Since its inception in 2016, the Jajpur Road Steel City Lions Club, District 322C5, has been pivotal in bringing the community together through meaningful initiatives. One of the club’s signature projects is the annual Cyclothon, launched in 2017, coinciding with Utkal Diwas on April 1. This event not only honours the legacy of Odisha’s freedom fighters but also promotes the health benefits of cycling while advocating for a cleaner environment.
The inaugural event drew only a small group of participants, funded primarily by club members’ personal donations. Yet Lion members refused to abandon their vision of creating a larger movement that would instill pride in the state’s heritage and promote sustainable practices. Their persistence soon began to yield results.
Through effective outreach and community engagement, word about the club’s initiative spread, attracting participants from all walks of life. Local businesses recognized its potential and sponsorship offers came in, allowing the club to expand the scope and reach of the program.
The cycling route itself became a canvas for environmental messaging. Participants carried placards advocating cleanliness and sustainable transportation, turning streets into moving exhibitions of environmental awareness.
Today, the annual Cyclothon draws hundreds of cyclists. Families arrive early, children excited as they prepare bicycles. Local schools participate with student groups, as do cycling groups.
The transformation is remarkable. Streets that once welcomed only a few determined cyclists now host colorful parades representing all ages and backgrounds. By coinciding with Utkal Diwas, the event connects contemporary environmental action with historical pride.
Through eight years of growth, the Cyclothon continues embodying Lions’ mission of strengthening communities through hands-on service. Jajpur Road Steel City Lions Club has shown that sometimes the most impactful journeys begin with a single pedal stroke.
~ With inputs from Manas Ranjan Mohanty
District PRO, District 322C5
