Raahgiri 2.0 draws large crowd at Palam Vihar

Gurugram: No stone was left unturned by organisers of the new-and-improved Raahgiri initiative to make sure the event is a major success.

After the event was moved to a new location in Palam Vihar last week, Haryana PWD Minister Rao Narbir Singh on Sunday cycled his way to Palam Vihar from his residence to Civil Lines promote Raahgiri.

Besides the minister, Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Vinay Pratap Singh, prominent actor Manish Paul and other officials also attended the event.

Emphasising on the importance of reducing dependence on cars, Singh stated that steps were being taken by the Haryana government to develop facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Considered to be a unique initiative to promote a society less dependent on motorvehicles, Raahgiri gained immense popularity among Gurugram residents.

Lack of funds, however, had temporarily resulted in it being closed in the city from where it originated.

In a city where the levels of social interaction have also been lower than usual, Raahgiri – held every Sunday – is also credited for bring different groups of citizens together.

With a large number of people across all age groups attending the weekly affair, eventually corporate sponsorship began taking interest in Raahgiri.

Taking cue from its neighbouring city, even the national Capital of Delhi organised a Raahgiri event of its own in Rajiv Chowk area around two years ago.

For some time in 2017, loss of interest among Gurugram residents, lack of adequate sponsors and little assistance from public authorities had resulted in the announcement of the closure of Raahgiri.

However, various residents expressed their displeasure and highlighted that the event's closure will affect not only Gurugram but even other urban areas adversely.

A group of citizens beseeched public officials that Raahgiri should not be allowed to face a sudden and abrupt end, resulting in its revival.

The event has even received plaudits from senior government officials in the district.