There can be no greater motivation for adopting environment-friendly commuting means than witnessing a visually impaired IAS officer cycling to work. Leaving behind his official and personal cars, IAS officer Rupesh Kumar Aggarwal is setting an example by cycling to his office whenever he gets the opportunity, despite suffering from visual impairments.
In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, the Additional Commissioner of Chandigarh Municipal Corporation talked about his personal initiative and how he wishes for everyone to adopt a healthy way of living.
VISUAL DISABILITIES COULDN’T STOP HIM
Under Smart City Mission, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh has initiated the Freedom2Walk Movement and a Cycling Challenge through which the residents of the city are motivated to opt for the eco-friendly option of riding a bicycle to work instead of using pollution emitting motorcars.
Following the mantra of ‘charity begins at home’, Mr. Aggarwal decided to ride a bicycle to work himself. However, the decision did not come easy for him. The officer is suffering from a condition called Retinitis pigmentosa which disables him from having a perfect vision.
He discovered the condition 20 years ago, but that didn’t deter him from following his dreams and he achieved them all.
USING A TANDEM CYCLE
Since his childhood, Mr. Aggarwal has been very fond of riding a bicycle and did so almost every day. When the Municipal Corporation announced the ‘Cycle Challenge’, the officer looked forward to riding a cycle once again. But he couldn’t figure out how.
Then one day, he came across the Tandem cycle which enables two or more persons to ride a bicycle together. Mr. Aggarwal immediately set his mind on finding such a cycle and met with a person who was kind enough to lend him one for the duration of the challenge, from 1 January to 26 January.
“I’d prefer to use the cycle every day but am unable to do so. Therefore, I borrow the cycle as per requirement, and with the help of my PSO or my driver, I ride the cycle to work,” he told Indian Masterminds.
A USEFUL INVENTION
Highly impressed by the cycle’s skills, Mr. Aggarwal believes that it can serve multiple purposes at once.
“The cycle can be used as a mode of exercise, as cycling improves health. It will also be beneficial in reducing carbon emission that comes from motor vehicles. And most importantly, it is a wonderful medium to spend time with your family and loved ones. You can take your partner, parent, sibling, or friend and ride the bicycle together. It can provide enjoyment as well as bring loved ones closer,” he said.
CYCLE MORE
Chandigarh has laid out cycle tracks all over the city. It not only helps the pedestrians and cyclists but also helps in reducing pollution as more and more people are ditching their motor vehicles for cycles.
“I believe that specific cycle tracks should be constructed in all the cities across India. This will prove to be beneficial to every single person in the long run,” he told Indian Masterminds.
The officer appeals to everyone to bring out their internal inspiration and stay motivated to cycle more. He feels that everyone should cycle to work at least once a week, irrespective of any situation, as this will not only help them in becoming fit but also protect the environment.
