Saksham Cyclothon was organised by Oil India Limited (Pipeline Headquarters, Guwahati) on 17th April where a combined total of 500 people cycled simultaneously at Guwahati (300
cyclists), Nagaon (100 cyclists), and Tezpur (100 cyclists).
SAKSHAM (Sanrakshan Shamata Mahotsav), is the flagship annual public awareness campaign of PCRA, to urge citizens to participate in fuel conservation for health and environmental protection, as well as to help India reduce its reliance on crude oil imports.
PCRA (Petroleum Conservation Research Association), is a registered society set up under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India, that has been organising such Cyclothon’s since 2017. Similar Cyclothons were organised in 300 cities across India.
PCRA had assigned Oil India Limited (Pipeline Headquarters, Narengi) to organise the Cyclothons at Guwahati, Nagaon, and Tezpur. OIL organised the cyclothons with support of an NGO named Pedal for a Change and community support from Guwahati Cycling Community at Guwahati, Tezpur Cyclers at Tezpur and Nagaon Cyclists at Nagaon.
Shri. Abhijit Borgohain, Chief General Manager (OIL, Pipeline Services) who was the chief guest at Guwahati spoke about the need for a regular physical activity to help protect us from
serious diseases and how riding a bicycle regularly is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. He also said that cycling is a healthy,
low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to older adults. It is also fun, cheap, and good for the environment.
Shri Madhurjya Barua, General Manager ( Administration & ER) who was present during the cyclothon spoke about the importance of cycling to work and how it is one of the most time-
efficient ways to combine regular exercise with our everyday routine. He added – Exercising on the bike for at least 30 minutes a day will build up our cardiovascular and muscular
endurance.
The theme for this year is Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav through Clean and Green Energy. The Mahotsav started on 11th April and will conclude on 30th April. Apart from the Cyclothon at the three places, various activities like a walkathon, cooking competition, group talk, etc. will be organized in Guwahati during this duration.