Cyclothon and pedaling for a better tomorrow

The city of joy is gearing up for its biggest celebration of fitness, sustainability, and community spirit as Coal India presents Kolkata Cyclothon 2025, organised by Loha Foundation and Sports Authority of India (SAI), and the Fit India Movement.

- MOHUL BHATTACHARYA

The Kolkata Cyclothon 2025 is more than a cycling event — it’s a nationwide movement to promote fitness, sustainable mobility, and community wellness. This fitness celebration is not restricted to cycle rides; if the participants don’t have a cycle, they can still participate in the five-kilometre Fun Run.

In lieu of such an event, The Statesman sat down with Prasanjit Das, a passionate cyclist, environmentalist, and humanitarian, who has been doing wonderful things on two wheels. His passion is more than just a hobby, and in a candid conversation, he answered:

What does an event like Cyclothon mean to you?

In events like Cyclothon, people from different regions come together in one place, and everyone uses a bicycle in their own way; some to stay fit, some for the sake of the environment, some to control their blood sugar or blood pressure, and people like me use it as a means of travel. It’s a gathering of all cycling enthusiasts, a place where we learn, share experiences, and find inspiration for new journeys ahead.

You have been an advocate for environmental preservation. How has cycling helped you become more aware of the environment?