Mrs. Neerja Birla & Rahul Bose Cycle with 2500 Mumbaikars to Create Awareness About Mental Health

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai, the city that is known for its progressive development, earlier today came together to create awareness about mental health through the Multiply Ride to Mpower cycle ride. 2500 cycle and fitness enthusiasts pledged to stamp out stigma associated with mental health and be a champion of the cause.

Today, a serious issue in the society has been brought to the forefront through the Mpower movement, started by Mrs. Neerja Birla to spread the message – it’s ok not to be ok, but it is NOT ok not to seek help. Over the last week, celebrities from Bollywood and Sports have supported this initiative and taken up the challenge across social media. Rahul Bose, Riteish Deshmukh, Ananya Birla, Aditya Thackeray, Aryaman Birla, Ajinkya Rahane, Robin Uthappa and RJ Hrishikesh Kannan are some of the celebrities who lent their support for the campaign to #StampOutStigma.

Presented by Aditya Birla Wellness Private Limited, and developed by Aditya Birla Sports on the streets of Mumbai. The cycle ride kick started from NCPA and commenced at Parsi Gymkhana. The ride was flagged off by Mrs. Neerja Birla, Bollywood actor, social activist and fitness freak Rahul Bose along with Mr. Mayank Bathwal, CEO Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited. The inter-city cycle ride saw participation from business leaders, mental health activists, inspirational youth icons and city-based school children.

Commenting on the success of Ride to Mpower, Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Mpower, said, “The Multiply Ride to Mpower initiative brought together fitness aficionados to spread awareness about mental health because physical fitness is key to mental wellness. Through this platform we urge everybody to take a pledge and support the mental health cause. We are very happy that Rahul Bose has lent his support to help us spread the word."Mr. Mayank Bathwal, CEO Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited and health enthusiast. said, “As we all know, a healthy mind and a healthy body go hand in hand and a large number of participants reflect people becoming aware towards a healthy living. It’s a step towards accepting mental health challenges in order to eradicate the stigma associated with it.”

Rahul Bose, Bollywood celebrity and fitness enthusiast said, “Mental Health is a serious cause of concern in India. It takes a lot of courage to come out and speak about the issues one is going through. I’m proud to be a part of the Multiply Ride To Mpower initiative which will create more awareness for mental wellbeing and encourage people to face the issues affecting them. I whole-heartedly pledge my support for this cause and so should you.”