CISF Coastal Cyclothon heads for culmination at Kanyakumari on March 31

Chennai, March 25 (IANS) The city of Chennai is brimming with excitement as it plays host to the CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2025 – a landmark initiative that has gripped the nation’s attention.

This one-of-a-kind campaign, covering an impressive 6,553 kilometers along India’s vast coastline, reached Chennai, marking a major milestone in its journey.

Eminent personalities like former Indian cricket team captains M.S. Dhoni, K. Srikanth, Shiny Wilson Sahebjada Mahammed Ali, actor Parthiban, Narayanan, Aiswarya Rajesh, and Sunil Paliwal IAS were present.

The Cyclothon will now continue through Mangaluru and Kochi, culminating in a grand finale at Kanyakumari on March 31. So far, this historic expedition has already covered approximately 4,793 kilometers, engaging over 20 lakh people in person and attracting more than 80 lakh engagements on social media.

These numbers are a testament to the massive public support and the powerful impact of this initiative, which goes far beyond its physical endurance challenge.

More than just a long-distance ride, the CISF Coastal Cyclothon is a movement to raise awareness about coastal security and community empowerment. The CISF personnel have placed strong emphasis on public interaction throughout the journey.

Events have been organised in collaboration with local communities to build trust, promote vigilance, and enhance cooperation between coastal residents and security forces.

The Cyclothon has so far passed through numerous villages, towns, and cities across seven states and Union Territories. Two separate teams were deployed—one covering the east coast, now in Tamil Nadu, and the other covering the west coast, currently in Karnataka.

At each stopover, the cycling teams have interacted with locals at schools, colleges, hospitals, community centers, and fishermen’s associations. These engagements have sparked crucial conversations about security, explained the objectives of the Cyclothon, and called upon citizens to act as “Tat Prahari” or coastal sentinels—community members who serve as the eyes and ears of national security forces.

The response from communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents have shown immense affection and gratitude toward the CISF, recognising its key role in protecting the nation’s economic and strategic assets. This outpouring of support has further inspired the cyclists, reinforcing their commitment to the mission and the country.

Adding vibrancy to the initiative, a range of cultural events has been held along the route, showcasing the rich and diverse traditions of India’s coastal populations. Schoolchildren and local youth have been particularly enthusiastic, often cycling short distances with the teams to express their solidarity with the cause.

The final leg of the journey will see the Cyclothon pass through Kerala and Puducherry, carrying forward its message of unity, awareness, and preparedness.

On March 31, both teams will converge at Kanyakumari, marking the successful completion of this epic mission.

According to a statement by the CISF, the Cyclothon has already achieved remarkable milestones: distance covered 4,793 km; In-person public engagement: over 20 lakh people; online engagement: Over 80 lakh people across platforms.

The initiative has also received endorsements from prominent personalities across sports, cinema, and public life.

Olympic gold medalist Neeraj Chopra, shooter Manu Bhaker, football icon Baichung Bhutia, and cricketers like Sunil Gavaskar, Suresh Raina, Javagal Srinath, and Harbhajan Singh have voiced their support.

Cinema legends such as Rajnikanth, Mohanlal, Akshay Kumar, Suriya, Aamir Khan, R. Madhavan, Sunil Shetty, Anil Kapoor, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Manoj Bajpayee, and fitness icon Milind Soman have also stood behind the cause.

Other notable supporters include Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, renowned sand artist and Padma Shri awardee Sudarsan Pattnaik, Arjuna Awardee para-athlete Pramod Bhagat, Odisha Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, and Shri Raja Shivendra Narayan Bhanjadeo, King of Kanika.

The CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2025 is more than a journey – it’s a nationwide call to action, inspiring communities to remain vigilant, stay united, and actively participate in safeguarding India’s coastlines.

–IANS

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