“Pahal: The Beginning” Cycling Initiative
My host parents have recently started an initiative to raise awareness about the benefits of bicycle riding in Udaipur. Primarily focused on the negative effect of heavy traffic on the otherwise beautiful city (crowded streets, terrible pollution), they are also trying to remind people about the great health benefits, and negative effects on the global environment through fossil fuel use. They have organized weekly bicycle rallies, as well as contacted numerous newspapers and television stations about the movement. I accompanied Jyotsna to a press conference before one of the rallies, and apparently I was on Indian television! (I also had my name in the paper…not that I really did anything though!) I have also been appointed unofficial webmaster of the blog for the initiative, which you can read here.
Republic Day
Republic Day in India commemorates the coming into force of the nation’s Constitution. The day is celebrated in many of the same ways as Independence Day and President’s Day are celebrated in the US – community programs, family events, school programs, etc. I attended one such school program at Upli Badi School, a small government school in a rural village area, followed by a family event at the Udaipur Rotary Club. I’ve attached a few photos of the kids’ presentations and the event!
