New Delhi: Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today inaugurated the much-anticipated Urban Adda 2025 at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The three-day conclave, coinciding with World Bicycle Day, brings together youth leaders, urban planners, policymakers, and civil society to co-create a vision for sustainable and inclusive urban futures.
In his keynote address, Dr. Mandaviya strongly advocated cycling as both a health practice and a tool for environmental change. “Cycling is the best form of exercise. It not only makes us healthy but also helps in environmental sustainability. Cycling is the solution of pollution,” he said, urging citizens to adopt it as a lifestyle.
Recalling his early years in Parliament, Dr. Mandaviya shared, “When I first became an MP, I used to cycle to Parliament daily. People called me the ‘cycle-wala MP.’ Cycling should not be seen as just a poor man’s mode of transport — it must become a fashion, a movement that unites all of society.”
The Minister lauded the growing popularity of community-driven initiatives such as the “Sundays on Cycle” campaign, which aligns with the Fit India Movement. He encouraged widespread participation, stating, “Cycling every day is a step toward building a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
To mark the occasion, Dr. Mandaviya unveiled two important publications aimed at reshaping urban mobility for children: “Cycling, Children & Cities” by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and “Road to Cycle2School” by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Ar. Kush Parikh.
“These books highlight the urgent need to redesign our cities with children at the center—ensuring safer streets, healthier spaces, and active mobility options like cycling,” Dr. Mandaviya noted at the launch.
Dr. Bhairavi Joshi, Founder and CEO of BYCS India Foundation and a leading cycling advocate, concluded the session with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude on behalf of the organizing team and reaffirming the Foundation’s mission to transform cities into healthier, more inclusive spaces.
Urban Adda 2025, running from June 3 to 5, features a vibrant array of activities and discussions focused on climate-resilient cities, gender-inclusive mobility, clean air and water, waste management, and equitable transport systems. Key highlights of the conclave include:
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Youth Adda – A dedicated forum amplifying youth perspectives in urban policy.
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Cyclothon – A mass cycling event launched on World Bicycle Day with over 100 participants advocating for active mobility.
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Urban Adda Film Festival (UAFF-25) – Scheduled for June 4, this special event will screen short films on climate innovation, followed by a Gala Night featuring actor Pooja Bedi.
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Public Art Installations – Led by artist Sagar Singh, the atrium at India Habitat Centre has been transformed into a vibrant space blending sustainability, movement, and visual art.
The event saw participation from several dignitaries including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Haryana Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, as well as representatives from international organizations, academia, and NGOs.
Urban Adda 2025 is organized by the Raahgiri Foundation in collaboration with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, with support from Nagarro.