Continuing to act as a responsible corporate citizen, J&K Bank while promoting its ‘save environment initiative', organized J&K Bank Tour de Kashmir cycling expedition in association with J&K Cycling Association from Srinagar to Pahalgam. Mushtaq Ahmad, Chairman and CEO of the bank, flagged the expedition off early in the morning from the bank's Corporate Headquarters here today.
The Chairman was flanked by President J&K Bank Tafazal Hussain, who is also Chairman J&K Bank Sports Board and Zonal Head Kashmir (Central) who is also vice chairman of the bank's sports board, Abdul Hamid Banday, and other officers of the bank. J&K Cycling Association President and other office bearers were also present on the occasion.
A 22-year-old cyclist Umar Nabi secured first position. Ghulam Rasool Kawa and Anzil Mukhtar secured second and third position respectively. In junior category, Ihsan Majid, Amir Assad, youngest competitor in the expedition, and Umaid secured first, second and third position respectively. It is worth mentioning that a 74-year-old cyclist, Ghulam Rasool, was oldest competitor. The winners were given prizes in the shape of three racing cycles, mementos and certificates.
The prizes were given away at a simple but impressive function held at Pahalgam. The bank's vice president and Zonal Head, Kashmir (South), Mohammad Afzal Khan was chief guest on the occasion. He spoke about various CSR initiatives of the bank.
The message was rendered clear and loud across the Srinagar- Pahalgam track when almost 60 cyclists, which included some international and national cyclists, holding banners pedaled their way towards one of the most visited tourist spots in the valley. The young cyclists were jubilant to anticipate the thrill expedition would entail.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mushtaq Ahmad, the Chairman & CEO of the bank said, "Being socially conscious institution J&K Bank understands the essence of environment and shall remain at the forefront of every effective initiative meant to conserve it. Events like these help kindle our spirits for the conservation of our environment besides evoking the thrill of adventure in the process."
Expeditions are by definition meant to explore new things and through these events we too intend to explore and promote sporting talent of our state, which is available in abundance, he added.
He also pointed out that J&K Bank is pride of the state, not only because the bank is the only listed company of the state and earns hefty profits, but also because of the fact that the bank has always remained on the forefront to provide opportunities to the budding sportsmen of the state to explore their talent by way of sponsoring their activities. "No other bank supports our talented youth in any sport, except the J&K Bank. We share profits with our community through our Corporate Social Responsibility mode," he said.
The participants were provided with refreshments at the various branches of the bank en-route Pahalgam.
"I loved to participate in this event because cycling is my passion. Also, I feel honoured for the expedition had a noble and pressing cause of ‘save environment' which is not an individual concern but a collective duty ", said one of the position holders of the expedition.
Meanwhile, J&K Cycling Association has thanked the bank for supporting the event.