Mayor Urges Citizens to Embrace Cycling for Fuel Conservation at NMC Cycle Marathon Nagpur: Mayor Neeta Thakre on World Bicycle Day launched the Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) annual cycle marathon, urging citizens to adopt bicycles as a sustainable mode of transport to reduce fuel consumption. Speaking at the event, Thakre highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent call for austerity and emphasized the dual benefits of cycling—promoting health while contributing to environmental sustainability. “Cycling not only conserves fuel but also fosters a healthier lifestyle and supports our collective efforts to combat climate change,” she said. NMC Commissioner Vipin Itankar echoed the mayor’s message, encouraging residents to transition to alternative fuel vehicles and prioritize eco-friendly mobility options. The 7-kilometer marathon, organized as part of the NMC’s Environment Conservation Fortnight, attracted hundreds of participants across age groups, including NCC cadets, senior citizens, trade body representatives, and cycling enthusiasts. The event commenced from the grounds of St Ursula School in Civil Lines and was held in collaboration with the Fit India Movement, Voice India, and ESAF Foundation. Many participants donned costumes aligned with the “Green Nagpur” theme, while others carried placards advocating fuel conservation and sustainable transportation. Among the notable participants were 85-year-old Shripad Burde of Cotton Market’s Subhash Mandal and 77-year-old Rambhau Bondre of KT Nagar, whose enthusiasm and fitness inspired younger cyclists. The event also recognized the achievements of Nagpur’s Under-16 tribal girls’ cricket team, with ten players receiving bicycles as awards for their performance. A cheque of ₹1 lakh was presented to support their education.#fit_india_movement #nmc #mayor_neeta_thakre #prime_minister_narendra_modti #voice_india
Senior Athlete Swims 25km in Narmada to Promote Fitness City-based endurance athlete Rajendra Jaiswal (63) completed a 25.65km continuous swim in the Narmada River on March 11, achieving the feat at Pipariya in Madhya Pradesh. The swim, which lasted eight hours and 13 minutes, marked one of the longest documented continuous swims in the river. Jaiswal, originally from Pipariya and now residing in Nagpur, undertook the challenge to promote fitness and raise awareness about river conservation. The event was organized by the Jai Mata Di Samiti, Pipariya. His accomplishment has garnered admiration from local residents and sports enthusiasts. A felicitation ceremony was held in Pipariya following the swim, attended by local dignitaries and prominent citizens who honored Jaiswal for his achievement. Speaking about his motivation, Jaiswal cited the “Fit India Movement” launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a key inspiration. He emphasized his goal of encouraging youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle, promoting cleanliness of the Narmada, and boosting regional tourism. Jaiswal is well known in endurance sports circles for his commitment to physically demanding challenges despite his age. At 62, he became the first Indian to complete the “Full Ironman California” in the United States, a feat that highlights his dedication to fitness. His journey is particularly remarkable given that doctors had previously advised surgery on both his knees. Instead of opting for surgery, Jaiswal focused on disciplined training and recovery, regaining strength and continuing to participate in endurance events over the years. The swim in the Narmada River underscores Jaiswal’s ongoing efforts to combine personal fitness with community impact.#rajendra_jaiswal #narmada_river #jai_mata_di_samiti #pipariya #fit_india_movement
