11th Sadbhavana Cycle Rally

Pedalling for Unity, Humanity, and Constitutional Values

In a time when divisions based on caste, religion, language, region, gender, and ideology are widening, Snehalaya, along with like-minded organisations and citizens, once again chose the path of dialogue, unity, and compassion through the 11th Sadbhavana (Goodwill) Cycle Rally.

The rally, carrying a strong message of social harmony and constitutional values, began on 31 December 2025 from the sacred precincts of Sachkhand Shri Hazur Sahib Gurudwara, Nanded, and concluded on 12 January 2026 (National Youth Day) at the Snehalaya Rehabilitation Campus, Ahilyanagar, marking the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.

A Journey Rooted in Purpose

Flagged off by Nanded District Collector Rahul Kardile, social activist Dr. Ashok Belkhode, and senior journalists, the rally was organised by Snehalaya under its long-running Yuva Nirman initiative, which has been guiding youth towards social responsibility for over 25 years. Since 2009, Snehalaya has organised state, national, and international cycle rallies to engage young people with real social issues and changemakers.

This year’s rally covered nearly 800km over 14 days, passing through 35 locations across Marathwada, including Nanded, Hingoli, Parbhani, Beed, Latur, Osmanabad (Dharashiv), Jamkhed, Karjat, and Ahilyanagar.

Diverse Voices, One Message

The rally brought together 50 full-time cyclists aged between 13 and 74, including social workers, women activists, former soldiers, students, and professionals. Cyclists joined from across Maharashtra as well as Madhya Pradesh and Odisha, reflecting India’s cultural and linguistic diversity. In every village, local youth joined the rally for at least 10km, strengthening community participation.

Each evening concluded with interfaith prayers, especially at locations that had previously witnessed communal or social conflict—symbolising healing, reconciliation, and hope.

Learning from Grassroots Change

During the journey, the cyclists visited several inspirational grassroots organisations. One such visit was to Nandanvan Project at Nerli (Nanded), an institution with over five decades of dedicated service to persons affected by leprosy and children with special needs. Cyclists actively participated in food distribution and interacted with beneficiaries, learning from the life experiences of veteran social workers like Banarasi Das Agrawal, a 95-year-old karmayogi still serving over 20 institutions.

In Ambajogai, the rally paid tribute to the Marathwada Mukti Sangram and the extraordinary contribution of Swami Ramanand Tirtha, whose leadership was instrumental in liberating Marathwada from the Nizam’s rule. An exhibition at Yogeshwari Education Society gave participants deep insights into the region’s freedom struggle, social reform, and educational movement.

Dialogue, Culture, and Awareness

To engage communities meaningfully, the rally used powerful tools such as street plays, devotional songs of saints, inspirational music, posters, slogans, and direct public dialogue. Key issues highlighted included:

• Social harmony and non-violence

• Constitutional duties of citizens

• Women and child rights

• Mental health awareness

• Prevention of child marriage

• Human trafficking

• Environmental responsibility

The rally consistently emphasised one simple yet powerful message: “Reject hate and violence. Connect human to human.”

Celebrating Service and Commitment

The concluding ceremony on 12 January 2026 also featured the Sadbhavana Cycle Rally Valedictory and Award Ceremony, supported by veteran Gandhian Vilasaibhai Shah. Snehalaya honoured individuals and organisations who have dedicated their lives to social transformation through various awards recognising work in education, rational thinking, child welfare, and grassroots development.

Moving Forward Together

The 11th Sadbhavana Cycle Rally was not just a physical journey—it was a collective reflection on the kind of society we wish to build. Through conversations, shared experiences, and community engagement, the rally reminded everyone that unity, empathy, and constitutional values remain our strongest tools against hatred and division.

As the cyclists returned home, they carried with them new friendships, renewed purpose, and a deeper belief that change begins with dialogue—and every citizen has a role to play.