Mr Onkar Singh Pahwa, on being elected as President of the All Indian Cycle Manufacturers' Association, while addressing the members of AICMA said:

"I, thank you all for entrusting me with this responsibility. It is indeed a privilege to head the All Indian Cycle Manufacturers' Association as its President and I assure you all that with the guidance of my predecessors and the support of the colleagues from the industry it will be my ernest endeavor to promote bicycles in domestic and foreign markets. I would like to place on record my regards and gratitude to Shri O.P Munjal who has always been our source of inspiration and our guiding light in all times.

The bicycle industry of India is one of the most established industries. India is the second largest bicycle producer of the world, next only to China. India has seen a tremendous increase in the number of bicycle manufacturers and bicycle exporters in the recent past Today, Indian bicycle manufacturing and bicycle spares industry is well accepted and is also widely recognized for its quality standards in the international market.

The industry needs to push up its efforts for enhancing exports since there is a significant scope for export of Indian bicycles, bicycle spare parts and bicycle accessories.

AICMA Executive Members felicitating Mr. O S Phawa on unanimously being elected as President for 2009-2010

Vinay Khurana presenting bouquet to Mr. O S Phawa

The bicycle business is flourishing in the country courtesy the recently founded concern for environment and "go green" campaings but also on account of Government tenders. The demand worldwide is also on the rise with more and more people becoming interested in using this mode as transport or for health purposes. We should use this trend as a motivation to experiment with colour, speed and technology and spread our wings across the globe. The entry of several international brands that have entered the Indian market with interesting designs and technology for the pedal pushers with focus on urban markets needs to be appropriately addressed by the domestic industry by setting their shops in order and adopting modern technology and also take steps to further expand their base in the professional and adventure categories.

We expect that the sales of hi-end products would grow in the next 2-3 years with the Commonwealth Games in 2010. The time is opportune to support initiatives for promoting cycling in Tier II and Tier III cities. We as an association should either float an NGO or tie up with one to spread awareness about the sports.

The condition of the roads and safety while riding cycle has always been discouraging for cyclist and it is the need of the hour to take it up with the central and the state government. Association should make efforts to promote the culture of cycling in India by urging the Government to make stricter laws for cyclists' safety on roads and demanding that biking be given the status of a professional sport like cricket, football or hockey.

To sum up, I would say that there lies a great task in front of us and we all should unite our efforts through this association and achieve the desired results.
With these words, I wish to thank Shri O.P Munjal the stalwart of our industry and Executive Commitee members for their trust. I along with Dr D Raghuram seek cooperation from all members of Executive Committee in the discharge of our duties/responsibilities towards the association and carry on all those tasks ahead initiated by our Immediate Past President. Thank you !"