Bike Rally of Coast Guards from Vizhinjam to Daman Stops in M’luru Interacting with Local Fishermen
Mangaluru: It is thought that no road is too long if you have good company and intention. To prove that, the Coast Guard hit the road to interact and educate fishermen. Now, the Coast Guard personnel of Karnataka are taking the initiative as part of the celebration of Coast Guard Week. A momentous bike rally was initiated from Vizhinjam, traversing the picturesque coastal areas from Vizhinjam to Daman along the west coast of India. The rally serves as a dynamic initiative to promote awareness and engage with communities along the coastline, emphasizing safety, cleanliness, community cooperation, and health benefits.
The bike rally reached the Coast Guard Headquarters, Karnataka, on 27 January 2024, marking a significant juncture. The Kerala team, which kickstarted the rally, handed over the baton to the Karnataka team during a ceremonial event. The seamless transition symbolizes the professionalism and collaborative efforts between different teams in upholding coastal security. The bike rally commenced with the first light from New Mangalore on 28 Jan 2024.
The event was flagged off by DIG PK Mishra, TM, Commander Karnataka, at 0630 hrs. Speaking on the occasion, he said the bike rally was chosen as it moves the soul of the bikers. They say happiness is not around the course, but it’s the journey that brings joy together. A straight and simple road never improves your skill. Hence, the community interaction with fishermen aims to educate them more, as it showcases thrill and adventure. The rally is set to cover the entire coastline till Goa, where it will be handed over to the Goa team at Vasco. This underscores the commitment to safeguarding our coastal waters.
The bike rally is expected to foster the involvement of the fishing community in nation-building. The teams will conduct six community interaction programs (CIPs) along the entire coastline. The primary objectives of these programs are to indulge with them and educate them on the latest technology in Search and Rescue at Sea, encourage group fishing practices, emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activities as vigilant eyes and ears, and to highlight the use of millets in daily life for health benefits.
The Indian Coast Guard organized the Bike Rally as part of Coast Guard Week Celebrations, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding our maritime borders and actively engaging with coastal communities to build a safer and healthier coastal environment.