Manipal: Green Manipal is close to the heart of everyone on the campus in Manipal University here. Several initiatives are taken from time to time to keep the campus green. Little wonder then that this campus is rated second among the green campuses of institutions in the country by UI GreenMetrick Ranking agency. Manipal University campus has won Golden Peacock award as well.

In keeping with the “green spirit”, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal University started a Bike Farm on Saturday at D-22, MIT campus. The initiative to encourage students to use more bicycles on the campus was inaugurated by the Superintendent of Police, Udupi District, Mr K. Annamalai. Speaking on the occasion, he said that this was a unique initiative to have a bicycle shop on the campus where everything is taken care of, including repairs. He was highly appreciative of the plan to start the facility on the campus.
Earlier, in 2005, a similar initiative was started. But that could not be sustained as there were a number of unforeseen problems. There being no service centre and pumps to fill air, the scheme had to be discontinued. Director, Dr G.K.Prabhu while restarting the initiative has ensured that the students will have no problem in getting their bikes repaired or even air filled, by first putting in place those necessities. Dr Prabhu even believes in leading by example and was the first one to purchase a cycle for Rs 13,000. He said, “We have learnt a few lessons from the past and we have taken care of all those aspects.

“The last time when it was started, there were no repair shops, the bicycles were given free to students and roads were not conducive to riding. We are not giving free cycles this time as anything given free has little value. The roads are being done up and there is a good service centre at the farm itself. So with all that in place, we hope the students and faculty will be encouraged to use cycles,” Dr Prabhu hoped.

Chief Warden Col. CMS Kalakoti appreciated the initiative and congratulated the Director for making a fleeting thought a reality in just two weeks. Alan Lewis, partner of the Bike Farm welcomed the gathering. Managing Partner Shane Machado was also present. On the occasion MIT also honoured Venkataramana Sampath, a former teacher who at the age of 87 still rides at least five kilometres every day. He started cycling at the age of 10.