Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday launched the Urban Adda 2025 conclave at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The three-day event focuses on promoting sustainable urban futures through discussions on key issues like climate resilience, mobility, and inclusive transport.
Marking World Bicycle Day, Dr. Mandaviya also unveiled two significant books, Cycling, Children & Cities by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Road to Cycle2School by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Ar. Kush Parikh, which highlight cycling’s benefits for health, environmental sustainability, and urban transformation.
In his address, Dr. Mandaviya championed cycling as a cornerstone of fitness and environmental conservation, stating, “Cycling is the best form of exercise. It not only makes us healthy but also helps in environmental sustainability. Cycling is the solution to pollution.” Reflecting on his personal experience, he shared, “When I first became an MP, I used to cycle to Parliament every day, and people saw me as the ‘cycle-wala MP.’ We must turn cycling into a movement, dispel the notion that it is only meant for a particular segment of society, and make it a fashion for everyone.” He highlighted the success of the Sundays on Cycle initiative, describing it as a nationwide movement promoting the Fit India campaign, and urged citizens to embrace cycling daily to contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.
Running from June 3 to 5, Urban Adda 2025 brings together young voices, experts, and leaders to discuss critical urban issues such as climate-resilient cities, gender and mobility, clean air and water, waste management, and inclusive transport. The event features a Youth Adda, a forum empowering young people to shape urban transformation, a Cyclothon flagged off on World Bicycle Day with over 100 cyclists promoting active mobility, the Urban Adda Film Festival (UAFF-25) on June 4 showcasing short films on climate resilience and urban innovation followed by a Gala Night attended by actor Pooja Bedi, and interactive public art exhibits led by artist Sagar Singh, blending art, movement, and sustainability.
Organized by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro, the event was attended by dignitaries including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Haryana Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, and thought leaders from academia, civil society, and international organizations.