STAFF CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR, Jan 31: State paracyclist Rakesh Banik joined around 600 young cycling enthusiasts at the Saksham cyclathon organised by Numaligarh Refinery Limited NRL as a part of Sangrakshan Khshamta Mahotsav 2021 here today.
Amidst a loud cheer from the participants echoing the message of Green and Clean energy, the event was flagged off by Deputy Speaker Assam Assembly Aminul Haque Laskar along with Silchar MLA Dilip Kumar Paul, Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli, Superintendent of Police Bhanwar Lal Meena; noted athletics coach Nipon Das and NRL GM (marketing) Subrata Das at the Police parade ground.
The NRL officials informed that such events are being held across 300 cities simultaneously as a part of a month-long awareness drive on energy conservation spearheaded by the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA).
“I had a craze for bikes. In 2012, while I was riding a friend’s two-wheeler, I met with an accident in which I lost my right leg. If I had not pursued bikes and opted for a cycle, it might have been that my leg would have been safe. Cycling not only ensures personal safety but enhances health and environment safety as well,” Rakesh told the youngsters urging them not to give up and complete the distance of 6kms of the cyclathon with great enthusiasm.
Deputy Speaker Aminul Haque Laskar lauded the efforts of NRL and said, “Rakesh Banik is an inspiration for us. We are faced with imminent crisis to save environment and lessen the pollution level and to come out of the crisis we must resolve to turn to cycling. This message should spread far and across especially in the rural areas as well.”
