Hyderabad: Country First, Nation Safety Next and Self Last said Cap Bana Singh, a living Param Vir Chakra, after whose name a Post in Sicachin Glacier is named for his bravery.  He was the Chief Guest at India’s Biggest Corporate Cycle Rally—The Freedom Ride 2011, organised successively for the third time by Atlanta Foundation.  The function was graced by Akkineni Nagarjuna, Akkineni Amala, Cyberabad Commissioner of  Policer Dwarka Tirumala Rao and others.

Bana Singh is one of the three living Param Vir Chakra Awardees in the country(only 21 people have been honoured with this award of which 16 have been awarded posthumously).

Capt Bana Singh was honoured at a function held at HICC immediately after the cycle rally concluded.  Speaking on the occasion he said he had done his duty. It was not my bahaduri(courage), it was the love of the people of this nation made me achieve what I have achieved.  Every Indian must be ready to sacrifice for the nation.  It is an honour bestowed on me.  It was tough terrain to fight battle on Siachin Glacier. We could drink a glass of water after three days.  It was that tough.  Securing our borders are very important.  We must be united.  So that no force on the earth can touch India, he gave clarion call to the Indian youth assembled at the meeting.

Also falicitated on the occasion was Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh  a celebrated and distinguished Indian classical dancer, Guru, choreographer, and a well-known social activist, researcher and motivational speaker; Painter Stanley Babu,  Sand Animation Expert Santosh Patnaik, Balashri Siddharth.

Accompanying the event, this year there was a special show saluting the true heroes of India – “Awakening – the real Indian inside you!” . The Show featured Bana Singh, PVC, who should have been a household name in India, only if we as a country had learned our priorities right. A livingParam Vir Chakra awardee (only 21 people have been honored with this award of which 16 have been awarded posthumously – only 3 are living right now! ). Bana Singh, almost single handedly won a crucial battle for a strategic peak in Siachen in 1987 and went back and fought Kargil war in late 1990s. This battle story was featured as a unique SAND ANIMATION by world renowned artist Sudarshan Patnaik and  three other team members.

Speaking on the occasion Akkineni Nagarjuna appreciated the efforts of Atalanta Foundation.  He congratulated them for the efforts.  Talking about Letsvote, an orgnaisation also associated with the event, Nagarjuna urged youth to vote without fail and vote for able leaders.  Amala Akkineni felt happy to have participated in the event.

Earlier Commissioner of Police Cyberabad Dwarka Thirumal Rao hoisted the National Flag. Speaking on the occasion he said, it was a great occasion to associate with.  I have come here earlier also.  Each time I come, I am inspired.  Next time I would like to participate with more police officers, he said.

The Freedom Ride 2011, the India’s Biggest Corporate Cycling Event to commemorate India’s 64 years of Independence on August 15 at HICC was flagged off by Capt. Bana Singh. 1800 corporate executives from 35 plus Corporates such as Infosys, Invesco, Learnasium, Talent Sprint, Wells Fargo, Aliens Group, Broadridge, CA, GE, Deloitte, United Health Group, HBC (Hyderabad Bicycling Club) and many other participated.  It was signature rally organised with a theme “Freedom through Education”. The cyclists went on riding bicycles 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. Through out the route, rest stations (at every 10KM) and SAG wagons were arranged for a hassle free ride.

The organizers have supplied 600 bicycles free for the participants to ride and participate in the event. Many corporate youth men and women shouting Mera Bharath Mahan, participated in this fun, frolic and symbolic cycle rally.  And set the record.  It is by far the biggest Cycling event of Corporates in India.  Next year youth promised to go on 100 kms cycling.

The proceeds collected will be utilized for the education of underprivileged children, informed Mr. Murali Bukkapatnam, Volunteer of Atlanta Foundation.

Atlanta foundation organises similar rallier every year on Independence Day and Republic Day.  It is an annual event oragnised with  an objective 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.

Atlanta Foundation earlier donated rupees twenty laks for the Ashray-Akruti, a voluntary organization working for the hearing impaired and underprivileged children since 1996.  It also donated 400 bicycles to various schools in the city.  It also works to promote cycling for better health and greener environment.

This event was supported by prominent industry bodies like NASSCOM, ITsAP, AMCHAM & TiE. The event was supported by other organisaitons like 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.

Bala Shri Sidharth, the youngest drummer and percussionist enthralled the audience showcasing his drumming skills.