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Mint
an hour ago
- Health
- Mint
Learning to ride a bicycle as an adult
Gift this article "This is what we call the death grip," Parag Patankar, the volunteer guiding me, said, not unkindly. He was right. Unconsciously, my arms had become ramrod stiff and I was holding the bicycle handlebars tightly, as if for dear life. My feet were firmly planted on the ground but I was a bundle of nerves as I sat astride the bicycle and viewed the gentle slope I was to go down with trepidation. "This is what we call the death grip," Parag Patankar, the volunteer guiding me, said, not unkindly. He was right. Unconsciously, my arms had become ramrod stiff and I was holding the bicycle handlebars tightly, as if for dear life. My feet were firmly planted on the ground but I was a bundle of nerves as I sat astride the bicycle and viewed the gentle slope I was to go down with trepidation. When other people turn 40, they set glamorous targets like running a marathon or going on an arduous trek. I decided to learn to ride a bicycle—child's play for those who know it but no less intimidating than summiting a mountain for adults like me who don't. Unlike driving, formalised avenues for adults to learn cycling are not aplenty. Online searches led me to Bangalore Bicycling School (BBS), a completely volunteer-led effort to teach adults how to cycle for free. It was an initiative which, I learnt later, was completing a decade this year. I messaged the phone number mentioned on the Facebook page, filled up a Google form and showed up at 8am on a Sunday at the designated spot in Bengaluru's Cubbon Park. That phone number belonged to Dr Ali Poonawala, a 68-year-old urologist and one of the moving spirits behind BBS. The wiry doctor will invariably be at Cubbon Park on Sunday mornings, as he has been for the last 10 years, guiding both the adults and children. Also read: Finding the music that you love BBS, he says, came about somewhat organically, a culmination of multiple factors. One was the 'Cycle Day" organised by Karnataka government's Directorate of Urban Land Transport (DULT) around 2012-13, where a street would be cordoned off for cycling and other street activities. There, Dr Poonawala and a few fellow cycling enthusiasts noticed that there were adults who wanted to cycle but had never learnt. Around the same time, DULT also facilitated free cycle rentals in Cubbon Park to promote the activity. BBS kicked off lessons with those cycles. In those early days there would be the occasional Sunday when it would be just Dr Poonawala, the bicycles and a couple of banners donated by DULT. But he persisted. Dr Poonawala's resolve to teach adults was strengthened by something he had noticed while on holiday in Kodaikanal, where families would rent cycles near the lake. 'The father and children would go off on cycles, while the mother would be left behind. I would feel upset because that's not how it should be—everyone should be cycling together." What he had seen was yet another reflection of the gender gap in cycling in India. According to Census 2011, only 4.7% women used bicycles to commute compared to 21.7% men, among the working population. Another analysis of cycling internationally found that on average, 'females were one-tenth as likely to cycle compared to males in Indian cities". The learner demographic at BBS also bears this out. Patankar, the instructor I first met and a regular volunteer, estimates that 80-90% of students are women. 'We've tried asking why. What we've seen is, some women just did not get the chance to learn when they were young—perhaps no one in the family thought it was important to teach them. If they had male siblings, the boys went out and learnt from their friends," says Patankar who, in true Bengaluru tradition, is also the co-founder of a software product firm. Other volunteers include professionals spanning software, real estate and finance sectors. Reflecting on his comment later, I realised this was true for me, too—my brother learnt to cycle from his friends while I did not. Patankar broadly categorises the adult students into three. Those over 50 for whom learning to ride is typically a bucket list goal. Those aged 30-50, whose motivation may be fitness, for errands in the vicinity or to join family and friends who ride. And those below 30, who plan to graduate to a scooter. On his part, Dr Poonawala describes a typical learner as someone aged 35-40. 'She feels she's been left out, looks online and finds us." Again, me. Regardless of the category, Patankar says BBS provides a safe space. The need for this was again reinforced by Dr Poonawala's personal experience, when his wife, Dr Fatima, wanted to learn cycling over a decade ago. 'I felt I was missing out on a lot of fun because he loves cycling," says the 67-year-old who adds it took her several sessions, multiple trainers and cycles till that 'eureka moment" when she could do it on her own. Dr Poonawala jokes that husbands are the worst teachers but the experience, he says, taught him that adult learners need a safe, non-judgemental space. The group has developed training manuals and a teaching process that continues to evolve. The biggest hurdle for an adult learner, as I can personally aver, is the fear of falling. 'That fear grows as the person gets older," says Dr Poonawala. Unlike children, adults can also come with other inhibitions and, possibly, baggage involving previous attempts. I had mine. The last time I tried to learn, I accidentally bumped into a senior citizen, leaving both of us traumatised. It was only in my recent conversations that I found out that my then trainer, Anil Kadsur, was one of the founders of BBS who, unfortunately, died a year ago. It somehow felt right that I was trying again with something he had helped launch. Despite their inhibitions, learners keep turning up—including women in their 60s. On a phone call, Annapoorni (she requested that only her first name be used), who is now 74 and describes herself as a 'health freak", recalls feeling nervous on the way to her first lesson. Acquaintances who heard about her derring-do questioned why the then 66-year-old wanted to learn 'at this age". But within three-four sessions and despite a fall, she learnt to ride. 'I was over the moon," she says, the excitement in her voice palpable even eight years later. Other memorable alumni include a group of women working in garment factories, who were taught in an initiative with Greenpeace. However, Dr Poonawala regrets that there were no follow-ups on the non-profit's part about whether the women continue to ride. In general, tracking whether learners keep cycling has been a challenge. 'Of the thousands who have gone through BBS training, what fraction would be riding regularly? I struggle with this question," says Patankar, who estimates it would be a small share who cycle even once a month. Dr Poonawala says the lack of follow-up is a criticism levelled against them but adds that the volunteers have their limitations. With classes only on Sunday mornings, a cherished time, there is also a churn among trainers. Attempts to replicate the model in other parts of the city have typically not endured for longer than a year because of this. Currently, about three-four instructors come every Sunday from 8-10am, to assist 10-15 learners at various stages. Dr Poonawala and Patankar say they persist out of their passion for cycling and to 'increase their tribe". It helps that some alumni also volunteer. Among them is Aman Sabherwal, a 35-year-old finance professional. On a visit to Cubbon Park, she was convinced by Patankar to get on a bicycle for the first time since she was in an accident when she was six years old. Sabherwal says she volunteers whenever she can. 'That feeling of seeing others riding freely on their own and that smile on their faces makes me happy," she says. I know that smile. It's the same one I flashed towards the end of that first session when I found, to my utter surprise and elation, that I was finally riding a bicycle, all by myself. Indulekha Aravind is an independent journalist. She posts @indulekha_a. Also read: 'I Am on the Hit List': A deep dive into Gauri Lankesh's murder Topics You May Be Interested In
India Gazette
3 hours ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Punjab Speaker Sandhwan seeks public suggestions for Amritsar Sahib, Guru Teg Bahadur's celebrations.
Chandigarh (Punjab) [India], June 1 (ANI): Punjab Legislative Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan announced that the State government will grandly celebrate the 450th foundation day of Shri Amritsar Sahib, emphasising the significance of the Golden Temple. He also stated that the government will seek public suggestions on this matter. 'Golden Temple is the centre of faith of the Sikh religion, and people of all religions pay obeisance here... The state government will celebrate the 450th foundation day of Shri Amritsar Sahib State government will also commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Shri Guru Teg Bahadur government wants to take suggestions from the public regarding it,' he said. After India and Pakistan came to an understanding on cessation of hostilities, the border areas of Punjab gradually returned to normal. Several districts, including Ludhiana, Moga, Ferozepur, and Jalandhar, faced significant threats during the periods when Pakistan deployed drones and missiles, resulting in damage to various areas due to shelling incidents. On May 7, the Indian Army struck key militant sites, including a major terrorist headquarters in Muridke, Pakistan, and PoK. Expecting retaliation against air bases and military installations, they instead faced kamikaze drones and missiles targeting the Golden Temple. After three days of unsuccessful attacks on military targets, civilian areas, including Gurdwara Sahib, were hit with drones and rockets. All air raids were intercepted and neutralised with precision. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, including a Nepali national, were killed, the Indian forces have intensified their operation against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. In retaliation for the terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, in which precision strikes destroyed terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir (POJK) and eliminated nearly 100 terror operatives at key bases in Pakistan. Among the targets were Bhawalpur, the headquarters of Jaish, and Muridke, a key training base of Lashkar. After this, on May 10, an understanding of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced. (ANI)
Hans India
a day ago
- Health
- Hans India
On World No Tobacco Day experts flag concerns about illegal promotion of new-age gateway devices endangering adolescents and the youth
On the occasion of WHO (World Health Organisation) World No Tobacco Day 2025, experts at a seminar raised serious concerns about the illegal promotion of new-age gateway devices endangering the lives of adolescents and the youth across India. The event was organised in line with the theme of the Day - Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products, Mothers Against Vaping. The experts also reinforced their commitment to spreading awareness and take decisive action against the growing threat of vapes, e-cigarettes, and other HTPs (Heated Tobacco Products). In the event, Dr Avinash Sunthlia – Deputy Additional Director General (DADG), Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India said 'Why is the industry using new tactics to attract our youth? Because the industry needs new users to consume these new devices so that they can be turned into lifelong consumers. Hence, despite the ban on these products through the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA), 2019, producers have found ways to circumvent the laws and promote e-cigarettes and vapes. They also market these devices as safer alternatives for smoking cessation, but it is about recruiting new users for a lifetime of dependence,' 'To spread awareness we have issued comprehensive guidelines for schools, initiated capacity-building programmes for teachers, and are working closely with influencers and digital creators to speak up about the dangers of vaping. We've also launched an online reporting platform that empowers everyday citizens to flag violations related to the sale or promotion of these banned devices so that prompt action can be taken. I'd like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Mothers Against Vaping for their unwavering commitment and advocacy on this critical issue', added Dr. Sunthlia. The seminar was organised at the Indian International Centre, New Delhi by Mothers Against Vaping, a united front of concerned mothers combating the escalating vaping crisis among our youth. In the event, various experts put the spotlight on the role of promotions in targeting a new generation of young users through new-age gateway devices even as Mothers Against Vaping released a report titled 'Unmasking the Appeal – How Vapes & E-Cigarettes Continue to be Promoted Unabated in India'. Jaspal Singh, Special Commissioner of Police for Protective Security, Delhi, in his keynote address, said, 'Vapes are more dangerous than cigarettes because through such devices, one can even consume hard drugs. Based on my experience, several users have confessed to using vaping equipment for hard drug intake. What makes the threat more dangerous is the way these products are promoted. Manufacturers and sellers use tactics like influencer marketing on social media to glamorise these devices and target young users while avoiding direct accountability and prosecution.' 'There has to be a proper coordination between customs authorities, police authorities, transporter associations and even courier agencies to stem the rising tide of e-cigarettes and vapes. Also important is public involvement, but for that to happen, citizens need to be aware that these devices are banned in India. Therefore, it is critical that the government launch strong awareness campaigns to inform people about the illegality and dangers of these devices", added Singh Padma Jaiswal - IAS, Secretary to the Government of the Union Territory of Puducherry, said, 'I would really like to acknowledge the great effort done by Mothers Against Vaping. I believe that such a kind of initiative and prioritisation has not been done by any civil society organisation earlier towards generating awareness of the issue.' 'The government has made the law banning vaping and e-cigarettes because it has seen from its own data that most of the users who are being affected by vaping are the adolescents who are in the schools and colleges. Being a mother myself, I am aware that vaping is rampant and the habit leaves a strong impact among the adolescents and the youth. They are attracted to these devices because they are promoted as a luxury, a style statement with the narrative that it is neither harmful nor punitive. Therefore, we need to raise the awareness that these electronic devices are banned in India,' Ms Jaiswal added. On the occasion, Mothers Against Vaping also released investigative report exposing the alleged covert strategies employed by global vaping and e-cigarette brands to infiltrate India's digital landscape, circumventing the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act (PECA) of 2019. Despite the ban, these entities exploit media loopholes, leveraging digital platforms, influencer marketing, and surrogate advertising to glamorise their products . The comprehensive analysis reveals a disturbing trend: the deliberate targeting of Indian youth through social media channels. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook are inundated with content portraying vaping as a trendy, harmless lifestyle choice. Influencers, often with substantial followings, are co-opted to promote these products, masking their dangers under the guise of modernity and sophistication. Influencers have emerged as stealth marketers—turning reels, reviews, and jokes into powerful tools of vape promotion. From casual endorsements masked as lifestyle content to creative smoke tricks that mimic skill, the influencer ecosystem plays a crucial role in making vaping look aspirational, trendy, and even humorous. Despite the ban, India's digital and informal markets continue to thrive in brazen defiance of the ban. Hence, the report provides for a number of recommendations as below: Immediate Actions To Stop Promotion of Vapes and E-Cigarettes Coordinate Enforcement Efforts: Establish robust coordination between cybercrime units, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies to proactively monitor and identify violative digital content and actors. Initiate Legal Proceedings against Violators: Launch immediate legal action under relevant provisions of the Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019 (PECA) and other applicable laws. Dismantle Digital Channels: Identify and issue directives for taking down social media pages, handles, and websites that promote vapes. Issue Platform Wide Directives: Direct social media companies, technology platforms and digital marketplaces, including domain service providers, to comply with Indian law by proactively detecting and preventing promotion of these banned products. Initiate action against Manufacturers and Sources: Pursue action against manufacturers, importers, and distributors who make these dangerous products available for sale. Recommendations from the report:
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
Drogheda Alzheimer's takes another step toward creating a dementia-inclusive community
Drogheda's Alzheimer's at Tredagh Lodge is focused on providing vital care for people living with Alzheimer's and dementia, working with each person to ensure they feel comfortable and supported and their individual needs are met. Certificates were recently presented to local businesses and organisations, bringing the total number of individuals who have participated to over 30, representing 25 businesses and groups in Drogheda. Chair of Drogheda Alzheimer's (Tredagh Lodge Day Care Centre), Gerry Leydon, together with committee members Aileen Murphy, Ann Shortt, and Noel Heeney, presented certificates to those who took part. The nine businesses represented included: Paddy Dwyer's and Owen Fox's on Shop Street; John Hurley Bros; Wool Works and Superpharm on West Street; Peter Street Pharmacy; Abacas School; and Tanya Adair and Siobhan from Louth Local Development. The latest workshop follows the launch of the initiative last summer and the first training workshop held in September 2024. The initiative remains focused on increasing dementia awareness through ongoing training and education. It continues to make strides in Drogheda toward becoming a community where individuals with dementia are understood, respected, and supported. Another event will be planned for September, and Drogheda's Tredagh Lodge has encouraged new businesses and organisations to take part. The charity has also asked other existing participants to expand their involvement. The group is also actively working on plans to hold its first Sporting Memories event on July, 5 working with Drogheda United. The Sporting Memories initiative is a community-based program designed to support individuals living with dementia through the shared joy of reminiscing about sports. By recalling memorable sporting events, participants can reconnect with their past, fostering a sense of identity and community engagement. Details on this event will be made available soon.
NDTV
2 days ago
- General
- NDTV
International Day Of Potato 2025: Date, History, Theme And All You Need To Know
International Day of Potato 2025: Potato is one of the most consumed vegetables on the planet, with nearly two-thirds of the world population consuming it, according to the United Nations. Resistant to drought, cold and barren land, potatoes have wide adaptability. To celebrate this versatile vegetable, the world marks International Day of Potato on May 30 every year. History of the International Day of Potato In December 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) decided to designate May 30 as the International Day of Potato to raise awareness of the multiple nutritional, economic, environmental and cultural values of the potato. Prior to the International Day of Potato, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in 2007, officially announced 2008 as the International Year of the Potato (IYP). The initiative for an IYP came in 2005, when Peru and a group of Latin American and Caribbean countries requested FAO's collaboration in having an IYP declared. Theme of International Day of Potato 2025 International Day of Potato is being observed for the second time in history, with this year's theme being 'Shaping history, feeding the future'. The theme acknowledges potato's deep historical and cultural significance and evolving role in today's global agrifood systems. "The Day is an opportunity to build on the International Year of the Potato, which was observed in 2008. The observance will also be used to underscore the importance of the crop to combating hunger and poverty and addressing environmental threats to agrifood systems," read a statement by FAO. Significance of International Day of Potato International Day of Potato is observed every year to increase awareness of the importance of the potato as a food in developing nations and promote research and development of potato-based systems as a means of contributing to development goals. By 2030, the total production of potatoes is expected to reach 750 million tonnes, with an increase of 112 per cent. The majority of the production is expected to come from Asia, Africa and Latin America (440 million tonnes), which is an increase of 100 per cent, accounting for about 59 per cent of the world.
