700 km toughest route from Shimla to Manali
Ferozepur August 15, 2018: Today, the 15th Aug – India’s 72nd Independence Day proved to be the aptest and befitting day to honour the Divyang(s) who had cycled one of the toughest route i.e. from Shimla to Manali covering approx 700 Kms braving the vagaries of unpredictable monsoon weather and tough gradient laded steep road conditions. The sight of 36 cyclists including Divyang(s) of BSF and Aditya Mehta Foundation led by Shri Kiren Rijiju MoS (Home) Government of India along with senior officers of BSF being flagged-in at Manali (the final destination) was a sight to feel proud of.
The Infinity Ride 2018-Para-Cycling Expedition in its fourth edition was flagged off by Shri S R Mardi, DG(P) Himachal Pradesh on 05th Aug 18 from Shimla. The route passed through Narkanda – Rampur – Kalpa – Pooh – Nako – Tabo – Kaza – Losar – Chhatru – Palchan – Manali (the finishing point). During this period despite of the inclement weather, landslides, non-existent road stretches due to cloudburst, the cyclists adhering to the schedule speaks of the zeal, enthusiasm and passion they possessed. Today i.e. 15th Aug the Para-Cycling Expedition was flagged-in by Hon’ble MoS (Home) Shri Kiren Rijiju (Chief Guest) in the presence of Shri Abhinav Kumar IG, Shri P K Roushan IG, Shri P S Bains IG, Shri Aditya Mehta, Shri Ashwani Kumar Jt Director Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering & Allied Sports, and other dignitaries from Manali. Shri Kiren Rijiju was appreciative of the efforts of BSF for taking the initiative in the field of empowerment of Divyang(s). He applauded the Infinity Ride Team – 2018 for their resolute commitment to the cause. Shri Kiren Rijiju said that today’s achievement of conquering Himalayan heights by Para Athletes in the Infinity Ride – 2018 will set an example to be emulated by the whole of the Nation.
Shri Abhinav Kumar IG in his address stated that over the last 50 years BSF has not only contributed towards the security of the Nation but has also participated in Nation building and social upliftment. To take this resolve further it has been the endeavour of Shri K K Sharma DG BSF to reintegrate and empower our disabled brave hearts who had been injured while fighting valiantly in different operations.
It’s worth mentioning here that this concept and endeavour of ‘Infinity Ride’ was conceptualized by Mr Aditya Mehta, the convener of Aditya Mehta Foundation who started the foundation in 2013 with a vision to help the disabled personnel & athletes. This is the 4th year in continuity when Aditya Mehta Foundation and BSF has organized this Infinity Ride Event together. Not only this, he is into counselling Divyang(s) to help them to cope up with both the mental and physical trauma.
The Para-Cycling Expedition Infinity Ride – 2018 from 05th to 15th Aug 2018 was led by Officers from BSF Institute of Adventure and Advance Training (BIAAT). The 36 members of the expedition was participated by riders from BSF, CRPF and Aditya Mehta Foundation. This is the first time that BSF Mahila Praharies (Ladies) were part of the team, which exhibits inclusiveness and empowerment of women. This 4th edition of Infinity Ride will go a long way in restoring the pride of our personnel and inculcate a sense of confidence and belongingness amongst all our brave men.