January 14,2026
Gifting wings to her dreams through Sabuj Sathi
Senior Correspondent.TOD.Balurghat
In a ceremony marked by celebration and civic pride, the West Bengal government on Wednesday concluded the 11th phase of its flagship Sabuj Sathi bicycle distribution program, handing over bicycles to 700 students at the Mahinagar Krishan Mandi in South Dinajpur district.
| DM Distributes Bicycles Under Sabuj Sathi Scheme |
The event, attended by senior district officials, underscored the state’s continued emphasis on improving access to education, particularly for students in rural and semi-urban areas. The District Magistrate of South Dinajpur, Balasubramaniam T., presided over the program, lending the occasion added administrative significance.
Officials said the bicycles were distributed to students from 37 educational institutions — 32 schools under the Balurghat Block and five within the Balurghat Municipality. All recipients had recently advanced from Class IX to Class X, a critical stage in their academic journey.
In his address, Mr. Balasubramaniam T. said the Sabooj Sathi program was designed to remove logistical and financial barriers that often prevent students from attending school regularly.
“By making daily travel to school safer and easier, especially in rural areas, this initiative helps ensure that distance does not stand in the way of education,” he said.
He urged students to remain focused on their studies and to contribute meaningfully to society in the years ahead.
The event was also attended by Soham Chowdhury, Block Development Officer of Balurghat, Arup Sarkar, Sabhapati of the Balurghat Panchyat Samiti, along with education department officials, school teachers and parents.
For many students, the bicycles represent more than a mode of transport — they symbolize independence and opportunity. Parents, too, expressed appreciation for the program, noting that it reduces both travel time and household expenses while encouraging consistent school attendance.
As the final session of the 11th phase drew to a close, officials and attendees alike described the program as a lasting investment in the district’s youth — one that is expected to leave a durable imprint on educational access and equity across the region.
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