Ahmedabad, India – Pragnya Mohan, a national triathlon champion and the first Indian athlete to compete at the Triathlon World Cup, is tackling a challenge off the racetrack. Recognizing the limited access to education for girls in her hometown, Mohan has launched a pioneering project called “Ek Beti, Ek Cycle” (One Daughter, One Bicycle).
Growing up with the freedom of cycling, Mohan noticed many young girls in Ahmedabad struggling to travel to school due to curfews, limited public transport, and the financial burden of bicycles. This disparity inspired her to leverage the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Young Leaders Programme. Through the program, Mohan identified high dropout rates among girls transitioning from primary to secondary school, often due to transportation limitations.
“Ek Beti, Ek Cycle” offers a simple yet powerful solution. By collecting donated bicycles via social media campaigns, Mohan and her team refurbish them and provide them to female students. Additionally, volunteers conduct six-day training camps to equip the girls with road safety knowledge and basic bike maintenance skills.
The pilot program launched in November 2023, reaching 22 ninth-grade girls. “These girls, some traveling up to six kilometers each way, were on the verge of dropping out,” explains Mohan. “Education is transformative, and it shouldn’t be hindered by something as basic as transportation.”
The impact has been immediate. Mohan beams, “The girls were so enthusiastic! Even after a few falls during training, they came back determined. A month later, we saw a newfound confidence and a deep appreciation for the program.”
Beyond commuting, the bicycles foster a sense of independence. “Girls from different villages, who never ventured out together, now cycle to school as a group,” says Mohan.
This dedication to social change is a natural extension of Mohan’s athletic career. Prior to “Ek Beti, Ek Cycle,” she used her platform to advocate for fitness, education for girls, and triathlon awareness through talks and campaigns.
Mohan, currently training to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics, is particularly excited about the Games’ focus on gender equality. “Equal representation will hopefully inspire more changes,” she says, “including a rise in female coaches and administrators who are crucial for creating safe training environments for girls.”
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