International Women’s Day cycling rally to promotes women’s empowerment in Agartala

In order to commemorate International Women’s Day, a cycling rally was organized in Agartala by the Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights (TCPCR), Tripura Commission for Women (TCW)  and the Social Welfare & Social Education department in collaboration with Agartala Cycloholics Foundation.

The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 75 cyclists, including 15 women riders, male cyclists, and college students, who undertook a 12-km city ride to promote women’s empowerment, fitness, and sustainable mobility.

The rally was flagged off by dignitaries, including, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister  Tinku Roy, Smt. Jayanti Debbarma, Chairperson, Tripura Commission for Protection of Child Rights, Smt. Jharna Debbarma, Chairperson, Tripura Commission for Women.

Tapan Kumar Das, Director & Ex-Officio Additional Secretary, Social Welfare & Social Education, Lalfaktlinga Hrangchal, Additional Director (SW & SE),  Arun Kumar Debbarma, Joint Director, Social Welfare & Social Education Department were also present during the flagged off ceremony.

The rally saw participation from people across different walks of life, underscoring cycling as an inclusive activity for all. Laishram Sonia Dey, a housewife, teacher, and passionate woman cyclist, and Bharati Nigam, Assistant Director (SAI), who attended with her son, were among the notable participants. Their presence reinforced the importance of cycling for women’s independence, fitness, and mobility.

As part of the event’s safety initiative, a bicycle helmet was presented to Sweety Roy, a college student pursuing Eco-Science and a passionate cyclist, as a token of appreciation and to encourage others to prioritize safety while cycling.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Tinku Roy emphasized that cycling is a powerful tool for self-reliance, fitness, and gender equality, reiterating its global significance as a means of women’s empowerment. He echoed the words of Susan B. Anthony, who once remarked, "Bicycling has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world."

Gopesh Debnath, Bicycle Mayor of Agartala, further highlighted that cycling is a sustainable and inclusive practice, urging more women to adopt it for daily mobility and better health.

The rally concluded with a felicitation ceremony, leaving a strong message on women’s empowerment, fitness, and the role of cycling in fostering a more inclusive and eco-friendly society in Tripura.