North East Cycling Awards 2023 concludes in Guwahati

Guwahati, 6^th November 2023

The 1^st edition of the prestigious North East Cycling Awards was held on 4^th November 2023 at the elegant Ratnamouli Palace in Guwahati. It left an indelible mark as it celebrated the spirited champions of the cycling world from the North Eastern Region of India. The event, was organized by the Guwahati based non-profit organization Pedal for a Change.

Honorable Governor of Assam, Shri. Gulab Chand Kataria ji, graced the event as the esteemed Chief Guest, alongside Honorable Minister of Transport Shri. Parimal Suklabaidya. Other dignitaries included CMD of NEDFi Sri. PVSLN Murthy, CEO Pratidin Times Sri Rishi Barua, India Tourism NE Regional Head Sri. Anil Oraw and Founder Medical Director of Sri Sankardeva Netralaya Dr. Harsha Bhattacharjee. The presence of prominent media houses added a touch of eminence to the occasion.

The Jury Members for the awards were Sri. Pranay Bordoloi, Sri. Mrinal Talukdar, Dr. Sanjeev Kr Handique, Sri. Karma Paljor, Smt. Urmi Buragohain, Smt. Karobi Gogoi, Sri. Sattyakee D’Com Bhuyan and Dr. Simanta Kalita who judged the Photography contest entries.

The Honorable Governor of Assam congratulated the members of Pedal for a Change for conceiving the awards and recognizing people from all segments of the society. He laid emphasis on the need and importance of cycling in our daily lives as a healthy and clean mode of transport for short distances.

The awards sought to recognize and honour Individuals who have done exceptionally well in different aspects of Cycling in North East India and Institutions / Organisations that encourage cycling in Guwahati.  Categories spanned from recognizing the Most Accomplished Sports Cyclists, Popular Recreational Cyclists, regular captive bicycle users, special accomplishments in or using cycles, best cycle tour operator,  popular cycle store owner, Most Cycling-Friendly School, Colleges/University, and Hospital in Guwahati.

The event brought together a diverse assembly, including nominees, awardees, media personnel, and members of the cycling community from across the region. The ceremony was not just about acknowledging achievements but also about highlighting the substantial impacts cycling can have in our society. It emphasized the need for cycling-friendly infrastructure and policies in the region. Cycling enthusiast from all the 8 North Eastern states attended the event.

The awards function started with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries followed by a flute performance by Ms. Krishnajeena Sharma, member of pedal for a Change. The awards for the various categories were presented by the dignitaries present. The awards ceremony culminated with an electrifying music performance, by Ms. Naaz Sultana, enthralling the audience and making it an unforgettable evening. Ms. Stuti Choudhury splendidly anchored the event in a smooth and graceful manner.

The North East Cycling Awards 2023 were supported by NEDFi, Assatm Tourism Development Corporation and Ministry of Tourism NE Regional Office. Gplu ssupported the event as the Digital Media Partners while East Mojo was the Outreach Partners

Pedal for a Change expressed deep gratitude to the event sponsors, partners, jury members, advisors, and members of the cycling community whose unwavering support contributed to the event’s success. Their collaboration showcased their shared commitment to the cycling movement in the North East.

“We believe in the power of cycling to transform lives and promote sustainable transport. The North East Cycling Awards are a testament to the dedicated efforts of our cycling community, and we are grateful to have had the opportunity to recognize their extraordinary contributions,” said Arshel Akhter, Co Founder and Managing Director, at Pedal for a Change.

The event not only recognized the past accomplishments but also fueled the hope of a more cycle-friendly North East, where the two wheels are celebrated not just as a mode of transportation but as a way of life.

The list of winners are given below-