With COP26 happening in Glasgow UK, the question was what could citizens as a common man in their own backyards??
The Sustainable Development Goals include “sustainable transport” and “zero emissions”, with keeping this community education climate action in mind,the Ocean School in Lakshadweep Islands hosted the Lakshadweep Cyclothon in association with the Government of Union Territory of Lakshadweep islands celebrations of Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav on November 1st, the Foundation day for Lakshadweep Islands. ”
Over 200 community members including fishermen, students, women, various sports groups, teachers and members from various working departments joined the Lakshadweep Cyclothon which was flagged of from the ITI College Kavaratti by Shershad.S
Sports Organizer
Sports and Youth Affaires.
Fishermen took great pride in cycling for sustainable transport, they were Muhsin. AP, Rasheed.R,Raheem.KP, Ashraf.CP,Jalal.B,Syed Ali.K,Kabeer.CK,Usman. B, Thajudheen. UP, Razak.K,Firoz.KP and Ashique. SM.
The Lakshadweep Cyclothon took a beautiful biking path with the prestine oceans and coconut tree lining the routes. The cyclists were greeted at the Gandhi Square Kavaratti welcoming all participants to the Lakshadweep Foundation day celebration with traditional performance and brigades in tow.
Shri. A Anbarasu IAS, Advisor to the Administrator.
Shri. Vijendra Singh Rawat, IAS, secretary home.
Shri S Asker Ali, IAS, Collector cum District Magistrate.
Shri Amit Satija, IAS, Secretary for Finance.
Shri Shivkumar, IAS, Secretary for Port, Shipping & Civil Aviation.
Shri Damodhar AT, IFS, Conservator of Forests.
Shri Sharat Kumar Sinha, IPS, Senior Superintendent of Police.
Shri Sachin Sharma, IPS, MD(LDCL).
Shri Amit Verma, IPS, Director Science and Technology.
Shri Rakesh Singhal DANICS, Registrar of Cooperative Societies.
Shri. Vishal Sah IAS, Deputy Collector cum CEO
Razak.M, District Panchayath Member
Shri. N Jamaludheen, BDO Kavaratti, Shri Rakesh Singhal DANICS, Director Education and Sri. Salim Fisheries officer were present for the Lakshadweep Cyclothon team closing ceremony at Gandhi Square.
“The Ocean School is a NGO which is working on islands community development, plastic pollution on beaches and oceans, Mangroves value, Ocean literacy and environment education. We need to promote community development in coastal and Ocean habitats by education on marine biology and oceanography, through interactive climate change education which makes it interesting for the youth to get involved,” elaborated Elsie Gabriel Co Chairperson Ocean School.
According to research by Ocean School, provision for bikes in every island, enforcing the high levels of cycling can be fostered and maintained. This would offer huge potential for cost savings and reduction in carbon dioxide emissions besides promoting fitness.
The improvement of transport systems represents one of the priorities to promote a better quality for citizens and to create new economic opportunities specially in small islands.
“Improving bike mobility means promoting a Traffic system that can significantly reduce the impact of motorized traffic thus improving both air quality with the benefits of zero emissions and increasing road safety. Using a cycle keeps us healthy and fit, we burn calories and not carbon,” said Idrees Babu Chairperson of Ocean School.
The Lakshadweep Cyclothon was well attended by Mohammed Abdul Jaleel, Field Publicity Assistant, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
Mohammed Salim, Fisheries Officer, Department of Fisheries.
Sandeep Kumar, Football coach.
Shiraz Khalid, Football coach.
Mohammed Thasim, Assistant Football coach.
Nisamudheen, Assistant Football coach.
Busar Jamher, Physical Trainer.
Naseer.P, UDC Shanahan.CN, Executive Engineer, PWD.
Arun Yadav, OIC, Smart city.
Sadique Ali, Principal, ITI.
Mohammed Kasim, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Dept. of. Fisheries.
Mujeeb Rahman, Swimming coach extending full support to the community Lakshadweep Cyclothon.
The Ocean School is promoting community involvement and participation besides upliftment of marine biodiversity knowledge locality wise among fishermen, students and community alike.