By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 26 Oct: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Academy, here, once again proved today that it is not just limited to protecting the country’s borders but is also a leader in the commitment to keeping the country healthy and clean. A grand bicycle rally was organised from the academy campus on Sunday morning as part of the “Fit India Freedom Run 60”. The rally was organised in accordance with the directives of the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and under the orders of the Deputy Inspector General (Sports and Adventure), Directorate General, ITBP. The theme of the rally was “Clean India, Healthy India”, through which the force personnel conveyed the message of fitness, cleanliness, and environmental protection to the public.
The rally began at the parade ground of the ITBP Academy, where officers and soldiers enthusiastically rode their bicycles. The rally passed along the Shani Temple and reached the Nag Temple. Along the way, the soldiers created awareness among the people by raising slogans like “Healthy India, Strong India” and “Adopt Cycling, Save the Environment”. As the soldiers’ bicycles crisscrossed the valleys of Mussoorie, locals cheered them on with chants of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.
ITBP Academy officials explained that the purpose of this initiative was not limited to physical exercise, but also to highlighting the importance of cleanliness, fitness, and environmental protection. During the rally, participants appealed to citizens to incorporate cycling into their daily lives, which would not only improve their health but also reduce pollution. An official said, “Staying fit is important not only for our soldiers, but for every citizen. Only healthy citizens can build a strong nation.”
The ITBP Academy, Mussoorie, has been organising such events for years, aimed at strengthening physical fitness and community engagement among the force’s personnel. According to the academy, every member of the force has made national programmes like the “Fit India Mission” and “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” a part of their lifestyle. At the conclusion of the rally, officers and soldiers pledged to continue raising awareness about health, cleanliness, and environmental protection through such programmes in the future. The rally also generated considerable enthusiasm among the local citizens of Mussoorie. People said that this effort by a disciplined force like the ITBP is truly inspiring. A local citizen said, “The soldiers not only provide us security on the borders but also show us the way to keep society clean and healthy. This is true patriotism.”
