Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 19: The Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon 2026 of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was flagged off from Panambur Beach, Mangaluru, on February 19, marking a significant leg of the nationwide coastal outreach initiative.
The flag-off ceremony was graciously conducted by Manjunath IPS DIG CASO Bangalore, Ajay Dahiya DIG INT, Darshan H V IAS deputy commissioner Dakshina Kannada, Sudheer Kumar Reddy IPS commissioner Mangalore city and other senior officers of CISF. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from several dignitaries, including senior government officers, students, and members of the fishing community. The programme also saw active involvement from local cyclists, NCC cadets, Mangalore cyclist Club and other volunteers.
As part of the programme, mementos were presented to the invited dignitaries, and patriotic songs were performed, adding to the spirit of national pride and motivation. The cultural event (Tiger Dance) was also conducted during the event.
Approximately 500 participants gathered at the venue, cheering and motivating the cyclists, making the event vibrant and memorable.
The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon-2026 started in January 28 will be culminating February 22 at Cochin Kerala as part of the commemoration of 150 years of Vande Mataram.
The Cyclothon will be a 25-day, coastal outreach initiative, covering the entirety of India's coastline. 130 CISF cyclists (65 men and 65 women) will traverse approximately 6,500 kilometres across nine coastal States, engaging coastal communities, youth, students, local stakeholders and institutions along India's eastern and western seaboards.
CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2026 aspires to integrate the messages of coastal security, ecological security and national pride to effectively aid the vision of Vikasit Bharat by 2047. In this endeavour, CISF will adopt 52 villages and create awareness about the existing employment avenues for youth in India's security forces. A key aspect would be the presence of female cyclists aimed at inspiring the young minds of girls.