Interview : ‘Once a week on Bicycle’

We have seen politicians reaching State Assembly by long and expensive cars but never by bicycle. Recently this trend has been challenged by BJP MLC Shri Surinder Ambardar. He reached the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on bicycle. It was Ambardar’s first session in the Upper House of the Jammu & Kashmir Legislature after taking an oath as MLC in April. His act is a self-motivated initiative to reduce carbon emission in the country. Earlier in April 2015, BJP MP from Bikaner, Arjun Singh Meghwal reached the Parliament on bicycle. In a telephonic interview with Organiser Jr Sub-editor Nishant Kumar Azad, BJP MLC Surinder Ambardar tells about the motive and inspiration behind this idea.

• What is the motive behind coming to Assembly on bicycle?

There is an immediate need to take such initiatives to save environment. Jammu & Kashmir is one of the beautiful and favourite tourist destination in Bharat and if we want to keep this beauty alive we will have to make it pollution free. Due to increasing level of pollution, the natural beauty of Jammu & Kashmir is facing a threat. This initiative is taken to sensitise the people about their duty to protect green environs of Jammu & Kashmir. We can promote green energy and reduce pollution through such initiatives. It will save fuel and also discourage VIP culture. I am against any kind of VIP culture and these types of initiatives will check the growth of  VIP culture.

• Who is behind this inspiration?

I got this inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When a Prime Minister can pick a broom to make environment clean and green, why can’t we.

• While going to Assembly on bicycle, have you ever thought what people will think about you?
  

Bicycle can be a medium to connect with people easily. You can see this as a national integration. We- politicians are the part of society. We are not from the other world. People select us as their representative so we have more responsibility towards the society. Healthy environment is very important for a healthy country.

• What message for others who always use car ?

I want to request all leaders of the BJP and other party members to come to Assembly once a week on bicycle. I hope more legislators will do this. I am sure this will inspire many more to promote green energy so that we protect our environment and remain away from nature’s fury.