The 30 km cycle ride begins at NCPA and goes up to Bandra Worli Sea Link from where cyclists will return to Nariman Point
Ride to Mpower, a cycle ride event organised by The Mpower Movement, is an initiative started by Neerja Birla and Ananya Birla to spread awareness about the importance of mental health and alleviate the stigmas associated with mental health conditions.
What’s the route
The cycle ride will begin in South Mumbai this Sunday, April 24, at 6.45 a.m. The event, which already has 1,000 registered cyclists participating, will have the riders covering a distance of 30 km starting from NCPA and going up to Bandra Worli Sea Link and returning to Nariman Point. Through Ride To Mpower, the movement aims to inspire and encourage everyone to initiate conversations about mental health conditions thus alleviating the stigmas associated with them.
A changing perspective
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Zirak Marker, Medical Director of Mpower, said that the general perspective towards mental health is changing. “Today’s youth have no qualms in seeking professional help with the insight and education that they have. Also, in today's times, parents are being far more vigilant with regards to their children's mental health,” he told dna.
While the group isn’t raising money as it is a free ride for the participants, the ultimate idea is to increase awareness. Many cyclists, we were told, will be carrying placards to promote awareness about conditions that affect individuals emotionally and mentally.
What you need to do
“People willing to participate in the cycle ride can register themselves on Mpower’s official website: www.mpowerminds.com. The registration will be free but limited. Participants will have to get their own cycles, but we have listed down places on the website where they can rent cycles from, in Mumbai,” added Dr. Zirkar.
The doctor also added that if an individual, during the early stages of mental illness, exercises, then it can prove to be of great help. “When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body and help with mental health-related issues greatly,” he said.
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