Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose flags off Cycle Ride on the occasion of World Car Free Day. “Raj Bhawan is dedicating itself for the promotion of art and culture in Bengal”, Hon’ble Governor

Kolkata, 22nd September 2023: Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose flagged off the cycle ride at Raj Bhawan on the occasion of World Car Free day, sending a powerful message to the citizens of Kolkata to adopt a sustainable mode of commute in solidarity with the World Car Free Day.

In a remarkable display of commitment to sustainability and a cleaner environment, organizations like Kolkata Cycle Samaj, 2 Wheels Kolkata and BYCS Kolkata with support from SwitchON Foundation, mobilized and created awareness amongst citizens about the importance of Car Free day. Around 120 cyclists and citizens from Kolkata took to streets on World Car Free Day, opting for bicycles over cars to reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly modes of transportation.

The event was graced by opening remarks on Kalakranti by Mrs. Hemlatha S Mohan, Chief of Mission-Culture of the Governor of West Bengal. This was followed by offering flowers to Kabiguru Shri Rabindranath Thakur and Unveiling the logo of Kalakranti by His Excellency Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose.

In the Opening Remarks on Kalakranti by Mrs Hemlatha S Mohan Chief of Mission-Culture of the Governor of West Bengal said, “This is the contribution towards art and culture that can accelerate the development of the state and nation. This will also be instrumental in developing a peaceful society. We have undertaken today to launch these suggestions under Mission Kalakranti, West Bengal. This in association with different institutions will be used for the implementation of key drivers of His Excellence’s report. Some of the salient features of the report are: Organizing university, national, international cultural exchange program; Organize art India discovery tours for students during vacation; Confer professional status for the artist with proper standards and evaluation by universities for example Professors at practice.”

Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose, said, “Today is a Red Letter Day. Raj Bhawan is dedicating itself for the promotion of art and culture in Bengal. We cherish the great memory of Kabiguru Rabindranath Thakur who represents the art and culture of Bengal and the tradition of India. We salute Kabiguru for being the inspiration for the Kalakranti movement.”

Hon’ble Governor added, ”Art cleanses the inner world and we also have to cleanse the outer world. There was a critical march which happened in Chicago. The cyclists decided the highways are meant for us and not for the cars. On that day thousands of cyclists voluntarily pedaled in the highways, the cars have to stop there. That is a message that we have a right to live in an environment friendly earth, we have the right to breathe fresh air as we know Rachel Carson’s, “Silent Spring” which is the first environmental book which brought to the notice of our world what is happening around us, we are polluting the earth, we are polluting water, we are polluting sky. This is a symbolic movement that is why we thought on this day we should launch Kalakranti logo and let it coincide with the cycle rally and as you know most of the important events started at Raj Bhawan always having a cycle rally to take the message to the people. You may remember when the peace mission was announced before the peace room was opened, there was a peace run by the cyclists. Today the message of Kalakranti will be taken to the nooks and corners of thousands of cyclists.”

Hon’ble Governor  also shared Car Free Day is a very strong message by the civil society, those who pollute the environment. The new generation has the right to live in a world which is safe for them. We have been destroying the earth, destroying water, destroying the sky because wander intervention of people. This human invasion into the nature has to stop and the youngsters have to come together to observe the Car-Free Day. It is a very strong message that nature is protected, it is reflection of what Wordsworth said, “Throw away your books and come with nature because nature is a great teacher.

Mr. Vinay Jaju, Managing Director of SwitchON Foundation commented on the occasion, “Our cities have become gas chambers unlivable with the pollution and congestion that is there because of cars. Our cities are meant to be for people and eventually we have to free ourselves from over reliance on cars. World Car Free day is a strong reminder to move in that direction as many other major cities across the globe like London, Paris, etc are doing by promoting cycling, walking and public transport.”

 Various governments around the world are already striving to promote active mobility and affordable public transport for all. Observing ‘World Car Free Day’ is a symbolic gesture that enables us to participate in this global movement. It presents us with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to the environment and our community in a meaningful way.

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Contact: Vinay Jaju | M: +91 9331178105 | Email: VJ@SwitchON.org.in