India's biggest corporate cycling event held at HICC

Company Brief

Hyderabad, August 16, 2011

The Atlanta Foundation which promotes career enhancing educational programs for underprivileged students organised The Freedom Ride 2011, the India's Biggest Corporate Cycling Event to commemorate India's 64 years of Independence on August 15 at HICC. The event was organised in succession for the 3rd time.

The objective according to Mr. Murali Bukkapatnma, one of the members of the Atlanta Foundation was to support the CSR activities of corporates, inculcate spirit of patriotism, salute real war heroes and to Awaken - the real Indian inside you!" . In short to celebrate Independence like never before.

More than 35 corporates and 1800+ cyclists took part in the ride. This event was supported by prominent industry bodies like NASSCOM, ITsAP, AMCHAM & TiE. The corporates who participated include Infosys, Invesco, Learnasium, Talent Sprint, Wells Fargo, Aliens Group, Broadridge, CA, GE, Deloitte, United Health Group, HBC (Hyderabad Bicycling Club) and many many more. The participants went pedalling either for 64kms to coincide with 64 years of Independence Day or 10 or 5kms depending on their interest and comfort and in turn support the education of underprivileged children.

Living legend, Siachin War Hero, one of the three living recipients of the Param

Vir Chakra, the highest Indian bravery Award was the Chief Guest and was honoured.He earned his award in capturing the most strategic post on the Saltoro range near the Siachen glacier in Ladakh.

The Pakistani intrusion had taken place at a height of 6500 metres. The enemy post was virtually an impregnable glacier fortress with ice walls, 457 metres high, on either side. Naib Subedar Bana Singh led his men through an extremely difficult and hazardous route. He inspired them by his courage and leadership. He and his men crawled and closed in on the adversary. Lobbing hand-grenades, charging with a bayonet and moving from trench to trench, he cleared the post of all intruders. Naib Subedar Bana Singh was awarded the Param Vir Chakra, the highest wartime gallantry medal, for conspicuous bravery and leadership under most adverse conditions. In his honour, the post in Siachin is named after Bana Singh. Such is his bravery. Many corporate executives present on the occasion were inspired by his bravery and tried to pose with him.

A special show saluting the true heroes of India - "Awakening - the real Indian inside you!"featuring Bana Singh, was organized as a unique SAND ANIMATION by world renowned artist Sudarshan Patnaik & team.

The event is supported by Narayana Hrudayalaya, Stay In Touch Mobile, Studio N, Pepsi, Novotel, Hyderabad Bicycling Club, Lets Vote, Cluburb. The event enjoys the endorsement of industrial forums such as NASSCOM, AMCHAM INDIA, ITsAP AND TIE who have also adopted it as their annual CSR events.

For further information, please contact:

Solus Media

Anuradha Kumar

Mobile: 9848042020

Email: solusmedia@gmail.com