K Shyam champions benefits of cycling
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 03 2020:
Acknowledging the World Bicycle Day and its significance in the world today, CAF and PD Minister Karam Shyam along with Philem Rohan and Ji Ingobi Chingtham today led a cycle rally covering Lilong Chajing and its adjoining areas.
Philem Rohan and Ji Ingobi Chingtham have earned names for themselves as keen cyclists having cycled across the length and breadth of the country.
Speaking to reporters before kicking off the rally at Lilong Chajing Mairenkhong, Karam Shyam who is also from the place recalled that it was in April 2018 that the General Assembly of the United Nations picked June 3 as the World Bicycle Day.
"I started personally participating in the World Bicycle Day from last year," said Shyam.
Though the day could not be organised on a bigger scale due to the COVID-19 induced global pandemic, the Minister expressed satisfaction that the he could observe the day along with Philem Rohan and Ji Ingobi Chingtham.
Rohan Philem is a well known cyclist having cycled to different parts of the country, carrying the message of humanity and he had started a solo cycle expedition to Tokyo ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games, but the tour had to be called off following the global pandemic and he returned from Kolkata, said the Minister.
Ji Ingobi Chingtham has also covered over 10,000 kilometres cycling through South East Asian countries, said Karam Shyam.
Stressing on the positives of cycling, the Minister said that it not only helps in maintaining good health, preserve environment but also helps economically as there is no cost involved in cycling to one's destination.
Social distancing can also be maintained while cycling.
Manipur is ideally suited for the youngsters to cycle, said the Minister and added that students too can and should use cycles to go to school and college.
The day's message to promote cycling should appeal to the youngsters, added the Minister.
Karam Shyam has been advocating the merits of cycling and he took part in the Cyclothon organised by the Indian Oil Corporation on November 26, 2017 .
Apart from this the Minister cycles his way to office from his quarters every Thursday after he announced the same on November 30, 2017 .
He had also cycled his way from his official quarters to the CM's bungalow to attend Cabinet meetings.