The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon – 2026 concluded in a grand and emotionally charged ceremony at Kochi, bringing to a close a transformative 25-day journey across 6,553 kilometres of India's eastern and western coastlines. The valedictory ceremony was graciously attended by Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State for Home Affairs, and Praveer Ranjan, Director General, CISF, along with senior officers from CISF.

What began on January 28, 2026, virtually flagged off from New Delhi by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, has culminated in a nationwide movement that united coastal communities, youth, women, fishermen, sister security agencies, industry stakeholders and civil society under one powerful theme—"Surakshit Tat, Samridh Bharat"(Secure Coasts, Prosperous India).

Virtually flagged off from New Delhi by the Minister of State for Home Affairs, the Cyclothon culminated in a nationwide movement under one powerful theme—"Surakshit Tat, Samridh Bharat"(Secure Coasts, Prosperous India)

Commemorating 150 years of the iconic national song Vande Mataram, this edition of the Cyclothon was conceived as a tribute to the spirit of unity, courage and collective responsibility that the song has embodied since India's freedom movement. Over the past 25 days, 130 CISF cyclists, including a historic 50 per cent women contingent, pedalled not just across terrain, but into the hearts of coastal India, carrying forward a message of participative security and national pride.

A Journey Across India's Maritime Lifeline

On this crucial occasion, DG CISF said, "What we are witnessing through this Cyclothon is the emergence of a confident, aware and inspired coastal India. When young girls see women in uniform leading from the front, when students cycle alongside our personnel, security becomes an aspiration. This initiative is about turning awareness into action and citizens into partners in national security."

Traversing nine states and two Union Territories, the Cyclothon connected historic ports, bustling industrial hubs, fishing villages and tourist beaches-highlighting the centrality of India's 7,500-kilometre coastline to the nation's economy and security. With over 250 ports handling nearly 95 per cent of India's trade by volume, coastal security is inseparable from economic prosperity and energy resilience.

Over 25 days, 130 CISF cyclists, including a historic 50 per cent women contingent, pedalled not just across terrain, but into the hearts of coastal India, carrying forward a message of participative security and national pride

From Lakhpat Fort in Gujarat to Bakkhali in West Bengal, through Mumbai's Gateway of India, Goa's iconic shores, Karnataka's New Mangalore Port, Odisha's historic coastal belts, Andhra's fishing harbours and Tamil Nadu's southern maritime stretches, the Cyclothon amplified awareness about threats such as narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling and infiltration—while reinforcing the need for community vigilance as the first line of defence.

Youth Engagement: Igniting Aspirations

Across both coasts, youth participation emerged as the strongest pillar of the movement. NCC cadets, school students and local sports clubs joined the cyclists for short stretches, organized rallies, and participated in interactive sessions on maritime vigilance and national development.

Recruitment awareness programmes demystified opportunities in uniformed services, while sports activities—from volleyball and football to tug-of-war—created bonds between CISF personnel and rural youth.

Distribution of sports kits and school supplies, combined with hands-on interaction, turned the Cyclothon into a platform of aspiration. For many young participants, this was their first direct engagement with a national security force—an experience that transformed distant authority into accessible mentorship.

With over 250 ports handling nearly 95 per cent of India's trade by volume, coastal security is inseparable from economic prosperity and energy resilience

Women Leading from the Front

The 50 per cent of women's participation in the cycling contingent stood out as a powerful symbol of change. From Gujarat's coastal villages to Karnataka's fishing hamlets and Tamil Nadu's southern shores, the sight of women cyclists in uniform and full riding gear inspired admiration and aspiration alike.

Fishermen as 'Tat Praharis'

The Cyclothon reaffirmed the crucial role of fishermen as natural sentinels of the coast. Interactive sessions at harbours and fishing docks emphasised how local vigilance can help prevent smuggling and suspicious maritime activity. Fishermen, panchayat leaders and youth forums pledged to act as responsible Tat Praharis—coastal guardians committed to protecting both livelihood and nation.

 

Celebrity Endorsement of Coastal Cyclothon 2026

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar Conveys Best Wishes for Vande Mataram CISF Coastal Cyclothon–2026		Shashi Tharoor Extends Best Wishes for the Vande Mataram CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2026
Film Star Sonu Sood Praises The Incredible Spirit of Vande Mataram CISF Coastal Cyclothon–2026		Legendary Spinner Anil Kumble Conveys Best Wishes for Vande Mataram CISF Coastal Cyclothon–2026

A Platform of Unity

At Kochi's grand finale today, representatives from coastal communities, youth groups, women's collectives, sister security agencies, industry stakeholders and civil administration gathered on a common platform. Cultural performances, patriotic renditions of Vande Mataram, and public pledges of vigilance marked the culmination of a journey that transcended geography. Addressing the gathering, senior CISF leadership reaffirmed that the Cyclothon was not an endpoint but a beginning—a structured outreach framework aligning maritime security with citizen participation.

The CISF Vande Mataram Coastal Cyclothon–2026 has demonstrated that security thrives where trust exists. By engaging 52 villages, mobilising youth, empowering women, involving fishermen, partnering with CSR stakeholders, and activating its 47 coastal units for sustained outreach, CISF has laid the foundation for a participative coastal security ecosystem.

As the cyclists symbolically handed over the baton of vigilance to coastal communities at Kochi, the message was clear: secure coasts are built not by forces alone, but by united citizens.

 

Celebrity Endorsement of Coastal Cyclothon 2026

King of Tollywood Nagarjuna Akkineni Extended Support For Vande Mataram CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2026		Voices of Appreciation Inspire Us to Serve with Greater Dedication
The Chief of ISRO Conveys Best Wishes for the Vande Mataram CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2026		Maithili Thakur Extends Best Wishes For The Vande Mataram CISF Coastal Cyclothon 2026