SwitchON Foundation to launch Move for Earth movement to celebrate and inspire Climate Action in North Bengal

 On Dec 26, 2023, key stakeholders shall flag off the Cycle Yatra from Kalimpong.

KalimNews, Kalimpong, December 23, 2023: SwitchON Foundation, on the eve of Kisan Diwas announced the launch of the ‘Move for Earth’ movement in North Bengal to celebrate and inspire Climate Action with a purpose to build a smarter and brighter future for ourselves, our children, our farmers and life on earth. 

After a meaningful start of the movement in West Bengal and Odisha in the start of the year, Mr. Vinay Jaju, Co-founder of SwitchON Foundation will be cycling over 864 km across different states in East India including around 400 kms in North Bengal and connecting with over 2,000 farmers, women and youth.

The North Bengal leg of the Cycle Yatra will commence on December 24, 2023, from Dalkhola and then pass through Ghoom, Kalimpong, Siliguri and culminate in Jalpaiguri on Dec 27, 2023. SwitchON will join the Crest to Coast cycle racing team for  the first two days of the ride collaborating with them as sustainability partners. 

On Dec 26, 2023, key stakeholders shall flag off the Cycle Yatra from Kalimpong that will start from Damber Chowk at 9.30 am. A total of 40 cyclists is expected to join the yatra.

This initiative will encourage urgent climate action and facilitate purposeful events and activities that will range from skill development training, stakeholder meetings, FPC capacity building, workshops on promoting renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and horticulture with a special focus on small tea growers of the region. 

A Workshop on Clean Energy solutions and Integrated Pest Management on Spices  at the Tea Garden will also be held on the same day at Darjeeling Krishi Vigyan Kendra located at Kalimpong Krishi Vigyan Kendra at about 11.30 am. This workshop would focus on the upgradation of energy-intensive tea production to a significantly improved method through sustainable energy applications and systematic energy management. Along with an understanding of key methods of pest management and use appropriate IPM techniques, different methods of pest management - their benefits and limitations and understand the value of beneficial insects.

These activities require a multidimensional approach serving as a crucial initiative to galvanize collective action among stakeholders. It would help identify innovative solutions and best practices through in-depth discussions, aiming to bridge gaps in understanding and catalyze transformative change focusing on renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.

SwitchON announced the schedule of this four- day Cycle Yatra across North Bengal as part of the ‘Move for Earth’ movement, which will engage Farmers, Youth, Government, Financiers, Technologists and Civil Society Organizations through its journey, and offer solutions to community-specific issues of North Bengal. This movement aims to unite and amplify the collective voice of Climate Champions, equip communities with key tools, resources, new age skills and create a networked ecosystem for them to be the ambassadors of change.  

Mr. Vinay Jaju, Co-founder SwitchON Foundation said, “In 2008, we, the founding team of SwitchON Foundation, set out on a bicycle ride from Kolkata to New Delhi. The ride inspired and sparked the impetus to a 15-year-journey of serving and strengthening communities through clean energy and other sustainable ways of living. Today, in the face of a devastating climate crisis we have decided to take on a similar ride to celebrate and inspire climate action. The Cycle Yatra will engage Farmers, Youth, Government, Financiers, Technologists and Civil Society Organisations.”

Senior Scientist from Centre of Floriculture and Agri-business Management (COFAM), North Bengal University said, “There is a dire need to shift the way we live our lives in a climate constrained environment. The Move for Earth initiative by SwitchON Foundation is an effort to promote that necessary shift.“

SwitchON is urging citizens to join the movement, by simply visiting www.MoveForEarth.in and signing up as a volunteer or partner, or by joining the ride and helping to switch on a climate conscious movement that holds the potential and promise to build a better future.

About SwitchON Foundation:  

SwitchON Foundation, established in 2008, is a leading non-profit organisation focusing on Environment Sustainability and Equal Opportunities. Operating in 10 Indian states. It leads initiatives in Clean Energy Access, Sustainable Agriculture, Skilling, Clean Air and Sustainable Cities. Key strengths encompass innovative project implementation, capacity building, field support, awareness and advocacy.