Tour de Vision 2.0 – Gurgaon Pedals for an inclusive Environment!!!

Esha’s Annual Cycling Event, Tour de Vision – Miles for Lives had a participation of around 80 cyclists from Delhi NCR and Gurgaon this year.  There was diverse participation from people of all walks of life. Professional cyclists from different cycling groups like Pedalyatri, JNU Cycling Club, Let’s walk Gurgaon and many other groups who came together not only to raise funds for the visually not abled but also spread awareness towards creating an inclusive environment for all. The high spot about the event was that many students who were first time riders were not only enthusiastic about participating in the event but also with great determination completed 25 Kms and made it to the finishing line.

The day started at 4:30 AM for the organizers who transformed the venue (Shiv Nadar School, Gurgaon) to an event spot. Banners, mikes, tables, registration desk, desk for welcome kit, feedback desk, live braille spot, book stall, food/drinks and desk for thank you kit were all in place to welcome the cyclists.

Cyclists started entering the campus. Sachin Sachdeva 60 year old cyclist was the first to enter, who was full of energy and enthusiasm. We had around 70 registrations in 20 minutes. The cyclists took the pledge which said:

“I pledge to aid and spread awareness for the challenges faced by the visually not abled people.  I understand the need for this awareness and recognise and respect the right for every person to have access to public spaces. I will support and promote that offices and public spaces should be designed as per their convenience.  I pledge to support them in their need for a safe and inclusive environment which affects their day to day life. I will strive to promote an atmosphere that not merely accepts their uniqueness but also celebrates it.”

The rally was flagged off by Shri. Upasana Arora, Director Yashoda Multi speciality hospital. The cyclists started pedalling with great passion. The professional cyclists helping the budding ones was a beautiful sight to watch. Rajesh Dhuddu the event convenor finished his 10,000 mile feat during the second edition of TDV.

80 Cyclists pedalled on a pleasant Sunday morning to remind rest of the citizens of Gurgaon their duty towards creating an inclusive environment, where everybody can be themselves and can access the environment without dependency.    

   

The play by National Association for Blind (NAB) Delhi was a heart-warming one. The message conveyed by them and their brilliant performance was one thing all the participants would have taken back with them after the event.The fifteen minutes short theatre workshop by Mr. Raju Kohli was also an amazing treat to watch as it excited the participants and engaged them in experimenting their acting skills.

The stunning stunts by cyclomaniacs was a visual treat. The recyclable goody bag from ‘I am Gurgaon’ with accessories for cyclists, food and beverages was also a boost to all of us.

We are very grateful to our corporate and individual sponsors who played a significant role in enabling the event. Our venue sponsor Shiv Nadar School provided us massive support, special mention to the admin team who helped us shape the venue for the program. Our health sponsor Yashoda Multi speciality hospital enabled the event by providing monetary support and also the director graced the occasion by flagging off the rally. Our safety sponsor W-Hospital ensured the safety of every participant by sending their ambulance and nurse. Our fitness sponsor Gym Club were the first to arrive and they gave our cyclists free trial passes and sippers that they can use during the ride. Our sports partner Cyclo fit helped us by providing cycles for our 15 students who participated. Our cycling partners Pedal Yatri and JNU cycling club turned out in large numbers to support the event. Students from SOIL organized, volunteered and participated in large numbers to make the event a grant success.