Powerwalk infuses energy into walkathoners

BENGALURU: Despite a nip in the air and the December breeze, thousands of people from across Bengaluru gathered at Sree Kanteerava Stadium in the heart of the city on Sunday to reassure their commitment to save power. The Bescom Times Powerwalk was an attempt to make people conscious of their energy consumption in a fun way.

With over 10,000 participants, more than half of whom registered on the spot, the atmosphere at the walkathon was electric. People of all ages came along with their families and pledged their support for the cause.

“This is a historic step we are taking. Today is all about creating and saving power. I’m here not as a minister, but as an ordinary citizen. In 2018, we’ll be self sufficient and there will be no need to purchase power and power cuts,” energy minister D K Shivakumar said, announcing the launch of the 2,000-MW capacity solar park at Pavagada, Tumakuru, in January.

Before the participants could set off on the 5-km walk, they warmed up with zumba dance while fielding some trivia questions about electricity, Bescom and renewable energy.

M D Umapathi, former state hockey player, said: “It’s a great idea; nobody has done this in India. This will guide people on how to use power judiciously. People will get to know how much effort it takes to generate electricity,” said the 77-year-old.

Hira Ram, 21, was the first person to finish the walkathon. “I signed up on a whim and I believe this is a good cause. Back home in Rajasthan, we don’t have any electricity at home. While our richer neighbours have it, my family hasn’t been able to get a connection. People who can afford it should not waste it, because there are many people living in the dark,” said the carpet shop employee.

They pedalled to generate power

After the run came the part people were most excited about: cycling to generate electricity. In groups of 150, people pedalled away on static cycles fitted with dynamos to light up a sign that said ‘Save electricity’. It took nearly 10-12 minutes of continuous cycling for so many people to generate enough energy to light up the sign, making it a lesson for all. People cycled listening to some tunes by Vasu Dixit and his band.

Awards for the short film competition were also handed out to five winners for their energy-sensitive ideas and movies by the minister. The first runner-up for best short film was Megha. “The theme for the contest really had me inspired. I have made a silent movie that revolves around the power of women connected to the idea of energy. We even came up with a title and tagline for the film that expands to Bescom: Power’s power: Bestows energy, showers comfort on man ,” she said.

Another point of attraction was the pledge wall on which hundreds of people scrawled their messages for a greener and cleaner environment.