Delhi pedals for a greener planet
Over 100 cyclists express commitment and solidarity for Earth Hour 2011.
- (1888PressRelease) March 15, 2011 - New Delh - WWF- India in association with Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited today organized the 'Earth Hour 2011 Cyclothon'. The ceremonial flag off was done by fashion models- Sonalika Sahay and Lakshmi Rana.
Over 100 enthusiastic cyclists demonstrated solidarity & support for Earth Hour 2011 at the cyclothon that began from the BRT Corridor (near Ambedkar Nagar). The cyclists that were a diverse mix of demographics viz. executives from corporate, students from schools and colleges and even home makers, reinforced their commitment for the cause of the planet as they cycled across the streets of New Delhi. Cycles were available at the venue, sponsored by BSA Hercules, while some brought their own.
This year, on March 26, 2011, the world will observe Earth Hour by switching off lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
''In taking the Earth Hour campaign to a new level, our message this year is to go beyond the hour, and commit to a better way of living, everyday, and not just for an hour. It was heartening to see the people- young and old, cycle in large numbers with such enthusiasm and commitment. Adoption of a habit of cycle commuting is indeed a good sign of consciousness in moving towards a sustainable way of life" said Ravi Singh, Secretary General &CEO, WWF-India.
''Delhi has been the champion city for Earth Hour in 2009 & 2010- an example of a successful citizen government commitment towards this campaign, and it is encouraging to see Earth Hour 2011 coming alive with such enthusiasm." Ravi added.
''Sunday became even more special when people of Delhi came out to support this noble cause of Earth Hour 2011. The zeal, excitement and passion demonstrated by the people of Delhi was an extremely gratifying experience" said Lakshmi Rana.
"We as citizens need to make this a movement to show support for action on climate change by demonstrating that actions such as those taken at the 'individual level' for instance adopting an energy saving attitude and being more efficient in the use of energy can play a significant role in curbing greenhouse gas emissions that are eventually responsible for climate change," said Sonalika Sahay.
The enthusiasm of so many employees of Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited who participated in the rally was effectual. Ashish Srivastava, Director - HR, Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited, said "Climate change is undoubtedly the biggest environmental challenge of our times affecting people in countless ways. As responsible citizens of this planet, it is essential for us to act now by choosing a sustainable way of life. Earth Hour has done a lot to raise awareness on issues of global warming and climate change. But there's more to it than switching off lights for one hour, once a year. Transcending national boundaries, Earth Hour has become an expression of global solidarity for a low carbon future for our planet. It has reinforced that all actions have to start at the individual level. Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company is privileged to partner with WWF-India for Earth Hour 2011."
India joined the Earth Hour campaign in 2009 by with 56 cities participating in the first year. By 2010, Earth Hour grew to become the greatest environmental action in history, and individuals and businesses across 125 cities in India came together to show the path to a sustainable future. During Earth Hour 2010, more than 6 million people in India alone switched off lights on that day. Popular historical landmarks such as the India Gate, Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Gateway of India, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and even hotels, cinema complexes and shopping malls, enlightened themselves in darkness on March 27, 2010, symbolizing a landmark moment in support of a noble cause.
THIS YEAR, GO BEYOND THE HOUR - Switch off your lights for Earth Hour. PLUS, Commit to a personal action that benefits the environment.
SMS your pledge to (0) 7503377777
www.earthhour.in
About WWF
WWF-India is one of the largest conservation organizations engaged in wildlife protection and environment preservation in the country, for over four decades now. As a part of the WWF-International network, the organisation has made its presence felt through a sustained effort towards both nature and wildlife conservation and reduction in humanity's ecological footprint. With its extensive network of state offices, the organisation sensitises people through creating awareness, building capacity and offering enviro-legal support. A challenging, constructive, science-based organisation, WWF-India addresses issues like the survival of species, habitat conservation and climate change.
About Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited (www.canarahsbclife.com)
Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company Limited was launched in June 2008 and is jointly owned by two of India's largest public sector banks - Canara Bank (holding 51%) and Oriental Bank of Commerce (23%) - and HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings Limited (26%), the Asian insurance arm of one of the world's largest banking and financial services groups - HSBC. The Company has exclusive access to around 53 million customers and a pan-India network of over 4600 branches of Canara Bank, HSBC and Oriental Bank of Commerce.
The formidable distribution strength and in-depth local market knowledge of Canara Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce coupled with the considerable insurance experience, product range and proven bancassurance capabilities of HSBC make this an unparalleled union of financial strength, expertise and most importantly, trust. Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company understands that today innovation is a key differentiator. Based on market demand and customer preferences, the Company currently offers 9 products - 3 unit-linked and 6 traditional. The Company currently has 29 offices across the country (in 27 cities) to service customers, provide necessary training and coaching support to the bank staff and ongoing service support to around 900 bank branches (with SPs) selling its products in 316 locations. Out of 316 locations, around 80 locations are in semi-urban and rural areas.
To deliver affordable insurance solutions to address the needs of the rural population, the social sector and economically weaker sections of the society, especially those who have none or very little access to organised financial services, the Company tied up with three Rural Regional Banks (RRBs) - Pragathi Gramin Bank in Karnataka, Shreyas Gramin Bank in Uttar Pradesh and South Malabar Gramin Bank in Kerala. Through a strong network of around 790 branches of the three RRBs, Canara HSBC Oriental Bank of Commerce Life Insurance Company will reach out to more than 7 million customers in addition to the existing customer base of 53 million. The Company is the fastest Indian life insurance company to cross Rs 500 crore and Rs 1000 crore in weighted premium income till date. Since launch on June 16, 2008 to February 28, 2011, the Company's business in terms of Gross Written Premium (GWP) stood at Rs 2,433.7 crore and the number of policies sold are 2,30,583. The Company's total capital base currently stands at Rs 825 crore.
About Earth Hour
Earth Hour is a WWF initiative where citizens around the globe can show their support for action on climate change by turning off lights for one hour. WWF's Earth Hour is an inspiring message of hope and action - the largest global demonstration about climate change. At 8.30pm on March26 2011, cities, towns and municipalities across the world will turn off their lights for one hour - Earth Hour - sending a powerful global message that it's possible to take action climate change. Visit www.earthhour.in for more.
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