[dropcap]R[/dropcap]ight now, we have two enterprising cyclists who are riding their bicycles cross-country beyond the mountains of Nagaland to New Delhi via Bhutan and Nepal, campaigning under the banner “Re-Cycling for Greener Environment.” They were fortunate to interact with the Prime Minister of Bhutan on October 25.These travelers undertook their ventures mainly on their own resources but with determined aim based on their prime concerns and to take part in helping to share their views for a better life. A few, of course, just took up their ventures purely for the fun of it but they too while learning the ways and cultures of the lands they passed through also gave back something in the form of good will in return. They undertook their journeys in groups in vehicles, on motorbikes, bicycles and in a few cases on foot as well.
To cite one instance, Sougaijam Bidyalakhsmi Leima from Manipur undertook a cycle tour to all the North-eastern States with the message; “Stop violence against women.” She reached Kohima on Sunday September1 last. She was warmly received not only by the Meitei community but by the Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) Kohima also. She then proceeded on her onward journey to Assam via Dimapur, then Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Meghalaya and Tripura.
Leima’s tour was motivated by the widespread phenomenon that women, everywhere, are understated and repressed in one way or the other. Amidst such a “contemptible scenario” a peace cycle tour embodied solely with her message was organized.
A group of 35 bikers forming the “Shashakt Bharat” embarked on an expedition to the North-Eastern region aimed at commemorating the 50th anniversary of the indo-China War as well to reconnect with their North-Eastern brethren as part of the national communal harmony. The theme of the rally “West meets and greets East and North-East” was led by Dr Sandeep Mahindi. The rally which commenced on September 21 from Pune arrived Dimapur on October 3, was warmly received and then they proceeded to Imphal via Kohima en route to Silchar, Shillong and culminated at Guwahati on October 9.
Also, on October 21, 54 participants in 18 SUVs, part of the Trans-Asia Expedition made a stopover at Kohima at The Heritage, Kohima. They comprised families from Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, and Brunei Islands all primarily businessmen and housewives had set on this expedition to spread the message of “Peace and Oneness.”
We are also proud that two of our young enterprising youths, Sievituo Solo and Ruokuo Kire, are currently passing through Bhutan. The two ambassadors of Naga good will were flagged off from Kohima by MLA Dr Neikiesalie (Nicky) Kire on October 14. The Legislator lauded their ideal mission saying that a clean as well as green atmosphere is very important for all forms of life.
May the world have more Ambassadors of good will.
