SRINAGAR: Khyber Cement, a leading cement brand from Jammu and Kashmir, has collaborated with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to launch a remarkable initiative: a 10-day bike rally themed ‘Driving Sustainability through Standards’. The rally, which was flagged off at Nehru Park in Srinagar, aims to raise awareness about the importance of standards in promoting sustainability and quality in various sectors. The rally will see 16 riders traversing challenging terrains, ultimately concluding at the heroic Siachen Base Camp in Ladakh.
The event was flagged off by Sneh Lata, Deputy Director General of BIS North, alongside prominent industry figures such as Tilak Raj, Director and Head of BIS’s Jammu and Kashmir Branch Office (JKBO), and Umar Tramboo, Director of Corporate and Strategy at Khyber Cement. With key sponsors like Khyber Cement and Steelbird Helmets, the rally seeks to amplify the message that adherence to industry standards is crucial for safety, quality, and long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Umar Tramboo emphasized Khyber Cement’s role in aligning its business practices with the broader goal of environmental responsibility. “For us at Khyber Cement, sustainability transcends not just corporate responsibility, but it also represents our dedication to safeguarding the future for generations to come. Our partnership with BIS for this rally is a part of our constant efforts to drive positive change in the region, from supporting environmental causes to ensuring transparency in all our business practices,” he noted.
This collaboration highlights Khyber Cement’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that extend beyond profit margins. The company has consistently been a proponent of ethical business practices, striving to make a positive impact on the local community and environment. By supporting the World Standards Day bike rally, Khyber Cement reinforces its ‘Dil Se Banao’ philosophy, which promotes the holistic development of Kashmir through social, economic, and environmental efforts.
Lata lauded the rally as a critical outreach initiative for BIS, especially in regions like Kashmir and Ladakh, where ensuring product standards can drive innovation and trust. She remarked, “This initiative of a bike rally to Siachen Base Camp at Ladakh represents our mission to reach new horizons. By upholding standards, we drive innovation and build trust, ensuring that our products and services meet the highest benchmarks.”
The rally is part of BIS’s efforts to extend the importance of quality standards across various sectors, ensuring that products and services in remote areas of India meet national and international benchmarks. During the event, BIS also held a strategic meeting at the District Industries Centre (DIC) in Anantnag, where officials discussed collaborating with local industries to ensure higher compliance with BIS standards. The discussion focused on the importance of certified products and future outreach programs aimed at industrial hubs within Jammu and Kashmir.
The riders, equipped with industry-standard gear, embarked on their journey from Srinagar and are expected to traverse treacherous mountain passes and high-altitude roads to reach Siachen Base Camp. The event is not only a test of endurance but also a testament to the role of standards in ensuring safety and quality in every sector, from construction to daily consumer products.
Manzoor Ahmad Mir, Head of Commercials, Legal and Regulatory Affairs at Khyber Cement, highlighted the company’s commitment to upholding standards in the construction industry. He stated, “Khyber Cement proudly joins hands with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to celebrate World Standards Day 2024, reinforcing our commitment to quality and excellence in construction. As a sponsor of the bike rally, we stand united in promoting industry standards for a safer and stronger tomorrow.”
As the riders continue their journey to one of the world’s highest and most challenging military bases, this rally serves as a reminder of the far-reaching impact businesses can have when they align their goals with global movements like sustainability. By raising awareness of the importance of standards, the initiative highlights how ethical business practices, community engagement, and environmental responsibility can work hand-in-hand to create lasting change.
This collaboration between Khyber Cement and BIS stands as a symbol of the collective effort needed to ensure that the future of Kashmir is both prosperous and sustainable. Through this rally, both organisations have reaffirmed their dedication to building a safer, greener, and more ethical tomorrow for the region.
