Sadbhavana Cycle Rally 2025

Riding for Unity, Harmony, and Humanity

Even as India continues to make material progress, deep social divisions based on caste, religion, language, and gender still challenge the country’s social fabric. Addressing this reality, our Sadbhavana Cycle Rally stands as a powerful effort to heal minds, build bridges, and strengthen social unity.

The starting flag waved the cyclists off on December 31 from the sacred Sachkhand Hazur Sahib Gurudwara in Nanded, marking the beginning of a journey through sensitive districts of Marathwada with a clear message of harmony and compassion. Speaking at the inauguration, Dr Ashok Belkhode described the Sadbhavana Cycle Rally as a timely and meaningful initiative, importantly led by young people, to counter social fragmentation and promote collective responsibility.

Dr Belkhode, who himself participated in the historic Bharat Jodo Cycle Yatra initiated by Baba Amte in the 1980s, shared how Snehalaya’s ongoing cycle journeys—now in their 11th edition—have revived the spirit, values, and purpose of that historic movement. He reflected on how the Bharat Jodo Yatra helped young participants understand India’s social realities at a formative age and inspired many to dedicate their lives to grassroots service. He noted that the volunteers of Snehalaya’s cycle rallies continue this legacy by bringing light to forgotten and neglected paths of society.

The rally set off in the presence of respected community leaders, social workers, professionals, and representatives from Rotary and Lions Clubs. Messages of encouragement and support were also shared by the district administration. The participation of individuals from diverse walks of life—including former soldiers, social activists, women, and youth aged between 15 and 79 years—reflects the inclusive spirit of the initiative.

As the rally moves forward, it uses powerful community-engagement tools such as street plays, devotional songs, inspirational music, and direct dialogue with local communities. Each evening concludes with interfaith prayers, often organized in areas that have previously experienced social or religious tensions. These moments of shared reflection serve as reminders of common humanity beyond differences.

During the journey, the rally team also interacted with students and faculty at educational institutions and visited community health facilities, strengthening connections with local communities. A special moment of respect was observed at the Gurudwara, where the cyclists were honoured with a traditional ‘Saropa’, symbolizing dignity, service, and collective goodwill.

As the Sadbhavana Cycle Rally continues through Hingoli and Parbhani districts, it carries with it a simple yet powerful message: true nation-building begins with empathy, dialogue, and action at the grassroots level. Through every pedal stroke, the rally reinforces the belief that unity is not just an idea—but a practice that must be lived every day.