Prayagraj,

03 Jan (HS): United by the belief that “The strength of the team lies in every

individual—and the strength of each individual lies in the team”, the Veer

Birsa Munda Cyclothon on Day 7 surged from Sasaram to Varanasi cutting through

dense fog as dawn broke to the gentle chorus of chirping birds. Inspired by the

rallying call of “Shaurya Ke Kadam, Kranti Ki Ore”, the cyclists rode on with

unwavering grit and elan, resolutely closing the distance to New Delhi with

every passing day.

While

at Sasaram, the Cyclothon Team had the opportunity to visit the Tomb of Sher

Shah Suri a magnificent 16th-century architectural marvel before steeling

itself for the longest and most demanding leg of the journey—a challenging

120-km ride to Varanasi. The Cyclothon was formally Seen Off from Sasaram, the

final destination within Bihar, by Lt Col Anup Kumar, Officiating Commanding

Officer, 42 Bihar Battalion NCC. As the cyclists pedalled along National

Highway-19, the familiar roar of traffic faded into the background replaced by

resounding cheers and applause from onlookers who lined the route, saluting the

grit, resolve and indomitable spirit of the Cyclothon Team as it rolled into

the sacred land of Uttar Pradesh.

Living

the belief that “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress

and working together is success”, the Veer Birsa Munda Cyclothon inspired a

powerful wave of unity and determination. The spirit of the journey drew in

passionate enthusiasts who could not resist becoming part of this historic

movement. In a true testament to collective strength, one NCC Officer, three

Permanent Instructors, nine NCC Cadets including an NCC Alumnus rode alongside

the Cyclothon Team etching their names in history as they paddled all the way

to Varanasi.

Upon

arrival at Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, revered as Kashi

and Banaras and nestled along the sacred banks of the River Ganga, the

Cyclothon Team was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by Col Vikram

Sankhla, Deputy Group Commander and Chief Administrative Officer, NCC Group

Headquarters, Varanasi ‘A’, NCC cadets of 91 UP Battalion NCC and other distinguished

dignitaries. Marking the occasion with cultural pride, the team presented a

well-coordinated cultural programme that beautifully reflected the rich

heritage of Jharkhand and paid heartfelt tribute to the supreme sacrifice of

Veer Birsa Munda, the revered tribal icon and freedom hero of the state. After

a night halt at Varanasi, the Cyclothon Team will march ahead towards Mirzapur

on Day 8 of the Veer Birsa Munda Cyclothon.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi