Chennai, August 18, 2024: Rela Hospital and Chennai Cyclists joined hands to organise cyclothon events aimed at raising awareness on women safety. The 125-km “Freedom 125” and the 40-km “Viduthalai 40” cyclathons drew 500 student, men and women cyclists from across the city.
Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, the CEO of Rela Hospital, Guest of Honor Dr. M. R. Soundararajan, international cyclist, Special Guests – Ms Padmini Janaki, CEO and Cofounder, “Mind and Mom” and Dr. Deepa Shree, HOD – Interventional Radiology, Rela Hospital flagged off the cyclothons at 5:30 am from the hospital. The events concluded at the same spot around lunchtime. Participants, in the age group of 16 to 70 years, equipped with safety gear and jerseys bearing the slogan “Prioritising Women’s Safety Everyday”, cycled along the route covering GST Road, Thiruporur, Chengalpet, Palur, Orgadum, Padappai, and Mudichur. They were awarded medals upon completing the distance.
The ‘Sweeping Team,’ a group of volunteer cyclists, accompanied the riders, offering motivation and providing water to keep participants hydrated throughout the event. Over 60 volunteers were stationed at key points to ensure cyclists stayed on the designated route. Ambulance services were on standby, with a team of first responders from Alert NGO ready to provide first aid if needed.
In his comments, Dr. Ilankumaran Kaliamoorthy, said, “We are happy to organise this cyclothon in association with the Chennai Cyclists. We chose women’s safety as our theme against the backdrop of the deeply unfortunate and condemnable acts of violence against women in some parts of our country. These incidents underscore the urgent need to ensure that women feel safe and supported – at home, in the workplace, and throughout society. A secure and humane environment is essential to increase their participation in the labor force, which is currently below 40%. By prioritizing safety, we pave the way for women to contribute more fully to our nation’s growth and prosperity.”
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Deepa Shree said “While protests and public outcry are important, they often focus on symptoms rather than the underlying causes. To truly create a safer and more independent India, we need to dig deeper into why this mindset exists in the first place. An independent India is not just about freedom from colonial rule; it’s about creating a society where every individual – especially women – can live without fear, with dignity and respect.”
Ms Padmini Janaki, CEO and Cofounder, “Mind and Mom”, a technology platform that focuses on women healthcare added, “Real empowerment of women comes from actions, not just words and creating an environment where everyone can thrive irrespective of gender and where women are not just encouraged but also given the tools and opportunities to succeed.”
Mr. Anil Jain, Core Member, Chennai Cyclists, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Rela Hospital in conducting the cycling events. Our club, with 20 chapters across the city, is dedicated to promoting cycling as a means to improve health and well-being. Together with Rela Hospital, we aim to create a culture where cycling becomes a key component of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Our objectives are to encourage more people to embrace cycling not only for its health benefits but also to contribute to a cleaner, fresher environment. In the past, we had successfully conducted cycling and endurance events with the hospital like the Tenacity 110 and Determination 150. We look forward to continuing and expanding this partnership in the future.”