P. Sainath presents an eye-witness report of ‘cycling’ becoming a social movement. He tells us how tens of thousands of ***** in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu got initiated to learn cycling.
The Arivoli activists led by N. Kannammal pioneered the ‘cycling’ movement. As a part of their vigorous literacy drive, these activists learned cycling. Later, they organized ‘cycling training camps’ for other . Thus, it got social sanction. Once the movement became a big force, every woman in Pudukkottai volunteered to learn cycling. Towards the end of the article, Sainath says, besides giving freedom, mobility and independence, it also has definite economic implications.
It boosts their family income. Sainath reports that a section of the ***** sells agricultural or other produce within a group of villages. For them, cycling cuts down on time wasted in waiting for buses. Secondly, it gives them much more time to focus on selling their produce. Thirdly, it enlarges the area they wish to cover. Lastly, it can increase their leisure time.
n conclusion, he says, cycling brings about changes beyond economic gains also. ‘Cycling’ gives them a sense of self-respect which is vital to their sense of well-being. Thus, Sainath says that this humble vehicle has become a metaphor for freedom for these *****.
