To Goa on cycle, for a cause

Kochi: A group of six adventurous boys of the Global Public School, Thiruvankulam, are all set to embark on a cycling trip to Goa via the Konkan coast, pedalling over 850 kms to spread awareness about rising pollution and promote cycling as a means of reducing carbon emissions.

“The boys will set off on December 15 and reach Goa in 10 days, cycling 70 kms on an average each day . They will stop en route at various schools and orphanages to promote cycling for the good of the environment, health and efficient travel,” said the school’s head of sports and enrichment, Shamim Muhammed, who came up with idea which was readily accepted by the school management and principal, Indu Panicker.

The six Class X11 students, Aquil Kallangodan, his twin brother Aalif, Pavan Saigal, Alfred Pinto, Siddarth DC and Joseph George are already preparing for their Green Mission by cycling about 25 kms every day under the guidance of an expert coach.They have also launched a page on Facebook detailing the mission and its goals.

“.. we're opening a door of opportunity for lots of other kids our age to take on similar challenges, which could in turn inspire others . This could be the start of a new way of life for at least a few kids who might take to cycling as a regular mode of transport..,” reads the page ‘Pedaling towards a beautiful India’.

“A random discussion on visiting Goa for Christmas changed a little when our teacher came up with this fantastic idea. The thought grew into an actual mission which we hope will inspire others and spread the message that we need to keep Mother India beautiful,” said Siddarth.

To Shamim the boys are doing a great service as people use cars even for a short distance today, adding to the air pollution. “It’s time cycling is given more serious thought. In many other countries there are even dedicated cycling tracks,” he noted.