GANGTOK, Aug 10: A five-day bi-cycle rally organised by the Sashastra Seema Bal as part of its “social awareness movement” was flagged off here today.The rally that started from the White Hall in Gangtok will culminate at Ranidanga in West Bengal on 15 August.Eight SSB jawans and seven members of the Nerhu Yuva Kendra are participating in the rally. Mr HC Pandey, DIG, SSB, said a simultaneous rally from Bihar to Ranidanga was also flagged off today.“The main reason behind organising such rallies is to celebrate the 61st Independence Day and spread the message of social unity,” Mr Pandey, added. The rally that was flagged off here today would reach Ranidanga via Marchak, Singtam, Majitar and Rangpo, said Mr P Topden, commandant of the SSB’s 24 battalion. “The rally is aimed at promoting national integrity and create a sense of brotherhood among the people residing in the border areas,” Mr Topden, added.Sikkim education minister Mr GM Gurung praised the SSB for organising the rallies.“I want of aware the students who are the future of the nation about the brave activities of the SSB. I hope that the students would learn a lot and work for the betterment of the country in future,” Mr Gurung, added. “Soldiers are not meant for guarding the borders only. They should also focus on organising social programmes, including health camps, in rural areas,” the minister, said. He added that the state government is planning to offer land to the SSB for setting up its state headquarter. “They will get land either at Yangyang or Temi Tarku area in South Sikkim,” Mr Gurung, said. Students from various schools were seen cheering the cyclists and wishing them good luck. A large number of people witnessed the flagging off of the rally.
