BookASmile pedals into the New Year with #RideToChange campaign; Completes Bicycle Pledge towards 500 young girls in Maharashtra
Mumbai : BookASmile, the charity initiative of India’s leading entertainment destination, BookMyShow steps into the new year with its #RideToChange campaign completing its Bicycle Pledge last month. As part of the initiative, BookASmile pledged 500 bicycles to young girls in the Alibaug taluka of Maharashtra in a bid to provide them safer access and opportunity to fulfil their education & all-round learning pursuits. BookASmile has joined hands with Centre for Transforming India (CFTI), an on-ground NGO partner for the execution of this campaign and to ensure all the bicycles reached the girls in the talukas identified.
While Alibaug has always been an attractive tourist destination in the state of Maharashtra, it has since a long time lacked efficient public transportation for local villagers. Children often walk 5-6 kms each way to reach the closest school facility for basic education. This has resulted in frequent school dropouts and girls especially withdrawing from school due to unfavourable waiting hours and the inability to grant time for household responsibilities amongst low income families. While education is still a privilege for the girl child in this country, distant commute and concerns of safety cause further roadblocks in an already bleak situation.
With an aim to address this issue, BookASmile and CFTI came together to support young girls address the first barrier towards a better opportunity at a well-rounded life journey by distributing bicycles in the Alibaug taluka thus facilitating safe commute and supporting education & play. The #RideToChange initiative also aims to encourage young girls to become future leaders, leading a healthy and fit life.
Speaking on the #RideToChange initiative, Farzana Cama Balpande, Head – BookASmile said, “Till date, access to education for the girl child remains a challenge, making it a distant reality for many girls across the country. As the country gradually recovers from the pandemic with schools slowly opening their doors to students, we are delighted to have partnered with Centre for Transforming India (CFTI) and support the provision and delivery of bicycles to 500 young girls across Maharashtra to encourage them to pursue their dreams, without restrictions. Through the #RideToChange initiative, we hope to create a positive impact in the lives of young girls and help them unlock their potential.”
#RideToChange ß Watch this video to know more about the initiative by BookASmile and Centre for Transforming India.