Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya kicked off the Urban Adda 2025 conclave on 3 June in New Delhi, blending policy with pedal power. The three-day event, hosted at India Habitat Centre, aims to shape sustainable urban futures with a strong focus on active mobility, youth participation, and clean cities.
In his keynote, Mandaviya hailed cycling as “the best form of exercise” and “the solution of pollution.” Reflecting on his early political days, he shared, “When I became an MP, I cycled to Parliament daily. People called me the ‘cycle-wala MP.’ We must break the stereotype that cycling is for a certain class.”
He praised the Sundays on Cycle movement, now a nationwide Fit India campaign, and urged citizens to adopt daily cycling to help realise a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Books to Build Better Cities for Children
Coinciding with World Bicycle Day, the Minister also launched two landmark publications:
- Cycling, Children & Cities by Dr Bhairavi Joshi
- Road to Cycle2School by Dr Bhairavi Joshi and Ar. Kush Parikh
These books push for child-friendly, cycle-safe urban planning and highlight the urgent need for healthier, accessible public spaces. “To build a developed India, we must begin by making everyday life safe for our children,” said Mandaviya.
Dr Joshi, a dentist turned cycling advocate and founder of BYCS India Foundation, delivered the closing note, thanking attendees and partners.
Urban Adda 2025: What’s Happening
Running from 3–5 June, the event packs an interactive punch:
- Youth Adda: A forum amplifying young voices in urban planning.
- Cyclothon: Over 100 cyclists flagged off on World Bicycle Day.
- Urban Adda Film Festival (UAFF-25): Slated for 4 June, it showcases films on climate action, closing with a Gala Night attended by actor Pooja Bedi.
- Public Art Exhibits: Artist Sagar Singh leads an installation on art and sustainability in the central atrium.
Key attendees include Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh, Haryana Minister Rao Narbir Singh, and Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, alongside civil society and international experts.
The conclave is organised by Raahgiri Foundation, in partnership with ICCT, GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro.
