The opening ceremony of the Cycle rally for FREE TIBET was held at Siddhartha Medical College with presence of eminent personality like Shri. Padmashri Turlapati Kuntumba Rao, recipient of the (President Padmashri award) for excellence in journalism. He has written a biography of H.H Dalai Lama in Telegu and also a firm supporter of the Tibetan cause was the chief guest. Shri. P. Koteswara Rao, Buddhist, who wrote several books about Gautama buddha in Telegu and also won rave reviews in the press for his wonderful musical play on the life of Buddha was the guest of honour. The program was further given a life and light by the presence of relentless and consistent Tibet supporter, Mr. C.Anjaniaya Reddy (I.P.S) chairman and managing director of Andhra Pradesh Tourism. He is man behind the recent shrine of Buddhist in Hyderabad, which was kindly consecrated by H.H. the Dalai Lama in April 2003. The opening ceremony was also witness with huge gathering including other eminent dignitaries, the college faculties, students and media person.
The cyclist paid homage to the Buddha statue at Siddartha Medical College before the beginning of rally. The senior journalist and chief guest Shri.Padmashri Turlapati Kuntumba Rao flagged it off. The cyclist would take seven days to cover the 385 kilometres to culminate at Hyderabad on 18th January with grand program with the presence of Indian celebrity after covering up major cities of Kondapalli, Thiruvuru, Wyra, Khammam, Dornakal, Mahbubabad, Nekkond, Warangal, Ghanpur, Jangaon, Aler, Bhongir, Bibi Nagar, Ghat Kesar and so on. The objectives of this cycle rally campaign of RTYC Vijayawada is to reach out and create awareness among local Indian public on the Tibetan issue by distributing Tibet related materials, film screening and organize public meetings and performing Tibetan traditional culture dance.
A total number of 37 RTYC Vijaywada members had already gone through following cities,Vijayawada,Kondapalli, Mayalavaram ,Thiruvuru and covered about 75 km on the first day. They received immense response and encouragement for the movement of FREE TIBET and mobilize large no of Indian supporter from all walk of life. The local people were enlightened on Tibet issue through different leaflet, screening documentary movie and performed exclusive Tibetan traditional culture dance.
