Tag: Cycling

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Turkish Ambassador Firat Sunel’s Love for Cycling and Writing

Adding that he can cycle 40-50 km a day, he adds that it is paramount that countries develop not just political relations but also cultural ones…Sukant Deepak

When the Turkish Ambassador to India, Firat Sunel, is not working or writing, he is busy cycling.

The first thing he did when posted to New Delhi was to buy a bicycle and discover the national capital.

“Getting to know the city on two wheels can be enigmatic. Discovering labyrinths, the happenings there, gives a peculiar view to the mechanics of how a city functions and how its character shapes,” he tells.

Adding that he can cycle 40-50 km a day, he adds that it is paramount that countries develop not just political relations but also cultural ones.

“And I can say Turkey and India are very close culturally. People-to-people contact and acquainting one another with each other’s culture can be instrumental in strong friendships. Both our countries have stood with each other in times of crisis. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Turkey supplied the required medical equipment. India on its part demonstrated its commitment to our relations by sending rescue teams and equipment during the devastating earthquake in Turkey.”

This diplomat-author, who was recently part of the recently concluded Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) and will be in conversation with Meru Gokhale on his novel ‘The Lighthouse Family’ (Penguin) during the upcoming Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) has written ‘Salkim Sogutlerin Golgesinde’ (‘In the Shade of the Weeping Willows’), which inspired a TV series called ‘Buyuk Surgun Kafkasya’,’The Great Exile Caucasia’, ‘Izmirli’, ‘Izmirli, My Last Love’, and ‘Sarpincik Feneri’ (‘The Lighthouse Family’). His novels have been translated into several languages, including Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada in India.

“While diplomats write a lot as it is part of their profession, they also get to meet and interact with a lot of people. Contact with diverse people provides me with much inspiration,” he says.

Talking about ‘The Lighthouse Family’, which has recently been published in Malayalam, and will be released in English at JLF, the author says Indian readers will easily relate to the book.

“It is about a family’s tragedy through World War 2, and how wars affect people and their families, even though they live in a faraway lighthouse. I do have a lot of feedback from Turkey and critics really liked it and it will be received well,” concludes Sunel, who likes writing historical fiction and makes it a point to devote at least three hours early morning to writing.

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Pedalling for a noble mission

Pedalling for a Cancer Free World.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The journey would end in Kolkata on February 4, 2023, after passing through Nellore, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Vizag, Brahmapur, Cuttak, Balasore, and Kharagpur. The eight-day bicycle ride, which averages 200 km per day, covers a total of 1746 kilometres over the course of the eight days…reports Asian Lite News

Sankalp Beautiful World, a charitable trust focused on a mission to eradicate cancer and Shiva Ravi, an ultra-endurance cyclist, embarked on a noble mission in support of Cancer patients. Shiva will pedal from Chennai and go all the way to Kolkata covering 1746 km in ten days with a single point objective to create awareness, raise funds for cancer cause and encourage people to fight against cancer.

Jai Aswani, a passionate long-distance runner and cyclist and Ambassador for several leading brands, will be the co-cyclist & crew captain who will be guiding and supporting Shiva during this entire ride. The ride will culminate in Kolkata on February 4, 2023 which is the ‘World Cancer Day’.

The cycle ride was flagged off from Purvankara Windermere, Pallikarnai, Chennai, in front of a huge gathering by, Prof. D. Viswanathan,Vice Chairman, Sankalp Beautiful World (Former VC of Anna University, Chennai), Neerja Malik, two time Cancer Winner & Global Cancer Counsellor , Dr. Santhosh Rajan, Maxillofacial surgeon & Oral cancer consultant, Sankalp Beautiful World, Anilkumar G Kulkarni, Manager, Johnson Electric Pvt Ltd , Sairam Ramaswamy, Bharat Sharma and Ramya Jayaraman Directors of Sankalp Beautiful World.

Pedalling for a Cancer Free World.(photo:IANSLIFE)

The journey would end in Kolkata on February 4, 2023, after passing through Nellore, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Vizag, Brahmapur, Cuttak, Balasore, and Kharagpur. The eight-day bicycle ride, which averages 200 km per day, covers a total of 1746 kilometres over the course of the eight days.

Embarking on this cycling endeavour for the cause of cancer patients, Shiva Ravi said, “We all need to come together to fight against cancer by creating awareness and sensitising people. Cancer is curable if detected at an early stage and I have known people who have overcome this successfully”. He added, “My grandmother died of cancer 19 years back. Unfortunately, it was detected at a very late stage and treatment options were also significantly limited then. She continues to be one of the reasons and motivation to associate for this cause and because of which I joined Sankalp to create awareness and support in a small way.” Shiva Ravi, who has completed 200 km, 300 km, 400 km and 600 km Brevet, conducted by Audax Club of Parisen (ACP), has also cycled 1100km from Chennai to Coimbatore, and cycled from Chennai to Vizag and back covering distance of 1600 km for Cancer awareness ride in 2022.

Pedalling for a Cancer Free World.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Making everyone aware about cancer and the various cancer prevention strategies is the first step towards making this world cancer free. Let it be our Sankalp (commitment) to come together and support all those who are fighting this war against cancer and in making the World more Beautiful – Dr. Arvind Krishnamurthy, Co Founder, Sankalp Beautiful World (Professor & Head, Surgical oncology, Cancer Institute)

Pedalling for a Cancer Free World.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Speaking on occasion, Sheela Anand , Director, Sankalp Beautiful World, said, “Prevention is better than cure”, this phrase is not an old saying, but a GOLD saying. The saying holds very apt for illness like Cancer. At Sankalp Beautiful World we always aim in creating a Cancer free beautiful world and truly believe creating awareness is key. This Cyclathon involving youngsters and people from different age groups is one such initiative. An initiative where in it educates us all about the importance of early diagnosis and rooting hopes to the affected.

ALSO READ-South Asians Urged to Check Cancer Symptoms

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Cycling and benefits

Builds muscle: The resistance element of cycling means that it just doesn’t burn fat, but it also builds your hamstrings, quads and calves and can also tone your calves, preserve muscle mass and strengthen your core…writes N. LOTHUNGBENI HUMTSOE

In recent years, the culture of cycling has gained tremendous momentum in our country. Cycling is fun, healthy and a low-impact form of workout for all ages. It’s a wonderful workout that keeps you activated both mentally and physically and help boosts immunity. The adrenaline rush that one receives while pedalling through different terrains also makes cycling an adventure.

For anyone who still needs a reason to take the bicycle for a spin, Sriram Sundresan, CEO, of Firefox Bikes shares some of the benefits of cycling:

Weight loss: Weight gain due to a sedentary lifestyle is a common problem these days. Riding short distances to the neighbourhood shop, school, or work are mini-workouts you can sneak into your routine and an effective strategy for weight loss. Not only would this ensure that you are physically active, but these pedalling sessions would also help in torching fat. Approximately 45-60 minutes of cycling can help burn up to 300 calories.

Prevention of lifestyle diseases: Cycling regularly helps keep various health issues like diabetes, obesity, cardiac problems, or other lifestyle disorders at bay. Regular cycling has in fact proved to keep blood sugar levels in check. Cycling works as an effective stress buster, in essence, it definitely helps in mental well-being.

Reduces depression and anxiety: The benefits of riding a bicycle extend beyond physical fitness. Cycling gets you outdoor, among nature, leaving you to feel revitalised, energetic and optimistic. Depression, anxiety and stress are all positively affected by exercise, but the combination of exercise and exposure to the outdoors is a bit of a magic combination for emotional and mental well-being. So, hop onto your saddle and soak up some sunshine and positive vibes. After all, a happy soul is a healthy soul.

Builds muscle: The resistance element of cycling means that it just doesn’t burn fat, but it also builds your hamstrings, quads and calves and can also tone your calves, preserve muscle mass and strengthen your core.

Keeps your heart healthy: Cycling and cardiovascular fitness go hand in hand. Cycling on a regular basis keeps your heart healthy and is considered a great cardiovascular activity. Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases and also slowing down ageing.

Boosts immunity: One of the rising concerns in the present times is keeping ourselves safe, ensuring that we have the immunity we need. Cycling daily helps with keeping your physical health in check, increases your stamina, and helps keep the immune system young. In general, the fitter you are, the stronger is your immune system.

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