Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Urban Adda 2025 conclave in New Delhi today. A three-day conclave aims to unite young voices, experts, and leaders to forge sustainable urban futures.
Delivering his keynote address, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya said “Cycling is the best form of exercise. It not only makes us healthy but also helps in environmental sustainability. Cycling is the Solution of Pollution” Elaborating on his past experience, the Union Minister said, “When I first became an MP, I used to cycle to Parliament every day, and people saw me as the ‘cycle-wala MP.’
We must turn cycling into a movement, dispel the notion that it is only meant for a particular segment of society, and only then cycling will become a fashion to everyone.” On fostering community engagement, Union Minister added, “Sundays on Cycle initiative has become a nationwide movement for promoting Fit India. I urge everyone to cycle everyday and contribute towards Vikist Bharat by 2047.”
During the event, coinciding with World Bicycle Day, Dr. Mandaviya formally launched two landmark publications:
Cycling, Children & Cities, authored by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi
Road to Cycle2School, authored by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Ar. Kush Parikh
These books advocate the urgent redesign of urban environments to support active mobility, healthier lifestyles, and safer public spaces for children. Speaking at the launch, Dr. Mandaviya remarked: “If we are to build a truly developed India by 2047, we must begin by safeguarding the everyday lives of our children, through safer streets, healthier public spaces, and accessible mobility options like cycling.”
Concluding the session, Dr. Bhairavi Joshi, a Dentist by profession, CEO and Founder Director of BYCS India Foundation, and an ardent Cycling Advocate, delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks on behalf of the entire team.
The Urban Adda 2025, running from June 3 to June 5, features thematic sessions on climate-resilient cities, gender and mobility, clean air and water, waste management, and inclusive transport. It includes:
Youth Adda: A dedicated forum empowering youth voices in urban transformation.
Cyclothon: Flagged off on World Bicycle Day, with 100+ cyclists promoting active mobility.
Urban Adda Film Festival (UAFF-25): Scheduled on June 4, the festival will showcase short films on climate resilience and urban innovation, followed by a Gala Night attended by actor Pooja Bedi.
Interactive Public Art Exhibits: Led by artist Sagar Singh, the central atrium hosts a creative fusion of art, movement, and sustainability.
Dignitaries attending the event include Smt. Rekha Gupta, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi; Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Hon’ble Minister of Transport, Delhi; Shri Rao Narbir Singh, Hon’ble Minister, Haryana; Shri Rajyavardhan Rathore, Hon’ble Minister, Rajasthan; and thought leaders from academia, civil society, and international organisations.
Organised by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro, the event is being held from 3rd to 5th June 2025 at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
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