warn him that he would be restricted to only baby steps for the rest of his life. However, driven by his indomitable spirit, Akbar defied the odds. After months of rehabilitation, he began running again. His journey from bedridden to marathon runner became a story of triumph.
By 2015, Akbar completed a half marathon, and soon after, he participated in marathons across India and China. In 2018, he organized the Bandukwala Marathon, inviting his family to run alongside him. The crowning achievement came in June 2023, when Akbar ran an astounding 50 kilometers to celebrate his 50th birthday. The event saw thousands of supporters join him in solidarity, running in cities across the world. According to him, his wife Tasneem Bandukwala is his biggest supporter and motivator.
Akbar has pushed his limits further. In January 2024, Akbar participated in the ‘Fundraiser Ultrathon for Gaza,’ where he achieved yet another milestone. He completed a gruelling 70-kilometer Vertical Trail Run, covering a total distance of 78.14 kilometers in 15 hours and 40 minutes, taking an astounding 101,258 steps in Guangzhou, China. The trail was incredibly challenging, with vertical, uneven, rocky, and steep terrain, making the task extraordinarily difficult. Yet, for Akbar, it was just another feather in his cap.
Earlier last year, Akbar also promoted the ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ under the Guangzhou Consulate General of India and emerged as a pioneer in strengthening India-China public relations. He was also awarded the Parvasi Bhartiya Award.
Later in 2024, he turned 51, he cycled 151 kilometers non-stop, battling heavy rainfall and completing the feat in just 6 hours and 15 minutes. This remarkable achievement has led him to embark on the G2G journey, spreading Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s message of ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat’ with every pedal. Akbar is now strongly committed to inspiring others to follow his path toward better health with cleanliness drive.
From Iron Trader to Ironman, Akbar Ali Bandukwala is now embarking on the “G to G” journey, covering 1500 kilometres by bike from India Gate to the Gateway of India. In his own words, “Chalo aur kuch toofani karte hai, Delhi to Mumbai ab cycle par chalte hai.”
This Republic Day, Akbar aims to express his love for his nation through the campaign, ‘Swachh Bharat, Swasth Bharat.’”Good health and cleanliness are life’s greatest blessings, and they cannot be bought but can only be earned through enduring,” Akbar shared at the flag-off ceremony.
Through his G to G journey, Akbar is dedicated to promoting Swasth Bharat. Along the way, he plans to visit schools, collaborate with NGOs and health organizations, and engage with people from all walks of life. His mission is to educate citizens about the critical connection between physical health and mental well-being, and the importance of living a long, active life without being dependent in old age. In his own words, “Chalo aur kuch toofani karte hai, Delhi to Mumbai ab cycle par chalte hai.”
Rishabh Jain, Akbar’s cycling partner and fellow fitness fanatic, is no stranger to endurance challenges. An Ironman finisher and certified fitness expert, Rishabh has completed numerous grueling cycling and marathon events, including the Manali to Leh ride and a 1450km ride from Udaipur to Mumbai. He runs the Triform Fitness and Adventure Club in Udaipur and has coached many fitness enthusiasts, including Akbar, who was a novice cyclist just a year ago. Under Rishabh’s guidance, Akbar has transformed into a cycling enthusiast.
Sharing details of their epic 1500-kilometer journey, Rishabh Jain on this occasion, disclosed that they are undertaking this ambitious ride from India Gate in Delhi to the Gateway of India in Mumbai. They will cover the entire distance in just 7 days, spreading the message of Swachh Bharat and Swastha Bharat as part of their campaign for cleanliness and health.
According to their cycling itinerary, after departing Delhi, they will reach Jaipur on January 20, Bhilwara in Rajasthan on January 21, and Udaipur’s Kherwara on January 22. From Kherwara, they will head to Godhra, Gujarat on January 23, and embark on their journey to Surat on January 24. They will continue to Manor on January 25, before concluding their ride at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai on January 26.
Rishabh shared that along the way, they will participate in various awareness programs in cities and towns, focusing on cleanliness and health. They will also visit schools to raise awareness about fitness, health, and the importance of sports among children, students, and adults alike.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Rishabh noted that he has always enjoyed long cycling adventures and connecting with people. He also shared the story of Akbar, who just a year ago knew little about cycling but approached Rishabh for training. After months of hard work and dedication, Akbar has transformed into an avid cycling enthusiast, proving that with determination, anyone can achieve their fitness goals.
As the cyclists progress on their 7-day journey, they will organize health awareness programmes in schools and collaborating with NGOs to spread the message of fitness and hygiene. The duo’s cycling itinerary spans 1500 kilometers, with the final destination being the iconic Gateway of India on Republic Day, January 26th. Along the way, they will meet communities, educating people about the importance of fitness in maintaining good mental health and a long, healthy life.
In a bid to encourage the younger generation to adopt a healthier lifestyle, Akbar and Rishabh are determined to leave a lasting impact on everyone they encounter, from school children to senior citizens. Their journey is not just about cycling, it’s about motivating people to take small steps towards a healthier and cleaner future of the country.
source: http://www.indiatomorrow.net / India Tomorrow.net / Home> National Interest / by admin indiatomorrow.net / January 20th, 2025