Pahal: The Beginning...

Cycle Bracket on Bike

2011-06-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

This is an option that everybody can explore to improve their cycle transportation where the bike can be taken along to most locations and used at picnics and for short distances.

Evening Cycle Rally

2010-08-06T02:07:00.000-07:00

Important Note: Instead of in the morning, Pahel will continue its cycle rallies every Sunday evening from 6pm to 7:30pm. This change is due to the fact that in early morning, people from the city are not outside and are busy, and thus are unable to read the posters and messages on our bikes; in order to raise awareness for cycling evening is the best time.

During the past month, Pahel has organized four cycle rallies around Fateh Sagar lake in the evening. We chose this place because many citizens come to visit the natural views and it becomes very crowded, which is a perfect place to promote our messages. The people of Udaipur greatly appreciated our program and applauded us as we cycled through the traffic congested streets. Many of them read our signs and asked if they could join, while also requesting more information about Pahel. An American girl from Maryland in the United States, named Anna Wolf has come to Udaipur to work with Seva Mandir (the work consisted of writing reports and conducting surveys dealing with the non-formal education centers), and she joined the Pahel rally to support the cause. She used a cycle almost every day for six weeks to go to work and visit the city. During her stay, Anna mentioned to us the status of cycling in the US, explaining that there are specific lanes on the streets designed only for cyclists and laws that protect them on the roads. Apparently, it is very common for people of all socio-economic backgrounds in the US to use bikes, not only for environmental reasons but also to maintain a healthy, fit body and get the necessary exercise. Instead of going to the gym, people enjoy cycling outside in nature, getting fresh oxygen and enjoying the scenery.
Cycle Rally in Fateh Sagar with so many Friends, including members from Shikshantar and WWF.

During the monsoon season, we participated in the plantation of trees with Rotary members at a government primary school in Upli Badi village. On the 11th of July, Pahel collaborated with the Rotary club of Mewar (including Dr. Vijay Laxmi Bapna and Dr. Arun Bapna) to develop awareness about family planning and child healthcare for village women, for whom we distributed informational booklets and prescriptions for iron supplements to improve the health of mothers and pregnant ladies.

World Environment Celebration

2010-06-06T01:11:00.001-07:00

From June 1 to 5, Pahal took part in a weeklong celebration of World Environmental Day, organized by the Udaipur Forest Department. The celebration begin with a photo exhibition in Suchna Kendra, and featured photographs of the impacts of pollution on nature in Udaipur.

Each day of the celebration included a cycle ralley and a play performed by West Jone Culture Center members, directed by Mr. Vilas. Each day, the play discussed a different environmental topic, including the benefits of the cycle.
The first cycle rally was held June 2nd at Chetak Circle to Saheliyon Kibadi. It was lead by the mayor of Udaipur, and organized especially to promote women’s cycling.

On June 3rd, another rally was held from Chetak Circle to Fateh Sagar. Special guests were Dr. Bordia, a heart specialist, and Dr. B. Sharda, a pediatrician. Both advised paricipants on the health benefits of cycling. June 4th, the rally took place from Chetak Circle to Sukhardia Samadhi. On the final day, the cycle rally left from Chetak Circle and continued to Gulab Bagh. The mayor and city council members took part as well.

May Updates

2010-06-06T01:09:00.000-07:00

May was a busy month for Pahal members, but here are some highlights of the month's activities!

On May 2, Pahal took part in a cleaning program organized by Rajasthan Patika, “Amratam Jalam.” Paticipants removed trash from Dudh Talai.

On May 16th, Pahal organized a cycle rally. It was attended by Roma, the director of the international NGO, Foundation for Sustainable Development, and her family. The rally took place at Fatah Sagar.

World Earth Day

2010-05-02T00:46:00.000-07:00

Pahal has been busy with cycling events!

On April 18, a rally was held in conjunction with the Forest Department. The participants cycled to Gulab Bag, where they made plans for World Earth Day, and then cleaned the park of gajar grass.

Then on April 22, Pahal and the forest department hosted a special World Earth Day rally for the community. 12 schools took part, and a number of NGOs and government organizations also participated. The cycle rally met in five different areas of the city, and then convened in Gulab Bag for a special World Earth Day celebration. Messages about saving the earth were displayed, and schoolchildren performed plays about the environment. Many speakers addressed the crowd giving suggestions about saving water, recycling, and other conservation methods. Of course, using cycles was suggested!

Cycle Rally and Earth Day festival planned for tomorrow

2010-04-17T02:27:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating this year’s World Earth Day in a very special way to generate awareness among the masses about the kind of life styles we are leading and how it is impacting the our very survival on this planet. In this effort various concerned citizens, NGOs and institutions are joining hands in making this event successful. We are seeking your whole hearted participation in making this an effective event. We also request you to extend this invitation to other citizens, and institutions that you can mobilise for this event. The programme consists of a rally starting from different parts of the city as given below, which will arrive in Gulab bag main gate and then inside. Inside Gulab bagh only the entry of cycles will be allowed and people on vehicles will have to walk inside, after parking their vehicles near the gate. Volunteers will guide the programme from Gulab Bag gate. The programme will be as follows:

6.30 AM: Start of rally from following different points in the city

1. Chetak circle in front of Forest Department office

2. Sevashram Choraha

3. Patel circle

4. Jagdish Temple

Note: However, people may join on way at any point or may reach straight to Gulab bag

6.45 to 7 AM: Arrival of rally at the Gulab bagh gate and inside

7AM to 8.30 AM: Celebration of earth day near Lotan Magri, in Gulab bag with:

1. Presentation of a drama/theatre performance by students related to some theme related to saving the planet which motivates others for some needful action. Theme can be related to actions required for preventing air, water, land pollution, energy conservation, waste minimisation, making earth green, water conservation, and conservation of biodiversity or some other relevant topics.

2. An open quiz related to above themes and instant awards will be given on the spot (Open for all).

3. Pledge for saving the planet and taking some appropriate action by all individuals (Visualisation programme).

4. Pledge by all individual about the action that they want to initiate. Please bring a small sheet of paper and pen for writing. Simultaneous sketch competition for students and citizens of artistic interests (15 min only) using lead or coloured pencil (which should be brought by students and those interested). Drawing sheets will be provided. Best entries will be rewarded and will be placed in future exhibition.

8.30 AM: Dispersal and return in the form of rally to respective places

We request you to participate preferably on cycles in the form of a rally from your place of convenience. However, if cycle in not available with you, please join on any other vehicle that you may have. The people starting from their homes from different parts of the city may join the rally at any point in between or can be suggested to directly reach to Gulab bag gate by 6.45 AM where they can join other friends. On return we can go back in the form of a rally, to help in public sensitisation.

Hope to see you there!

Re-cycling

2010-04-11T07:42:00.001-07:00

At this morning’s cycle rally, participants discussed the need for people to recycle their garbage. Plastics are an important part of life, but disposing of them improperly is very bad for the Earth. Instead of throwing them away with the rest of the organic waste, plastics should be placed in a seperate dustbin, and recycled. Not only is recycling better for the environment, but municipalities can earn revenue from the recycled plastics.

Public places and private homes can benefit from using two dustbins, one for plastics, and one for organic waste. The organic waste can be used to make compost, and fertilize rooftop or kitchen gardens. If people do not have gardens, they can put the compost on potted plants to make their homes beautiful.

The cyclists shared these ideas with citizens at Fatah Sagar and in the Dewali area.

Another successful rally, March 1-5

2010-03-28T00:18:00.000-07:00

On March 21, Pahal held another bicycle rally in Udaipur, lead by Vishal Dhabai. Cyclists began in Naurvedic circle, and continued to Fateh Sagar, Saheliyo ki Badi, and Sukhadiya circle. Finally, the cyclists ended the rally in Panchwati.

The mayor of Udaipur, Mrs. Rajni Dangi, took part in the cycle rally with Pahel and the forest department people. Mrs. Rajni Dangi had not ridden a cycle for over 30 years and was very happy and appreciated being able to ride cycle once again. Also, drawing lecturer at Sukhadia University, Dr. Baya, had not used cycle in years and also greatly enjoyed the rally. It's not very common for middle aged women to cycle, yet they can be found riding with us during this time, and are changing attitudes regarding the age of cyclers.Dr. B. Sharda, a child specialist, uses his cycle daily in early morning, and mentioned that he is fit and healthy due to cycling.

The famous heart specialist and pride of Udaipur, Dr. Bordia, spoke during our program about the importance of exercise to protect against heart attack and disease, and mentioned that cycling is one of the best ways to stay healthy and fit during our lifetime; he said that the design of Udaipur is very favorable for cycling due to its narrow streets and good views of the scenery, including lakes, hills, ancient havelis, art, sculptures and temples.

Disturbance in the Celebration

2010-03-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

Thousands of people came to Dudh Talai to celebrate Nav Sawahtsar. the New Year. Included in the crowd were important politicians, community leaders, and social workers. But some of Dudh Talai's most important residence were not as happy about the festivities. Hundreds of birds fled the area amid the firecrackers, noise, and pollution caused by the event.

These birds travel from very long distances to make their homes in Udaipur, and they add much to the beauty of the lakes and of the city. Protecting these birds is our moral duty. They are our guests, and it is a very old custom to welcome them.

Celebrations like Nav Sawahtsar, or any other festival, should be careful not to disturb the environment. The environment is the spirit of Udaipur, and without its beauty, no one- neither birds or people- will want to visit here.

Cycling for Health

2010-03-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

On March14, Pahal held another Sunday rally to promote cycling in Udaipur. The rally began at Fateh Sager, and the participants distributed pamphlets about the benefits of cycling among the Bohrais group at the Aswini market. The group finished their successful journey at Grulab bag, where they distributed pamphlets to morning walkers.

Last Sunday Cycle Mission

2010-03-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday Pahal held another successful cycle rally! Joined by Americans Greg and Mackenzie, we started at Fateh Sagar, rode through Ambamata, Chand Pole, into Ganguar Ghat. At Ganguar Ghat we joined some others in their effort to clean up and remove harmful jalkumbhi from Pichola Lake. We also spoke to other citizens about the importance of riding cycles. The Americans talked about how we can bring out the beauty of Udaipur by riding cycles.

Holi and Cycle Celebrations!

2010-02-26T23:59:00.000-08:00

Students and faculty from Advent College held a rally this morning, joined by friends from Shikshantar and Pahal: The Beginning, to get an early start on Holi celebrations and raise awareness about cycling!

February 7 Rally Success!

2010-02-07T23:36:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all that came out to make the Cycle Rally on February 7 a success!

Other Cycle Initiatives in the News!

2010-02-01T04:09:00.001-08:00

We were so excited to open this morning's Times of India and find a front page article about two more groups of concerned citizens who are taking the initiative to raise awareness about cycling in India! Here, you will find the article about Siddhartha Priya, a 26 year old IIM-Ahmadabad graduate who plans to ride his cycle through nearly 10 countries in Asia and Eastern Europe. He is quoted in the article as saying, “My endeavour is to spread the message of sustainable living. Western countries only talk about green cities, green buildings and green technology, but they completely miss out on human emotions. This will be my focus.”
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Last week, The Times published an article about plans in Delhi to promote cycling by building bicycle lanes on major roads! The article mentions how other major cities around the world, such as London, New York, and Paris have done the same. The article says: "The government is keen to promote cycling on Delhi roads. Work on streetscaping of various roads in Delhi is being carried out and dedicated space for cyclists will be created on all these roads. Gradually, we will introduce dedicated lanes for cyclists on all major stretches."
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In Bangalore, a group of school-aged girls ride their cycles to school every day.
"Eight of my friends and I ride our bicycles to school every day. We don't use public transport. We ride bicycles as they are safer and environment-friendly." The city has also organized a Bicycle Eco Rally among school children at Malleswaram Grounds here. Around 200 school children took part.

Photos from Last Weekend's Rally!

2010-02-01T03:59:00.000-08:00

Enjoying a free ride at Dudh Talai!

Some participants from this week's rally!

Approaching Dudh Talai - making some noise and raising awareness.

Through the streets of the Old City they ride!

Talking to some citizens about the benefits of cycling in front of the beautiful Sukhadia Circle

This Weekend's Events

2010-01-28T08:34:00.000-08:00

There will be two cycle events this weekend!

Tomorrow morning, Friday Jan 29, we will have a morning cycle min-rally. We will start at Fateh Sagar at 7:30am, and move towards Sukhadia Circle.

Even if you cannot join us in the morning, please remember that every Friday is Cycle Day! You can join the many people who have committed to ride only a cycle - no car, no scooter, no motorbike - every Friday.

On Sunday, Jan 31 we will also hold a larger cycle event! We will start at Jagdish Chowk, and move to Dudh Talai. We will begin at 9am.

Hope to see you there!

Jyotsna and the "Pahal: The Beginning" Team

First Cycle Rally Success!

2010-01-25T08:02:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who made the first cycle rally of such a success! We had over a hundred cyclists come out and ride the route with us Saturday morning, in addition to many others who showed up to cheer them on. These people clearly showed that residents of Udaipur care about keeping their city and themselves healthy!

The Rally was an exciting and beautiful ride through Udaipur. So many other people along the streets looked out to see what was going on - they smiled, clapped, and cheered for us as we rode past. Between the participants, the spectators, and the extensive radio and newspaper coverage over the last few weeks, Pahal: The Beginning accomplished its first mission of raising the awareness of hundreds of Udaipur’s residents about the benefits of cycling. Now it’s up to everyone to keep the movement alive!

It’s important to remember that this is only “the beginning” – the beginning of a change in how we treat ourselves and our beautiful city, and in how we live. Please join the many others who have made the commitment to declare Friday as “cycle day,” and use the healthy, efficient, and clean cycle as your only means of transportation every Friday.

In addition, Pahal: The Beginning will continue to hold additional, smaller cycle rallies every Sunday morning. The first such took place just one day after the initial rally at Udaipur’s beautiful Fateh Sagar lake. Stay tuned for next week’s location - and please, come on out and join the movement!

Route of Cycle Rally Saturday

2010-01-21T08:57:00.000-08:00

We want to make everyone aware of the route that will be taken during the Cycle Rally on Saturday, January 23.

We will start at Town Hall in Udaipur at 8am.

From Town Hall, we will ride through Babu Bazaar, to Suraj Pole. Then on to Mukarju Chowk, to Clock Tower, Hathi Pole, Chetak Circle, Court Choraha, Delhi Gate, and back ending at Town Hall.

There will be a rally when we arrive back at Town Hall, featuring speaches from citizens and personalities of Udaipur! Please be sure to join the movement on this excited day and spread the word!!

More Community Support!

2010-01-21T08:32:00.000-08:00

Another exciting day leading up to the big really this Saturday. Today "Pahal: The Beginning" met with Director of Central Public School (pictured), who will actively participate by encouraging her friends and family to attend the cycle rally saturday and to reserve friday as cycle day in Udaipur.

"Pahal" also gained the support of Life Insurance Corp of India, Udaipur (see picture) as well as Alok Institute of Udaipur. With so many active participants, Saturday is sure to be a great success!

Official Radio Partner

2010-01-20T00:27:00.000-08:00

Pahal partners with 94.3 "MY FM!" Stay tuned for updates on this weekend's and future events.

Pahal Meets the Media

2010-01-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

Word has spread quickly about Pahal's passion for cycling. Wednesday "Pahal: The Beginning" met with ten representatives from various local television channels and newspapers at a small press conference at "Masala" hotel in Lal Ghat. The purpose was to raise awareness of the benefits of cycling and to promote this Saturday's rally. Already coverage has appeared in Rajasthan Patrika, and will soon be in other papers and on the radio as well!

Pahal: The Beginning - On the radio!

2010-01-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

Tuesday afternoon I visited the Akashvani Kendra Udaipur local radio station to spread the word about our event on January 23! Here is a photo of me in the studio. Please continue tell everyone about the event.
Joytsna

Cycle Rally - January 23 8AM!

2010-01-13T07:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Saturday, January 23^rd is the birthday of the Great Leader, Neta-ji Subhash Chandra Bos. On this occasion an initiative will start under the name of Pahal: The Beginning. A cycle rally will be held starting at 8 am from Town Hall, Udaipur. Through this initiative, we want to raise awareness amoung the citizens of Udaipur about the benefits of use of the cycle. We hope this rally will encourage people to use the cycle as part of their regular routine in their everyday lives. The second part of the initiative is a request that people commit that every Friday, they will use only their cycle for such routine purposes as commuting to school, the office, college, the bank and other daily work. We will declare Friday as Cycle Day in Udaipur!

A commitment to using the cycle will have Udaipur’s residents living more simply, feeling more energetic, and will foster more friendly and warm relations between people. We can help to save Udaipur – considered by some as the most beautiful city in the world – from air and sound pollution. We can do our part to combat global climate change, which is responsible for problems such as global warming, weak monsoons, and consequently the low level of our beautiful lakes. According to the recent Times of India, Uaipur has the highest density of petrol-powered motorcycles and scooters in Asia, which leads to terrible pollution. By making a commitment to cycling, we can all do our part. We want to eliminate the hesitation of many young people to start using cycles. We want to make people aware that a vehicle should not be a symbol of status, but rather a practical mode of transport. We want to make the cycle the vehicle of the energetic and smart individual.

This movement follows in the path of some of the most famous and most developed cities in the world: Amsterdam in the Netherlands, New York, California, and Chicago in the United States, Tokyo, and much of China. Bogota, Columbia has set an example of how a city in a developing country can successfully integrate cycles into an urban setting. These examples show us that the cycle is not a primitive mode of transportation – it is the model citizen’s vehicle of a richly developed, progressive, and powerful country.

Please join the many schools, colleges, companies, NGO’s, and people of all ages that have committed to take part in this initiative. Join us on January 23^rd at 8 am with your bicycle, and cooperate in this movement. If you are unable to ride a cycle, you can still show your support by joining us on this day. Prove yourself as a committed, intelligent citizen of Udaipur. And please spread the word by telling all of your friends!

Thank you,

Jyotsna Jhala

Innaugural Bike Rally Udaipur

2010-01-12T02:24:00.001-08:00

Cycle for All! Saturday, January 23 8am Town Hall, Udaipur

Calling all citizens! The inaugural event will be held on January 23 at Town Hall. Everyone is welcome to join the rally as we proceed on cycle from Town Hall in Udaipur, through Delhi Gate, to Chetak Circle, and back to Town Hall.

The purpose of the event is to rally support and raise awareness about the benefits of cycling, and to show the city that it is important to share the roads!