Riding to fund education for girl-children

According to estimates, India still has about 8-10 million girls in the age group of 6-17, who are not enrolled in any classes or educational institutions. It presents a crucial need in the country and requires society to join hands in educating girls, empowering and assisting them in making informed choices in life

Hitec City: In an effort to promote education for underprivileged girl-children, Director General of Police M Mahendar Reddy flagged off the fourth edition of ‘Umeed 1000’- a 1,000km cyclothon here on Monday.

The cyclothon team will ride from Hyderabad to Vizag via Tirupati, to raise awareness and funds for less privileged girl-children and will conclude on December 15.

The cyclothon is being led by Jasmeet S Gandhi, a cycling enthusiast, who is passionate about social causes of education and healthcare along with 15 RBL Bank Ltd cyclists. Cyclothon from Hyderabad to Vizag will cover Kurnool, Tirupati, Ongole and Vijayawada, where more supporters will join the ride. The cyclists include nearly 75 employees of RBL Bank Ltd and invited customers.

DGP Reddy said, “Telangana police is focused on increasing citizen connect. We are keen to partner in initiatives related to employment and education, both primary and secondary. We are happy to be associated with RBL Bank Ltd and the IIM Ahmedabad Alumni Association, Hyderabad Chapter (IIMAAA HCCT) for this very unique initiative to benefit underprivileged children.”

Shanta Vallury Gandhi from RBL Bank Ltd said, “This is the fourth edition of the cyclothon that stands as a testimony of our commitment to contribute towards the cause and support girls who do not have access to quality education.”

Muralidharan Vice-President IIMAAA HCCT said, “IIM Ahmedabad Alumni would like to provide every child with the same opportunity that they got when they were young. Just because a child is born in a poor family, they should not be denied a bright future.”