THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
PARADIP,
FEBRUARY 2, 2026
The spirit of patriotism, unity and
coastal vigilance rolled into Paradip Port with great fervour as the CISF Vande
Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 received a rousing welcome on Sunday. Organised
as part of the commemoration of 150 years of “Vande Mataram”, the 26-day-long
national initiative is aimed at promoting coastal security, environmental
awareness and national integration, and will culminate on February 22 at Kochi,
Kerala.
The East Coast leg of the Cyclothon,
flagged off from Bakkhali Beach in West Bengal, features a determined team of
65 cyclists, with women forming an inspiring 50 per cent of the contingent.
Traversing through West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, the
expedition has been drawing enthusiastic support from local communities,
officials and security agencies at every halt, underscoring its growing
national resonance.
During their stay at Paradip, the
cyclists interacted with fishermen, local youth and representatives from
industry, spreading awareness on coastal vigilance, national security, fitness,
discipline and healthy lifestyles, with a special focus on coastal communities
that form India’s first line of maritime awareness.
On the morning of Monday, the East
Coast team was accorded a grand send-off from Paradip Beach as it proceeded
towards Konark. P. L. Haranadh, Chairman, Paradip Port Authority (PPA), graced
the occasion as Chief Guest and flagged off the onward journey.
The event was attended by
distinguished Guests of Honour, including Sanjay Negi, DIG, Indian Coast Guard;
A. K. Bose, Advisor (Traffic), PPA; and Palanisamy Velusamy, Unit Head, PPL.
The send-off ceremony turned into a vibrant
celebration of culture and patriotism. An Odissi dance performance by
Paramjyoti Kala Kshetra, a stirring rendition of “Vande Mataram” by students of
Saraswati Shishu Vidya Mandir, and traditional Odia and Sambalpuri dance
performances by children of CISF personnel enthralled residents of the Port
Township, who gathered in large numbers to honour the cyclists and their
mission.
Addressing the gathering, P. L.
Haranadh said it was an honour to welcome the Cyclothon team at Paradip Port
and lauded the courage, commitment and strong participation of women cyclists.
He described the Cyclothon as a vital initiative to create awareness on coastal
security and environmental protection, and commended the CISF for its crucial
role in maintaining discipline, security and smooth port operations.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanat Kumar
Patel, Commandant, CISF, said the Cyclothon was flagged off on January 28,
2026, by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai. He explained
that the expedition is being conducted simultaneously along the eastern and
western coastlines, with two teams covering 11 coastal states and touching
major ports, industrial hubs and strategic maritime installations. He added
that the initiative aims to engage coastal communities and create awareness on
coastal vigilance, national security, education, fitness and opportunities in
uniformed services, while encouraging participation both physically and
virtually.
On the occasion, Commandant Sanat
Kumar Patel, an accomplished marathon runner with over a dozen full marathons
to his credit, was felicitated by the Chairman, PPA, for his exceptional
achievements, unwavering commitment and dedicated service. The Chairman also
appreciated his efforts in inspiring the youth towards fitness, discipline and
perseverance.
As the Cyclothon advances further
along the Odisha coast and beyond, its message rings loud and clear —
“Surakshit Tat, Samriddh Bharat”. The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon
stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience and national pride, reinforcing
the shared responsibility of safeguarding India’s coastline and preserving its
fragile coastal environment.
