Dimapur : In a heartfelt tribute to the glorious victory of the 1971 war, Lieutenant General AS Pendharkar, YSM, VSM, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Spear Corps, flagged off the much-anticipated cycling expedition *‘Pedalling Patriots-II’* today. The event, held in Dimapur, Nagaland, commemorates 53 years of India’s resounding triumph and the birth of Bangladesh, celebrating the unmatched valor of the Indian Armed Forces.
The expedition, spanning 12 days, will traverse over 500 kilometers under challenging road conditions, from Dimapur to Agartala in Tripura. It aims to honor the sacrifices of the soldiers while spreading awareness of their heroism among citizens.
As part of the flag-off ceremony, several ex-servicemen were honored, including four Poorvi Star veterans and a gallantry award winner. The event also extended medical aid to 16 needy ex-servicemen (ESM), showcasing the Indian Army’s commitment to the welfare of its veterans.
The gathering saw enthusiastic participation from Indian Army officials, ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, school students, and NCC cadets, all coming together to celebrate this unique initiative.
Pedalling Patriots-II expedition team comprises 15 cyclists, who will journey through Nagaland, Assam, and Tripura. Their route includes stops at Lumding, Halflong, and Masimpur, where they will interact with ex-servicemen, Veer Naris, and widows of veterans. To provide practical support, the team will distribute essential aids such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and walking sticks to elderly and needy ESM, in collaboration with Zila Sainik Boards of the respective states.
In a bid to inspire future generations, the cyclists will visit nine schools across the three states. They will conduct competitions such as painting and elocution, felicitate student achievers, and deliver motivational lectures highlighting the glory of the Indian Army. The team will also donate sports equipment to orphanages, adding a humanitarian aspect to their mission.
### Culmination on Vijay Diwas
The expedition will conclude on Vijay Diwas (16 December 2024) at the L/Nk Albert Ekka War Memorial in Agartala. This fitting finale will pay homage to the 1971 war heroes, bringing the journey full circle with its message of patriotism and service.
The ‘Pedalling Patriots-II’ cycling expedition stands as a symbol of the resilience, sacrifice, and dedication of the Indian Armed Forces, while fostering a spirit of unity and remembrance among the citizens of the nation.