Surat Saksham Cyclothon 2022 was organized by the ONGC Hazira Plant, Surat

Surat (Gujarat): Surat Saksham Cyclothon 2022 was organized by ONGC Hazira Plant on 17^th April 2022. It is an initiative by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, and PCRA. Around 1500 cyclists had registered for the event through a pre-registration link in the past week and committed to save fuel by riding bicycles. The theme for Saksham 2022 Cyclothon is “Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav through Green and Clean Energy”. Around 300 other locations witnessed the Saksham Cyclothon on the same day.

The event was graced by the presence of District Magistrate and Collector Shri Aayush Oak, Table Tennis champion and Arjun Awardee Shri Harmeet Desai, and officials of ONGC Hazira Plant, Surat. The event was flagged off at 7:45 AM. The event had 2 variations of distances- 5km and 10 km. The event started from Mahalaxmi Party Plot, Piplod Road and through the SVNIT Circle via Goverdhan Haveli. From there, the cyclists took au-turn towards ISCON Mall and reached back to the starting point to finish 5 km. Cyclists who opted for 10 km rode 2 loops on the same route.

The event started with the performance of Yoga and Garba to warm up the cyclists. Shri DM Roy, ED-Plant Manager, ONGC Hazira Plant delivered the welcome speech on adopting clean and green energy and staying fit by taking up cycling. On the occasion, video messages from Shri Hardeep S Puri, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, and Shri RameshwarTeli, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India, were played at the venue on giant LED screens. All the participants took a pledge to adopt Clean and Green Energy and to celebrate the 75^th year of Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Every registered participant was given a complimentary T-shirt, a medal, BIB, and refreshments as a part of race kit and support. The venue was decorated with the theme and taglines of the event. The route had volunteers for support who displayed placards to convey the message of fuel conservation.

While interacting with the media, cyclists expressed their pleasure in attending the event. Everybody appreciated the arrangements taken up by ONGC Hazira Plant, Surat. They have conveyed their joy regarding every aspect of the event and lauded the efforts of the organisers.