Daily commutes to educational institutions in rugged Himalayan terrains often demand walking several kilometres across challenging mountain trails. To address this demanding journey and promote self-reliance among female students, Bhuligaon Inter College in the Gangolihat tehsil of Pithoragarh district has introduced a targeted training initiative. Anand Mehra, the in-charge principal of the institution, along with other teachers, pooled personal funds to purchase four bicycles and began coaching girl students in cycling to ease their everyday travel.
How an English Lesson Sparked the Initiative
The concept took shape while Anand Mehra was teaching an English class to eleventh-grade students. During the session, he reflected on practical ways to bring meaningful changes to the lives of girls growing up in remote hilly areas. While horse riding was briefly considered as an initial option, cycling was soon identified as far more useful and sustainable for daily mobility. Mehra pointed out that mastering such physical skills tends to become increasingly challenging with advancing age, making school years the ideal time to learn. He noted that developing balance and road confidence early on will naturally make it easier for these students to learn riding two-wheelers such as scooties or motorcycles in the future, providing a long-term practical benefit.
Training Commences an Hour Before Morning Classes
To prevent any disruption to the core academic curriculum, students arrive at the school grounds approximately one hour before formal classes begin each morning. During this dedicated hour, faculty members personally guide the learners through balance, pedalling, and steering controls. An encouraging dimension of this program is that senior students who have already mastered cycling actively step forward to assist their juniors. This peer mentoring structure has substantially bolstered confidence among the learners while nurturing mutual trust and teamwork within the student body.
Structured Roster Across Six School Houses
To ensure that every enrolled female student gets an equitable turn to practice, the school established a structured rotation based on its six administrative houses. Each house receives allotted practice intervals, allowing the four bicycles to be utilized systematically without causing overcrowding or long waiting times. Teachers supervise the daily drills while experienced student riders assist alongside, creating a continuous learning cycle designed to make every young girl proficient and confident on wheels.
