NEW DELHI: CRY launched its second edition of Cyclothon—partnering with Xavient Digital powered by Telus International—the proceeds from which will go into furthering the cause of sending children back to school. The first edition of CRY Cyclothon in 2017 had set its goal on helping 1000 children find their way into the world of education, and successfully fulfilled the task.
Cycling enthusiasts gathered in hoards at Shanti van, the starting point, to start their 7.5 km ride. The enthusiasm to stand up for children was in the air. One could also do a 30 km ride and get back to the starting point.
“CRY, along with its partner organizations, has been working at the grassroots level to make sure that children do not have to face these barriers and can fully exercise their right to education. Our efforts have always been towards reinstating the children back in school, where they belong,” said Soha Moitra, Regional Director North, CRY.
“It is heart-warming to see hundreds of people from different walks of life come together on a Saturday morning to stand strong for a cause they truly feel passionate about. It is only when all stakeholders deicide to take action that we can ensure every child in India has access to quality education and completes schooling,” she added.
Manish Sisodia, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi was the esteemed guest of honour, and he flagged off the event at 6.30 am. Alok Kumar, Joint Commissioner of Police – Traffic also took active participation in the event.
Addressing the crowd, the Deputy Chief Minister who is also the Education Minister said that he did not expect to see so many people at the venue, “We all say children are the future of this country; it’s only when they have access to quality education, can they become the future,” he said. “It’s imperative that children don’t turn away from schools owing to the burden of education. My emphasis is not on schooling, but education,” he added.
Jeffrey Puritt, President and CEO, Telus International, said he was happy that the organisation was able to play an instrumental role in the much-needed convergence between children and education. “We have a social responsibility; to give where we live is our philosophy,” he said.
