Over 450 Join World Cycle Rally at Panjab University 

Chandigarh, June 1, 2025: Over 450 students, faculty members, and citizens took part in the World Cycle Rally organised by Panjab University, Chandigarh, in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Chandigarh Administration, to celebrate World Cycling Day. The rally, which began from Gandhi Bhawan, PU, and culminated at Tiranga Park, Sector 17, focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, sustainable mobility, and spreading awareness about valour of our Armed Forces in Operation Sindoor.
 
The rally was flagged off by Prof. Yojna Rawat, Dean University Instruction, with active participation from Registrar Prof. Y.P. Verma, who cycled along with several senior university faculty members including DSW Prof. Amit Chauhan, DSW Women Prof. Simrat Kahlon, ADSW Prof. Naresh Kumar, and Director of Sports, Panjab University Dr. Rakesh Malik.
 
In a message to the participants, PU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Renu Vig, said: “Students must adopt Cycling and regular exercise as an integral part of their lifestyle. On World Cycling Day, I urge our youth to make fitness a daily habit—not just for themselves but for building a healthier, stronger nation. The youth have a critical role to play in nation-building through responsible choices, disciplined living, and active participation in social causes. Today’s cycle rally is a reflection of their potential and promise.”
 
The rally concluded with remarks by Ms Manju Shree, Executive Director, Sports Authority of India (SAI) North Centre, Zirakpur at Tiranga Park.
A large number of institutions and departments joined hands for the event. These included the PU Directorate of Sports, PU Dean Students’ Welfare Office, PU NSS wing, Chandigarh Sports Department, and the Sports Authority of India. Among the educational institutions that took part were MCM DAV College, PG Government College for Girls Sector 11, PG Government College Sector 11, Dev Samaj College for Women Sector 45, Government College for Yoga Sector 23, Government College of Education Sector 20, Dev Samaj College of Education Sector 36, among others. Coaches from the Directorate of Sports, the Khelo Bharat team led by Arpita Malik, and members of the Chandigarh Cycling Association also joined the rally. NSS wing (PU) team was led by Coordinator Dr. Parveen Goyal, Chandigarh Sports Department by Director Dr. Mahinder Singh, the Sports Authority of India team was led by Dr. Lalit Lohani.
 
Dr. Rakesh Malik, Director of Sports, extended his heartfelt gratitude to all participants and partners for their “unwavering support and passion in encouraging cycling as a culture and spreading the message of fitness far and wide.”
 
The event was organised by PU under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of the Fit India Movement, the event was sponsored by Punjab Runners, Bonn (Eat Pure, Be Sure), Chandigarh Cycling Association, Khelo Bharat, and Torque.