INDIAN NAVY COASTAL CAR RALLY
‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ saw a horde of Events being celebrated by citizens of India for the past two years, as India commemorated 75th Anniversary of Indian Independence last year. Indian Navy concluded the grand celebrations with a Mega month-long Coastal Car Rally covering the entire Indian coast-line from Kolkata in West Bengal to Bhuj in Gujarat culminating at the National War Memorial in Delhi on 26 Apr 2023. To impart credence into our Navy’s grand Idea, Mahindras pitched in with their new launch 12 SUVs ( 5 x XUV700, 6 x XUV300 and 1 Scorpio). 40 Naval personnel in rotation, including NWWA ladies and Veterans from the 3 Naval Commands participated in this group adventure saga, appropriately termed ‘Sam No Varunah’ Car Rally .
PRELUDE In early 2023 MoD(Navy) charted the route from Kolkata to Delhi with time-lines and instructed the 3 Naval Commands (ENC,SNC and WNC) to form up their teams, issue formal instructions and kit up their 40 dynamic participants for each leg of the Mahindra Car Rally, outlining the clear-cut objectives inline with the Ethos of our fine Indian Navy. Placed below is the Media coverage of the month long "Sam No Varunah Coastal Car Rally" in Nutshell, Courtesy @Indian Navy.
OBJECTIVES :
l Celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
l Conduct awareness drives along the route about various career opportunities that the Navy offers including the Agnipath Scheme.
l Showcase 'Naari Shakti' by participation of serving women officers and naval wives.
l Instill a sense of adventure and motivate young generation to join the Indian Navy.
l Interact with Naval Veterans/ Veer Naaris enroute.
l Spread awareness about the rich maritime heritage and revival of maritime history by covering various Ports, Forts, Light Houses, Heritage Villages, Beaches etc.
ROUTE:
ENC: (26 Mar- 03 Apr) Kolkata (INS Netaji Subhas)- Chandipur- Bhubneshwar- Chilka- Vizag- Machillipatnam- Sriharikota- Puducherry- Karaikudi- Tirunevelli
SNC: (04 Apr- 08 Apr) Tirunevelli- Kazakootam- Kochi- Ezhimala- Karwar- Goa
WNC:
Leg-1(08 Apr- 14 Apr): Goa- Jaigad- Mumbai- Navsari- Vadodara- Bhavnagar- Diu
Leg-2: (15 Apr- 19 Apr): Diu- Porbandar- Jamnagar- Kandla- Naliya- Bhuj
NHQ:(20 Apr- 26 Apr): Bhuj- Palanpur- Chittorgarh- Swai Madhopur- Alwar- Delhi
MEDIA COVERAGE FOR ENC & SNC
THE LAUNCH - 26 MAR 2023
The SamNoVaruna Car Rally commenced being flagging off by NOIC(WB) from INS NetajiSubhash in Kolkata on 26 Mar 2023. The team reached Chandipur, visiting Antyodoy Anath Ashram and Tajpur lighthouse enroute. Over the next 30 days and 8000km, this expedition covered entire Indian coastline to inculcate maritime consciousness, awareness about #Agnipath scheme and women empowerment • #SamNoVaruna #MaritimeIndia #TogetherWeRise #NWWA
To celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav and make a departure from Sea Blindness & encourage Sea Consciousness, the Indian Navy along with Mahendra’s planned to conduct Maritime Awareness Coastal Motor Car expedition named SAM NO VARUNA in 12 in no’s Mahindras SUV’s , had been flagged off from Kolkatta on 26th March 23 and terminating at Delhi on Wednesday 26 Apr 23. Twenty Officers including 08 Women Officers + 10 Sailors including 04 Women Agniveers + 03 NWWA reps .+ 03 Veterans took part in each leg .There was one Mahindra Service jeep accompanying the convoy to cater for any breakdown and a Media team on a separate SUV for Print & Social media coverage. Over a month covering over 8000 kms, this CAR rally covered the entire Indian coastline to inculcate maritime consciousness, awareness about Agnipath scheme & women empowerment. It also spread awareness about the rich maritime heritage & revival of maritime history by covering 75 Ports, forts, light houses, heritage villages & coastal beaches.
TEAM ENC WITH NOIC(WB)
Covering a distance of approx. 3000Kms the Sam No Varunah Rally completed the first two legs at Tirunelvelli conducted under the aegis of ENC. Starting from Kolkatta the rally traversed through Chilka, Visakhapatnam, Chennai and Puducherry. The participants drove through beautiful coastal roads discovering the great Maritime Heritage of the country by visiting Ports, Light Houses while conducting Awareness Drives about Navy and environment. NWWA conducted its Outreach programs, true to its motto of social welfare and community development winning the hearts and touching lives of many.
SOUTHERN NAVAL COMMAND
The Sam No Varunah Car Rally commenced its second Chapter from Trinevelli on 04 Apr and reached Kochi the next Day via Kazhakootam. On 06 Apr Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command, flagged-off the Kochi-Ezhimala leg of Motor Car Expedition from War Memorial, Naval Base, Kochi.
INDIAN NAVAL ACADEMY
INA-Karwar leg of #ShamNoVarunah Rally flagged off by VAdm Puneet K Bahl Commandant INA from INA War Memorial. Senior Officers interacted & commended participants undertaking challenging campaign of Maritime India covering a distance over 3750 kms.
CAR RALLY - WESTERN NAVAL COMMAND CHAPTER
Cmde Sumit Bhatnagar, Cd Adv and Sports Officer meticulously planned and organised the Car Rally of WNC Chapter from Goa-Diu (Leg-1) and Diu to Bhuj (Leg-2).
LEG-1 (Goa-Diu) Cmde Anirudh Roy was appointed as the Team OIC and Capt PK Manna as his Deputy, Cdr Kunal Jain as Media Co-ordinator and Surg Cdr M Khan as the Medical Officer for the Team
LEG-2 (Diu-Bhuj) Cmde Nitin Bishnoi, NOIC Gujarat was appointed as the Team OIC and Capt Vinod Kashid as his Deputy, Cdr Kunal Jain as Media Co-ordinator and Surg Capt Prashanth D Ayengar as the Medical Officer for the Team
The Volunteers were sought for the Rally from units across WNC, including Sailors, NWWA members and Veterans. The List of participants of the two Legs is as placed below. Admin instructions were issued by HQWNC and T-Shirt Size sought from individual participants. Elaborate arrangements were made for night stay at intervening halts and the Awareness drives and Veterans / Veer Naris interaction through Zila Sainik Boards enroute. The Team Leaders were adequately briefed by HQWNC.
Leg-1 The Team was flagged off by RAdm Vikram Menon, Flag Officer Naval Aviation from Goa at 0900 hrs on 09 Apr after the Beach cleaning drive at the Bogmalo Beach as per program (Photos below). The team drove to Mapusa old Age Home and onward visited Vijaydurg Fort. Post Lunch at the Fort, drove to MTDC Ganapatiphule for the night halt. Next day the team visited Jaigarh Fort, Old age homes at Alibaugh and Panvel prior to night halt at IMSC Mumbai.
FLAG OFF AT KOHLI STADIUM Meena and I reached the stadium as early Birds and interacted with Cmde Anirudh Roy the Team Leader from Goa and Cmde Sumit Bhatnagar, Cd Sports Off, the driving Force of the Team WNC who had planned and organised the WNC Chapter of the rally. Soon the enclosure was abuzz with NWWA ladies of the Rally and Cd Flag Officers. We warmly greeted Cdr Vijay Vadhera, President NFMC on his 45th Wedding Anniv and got snapped with the Spic Rally Cars. In walked the smart and dashing VAdm DK Tripathy, FOCinC West, with whom I had the privilege to serve with onboard INS Ranvir, when we both were Lts. He formally met all participants individually. A flying bird had chirruped the msg of Cdr Vadhera’s Anniv to CinC as during his interaction he not only congratulated him but mentioned it in the Rally Address to follow. CinC in his address briefed all present about the objective ethos of the Maritime Awareness Car Rally, ‘Sam No Varunah’ and wished all Team members all the very Best with glory and success in the Car expedition. The team interacted with WNC Flag officers and Team members of Leg-2 at Kohli Stadium. VAdm DK Tripathi, FOCinC West flagged off the 12 SUVs at 0800 hrs, even as the Team WNC continued it expedition further to Navsari for next halt after a visit to the Old Age Home at Vasai, School for special children at Silvasa and the Daman Fort enroute. Next day the team drove to Vadodara and enroute visited Girls children Home at Bharuch and the Statue of Liberty at Kavada. The participants of the car rally visited the Statue of Unity and paid homage to the Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The team swore their allegiance on behalf of Indian Navy to continue working towards a prosperous and united India. On the morning of 13th Apr the Team paid a visit to Arpan Center for Special Children to distribute sports gear and stationery to them. Enroute they halted at Amul Milk factory at Anand and National Maritime Heritege Museum complex at Lothal before the next night stay in Bhavnagar. On the last day of WNC Leg-1, the Team visited Vrudh Ashram followed by interaction with 3 Guj Naval NCC cadets for an awareness drive. They further drove to Alang Ship-breaking yard. After a sumptuous Lunch at Alang the Team visited Pipavav Port and later drove to Jalandhar Circuit House Diu for night stay and Change over of Rally Team.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR CINC FLAGOFF VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe40z3GTbjc&ab_channel=MeenaDutta
Cmde A Roy motivates students at Vidhyaniketan -Navsari
LEG2: DIU-BHUJ (15-19 APR)
THE FUN BEGINS
DAY ZERO - FORMING UP
THE TEAM :
LEADER : CMDE NITIN BISHNOI, NOIC (GUJARAT)
DY LEADER : CAPT VINOD KASHID
OFFICERS : SURG CAPT PRASHANTH D AYENGAR, CAPT-AT-ARMS INDRANEEL AWASTHI, CDR VISHAL KATHERIA, CDR SUNIL KUMAR, CDR ABHIJIT MAHAPURE, CDR KUNAL JAIN, CDR HK SINGH, LTCDR HARLEEN KAUR, LTCDR SUSHANT VATS, LTCDR ASHUTOSH SHUKLA, LTCDR ROHIT DHANKAR, LTCDR BS PANWAR, LT BUDDISAGAR SALVE, LT S SHANMUGAM, LT VISHAL SHARMA, SLT MEHAK BIALA
SAILORS : VIJAY KUMAR MCPO-II CD, VIJAY GOVADA MCEAAR, SANDEEP KUMAR MCAA-I, VIKRAM SINGH CPO, ARVIND YADAV CHEAA, ARVIND SHARMA CHAA, GS VINAY KUMAR AAW-4, MUNISH KUMAR LSPT, RAJPUT SHAILESH LCOMTEL, DEVILAL BAJIYA SEA-I
NWWA : DR REKHA BISHNOI, MRS SHIKHA ROY, MRS SHYAMALA V, MRS ZARINE SINGH (VP NWWA), Mrs KAMAL SINGH, MRS LABONY SAXENA, MRS MAYURI MOHAN, MRS POONAM SHANKAR, MRS ARCHANA DIXIT, MRS SANDHYA DAVID
VETERANS : CAPT ANIMESH NAGAR, CDR VIJAY VADHERA, CDR RAJINDER DUTTA, MRS MEENA DUTTA
Cdr Vijay Vadhera (President NFMC), Cdr Rajinder Dutta and Meena Dutta took the Alliance Air Flight from Mumbai to Diu on 14 evening. A Mini Bus had been arranged for the team members arriving by this flight, by INS Sardar Patel, Porbandar for Hotel Rainbow. Half the participants Leg 2 had been accommodated in Jalandhar Circuit House, where a marathon briefing was conducted by Team Leader, Cmde Nitin Bishnoi (NOIC Gujarat) for all participants in the evening at 7pm. Duties were allocated for the smooth conduct of the Car Rally. The next Day’s program was discussed and Cars were allocated group-wise. XUV-700 was allotted to 3 of us Veterans who arrived from Mumbai and Capt Animesh Nagar (from Delhi), who had been part of the the previous Leg from Goa to Diu. That albeit was a great relief for us. The team was divided in two groups for the next days detailed morning program. Team A for the Diu Fort Visit and Team B for Beach cleanship.
The 2nd leg of the WNC ‘Sam No Varunah’ Coastal Car Rally commenced on 15 Apr from Diu. In this leg the car rally traversed the distance from Diu to Lakhpat along the Gujarat coast and culminated this leg at Bhuj. From Bhuj to Delhi for the last leg team from Delhi had taken over on 20 Apr. During the journey The expedition team undertook outreach program in various schools, educational institutes and old age homes. Besides this, cleanship of beaches, awareness campaigns and interaction with NCC cadets, senior citizens and veterans were also planned and conducted enroute.
DAY-1 (DIU TO PORBANDAR)
The team undertook beach cleanship at the Jalandhar beach and visited the Diu fort(Photos and vids below)
A wreath laying ceremony was conducted at the Khukri War memorial at Diu where 4 wreaths were laid. First by Cmde Nitin Bishnoi, Team Leader on behalf of CNS and the entire Navy, the second by the District Collector Diu, the third by Cdr Vijay Vadhera on behalf of Veterans and the 4th by Dr Rekha Bishnoi on behalf of all NWWA members to pay homage to the bravehearts of 1971 war. The team also carried interaction with NCC cadets at Khukri memorial. The Car Rally was flagged off by the District Collector at 1030 hrs. The convoy reached Sri Somnath Mandir at 1230 hrs where a visit was planned and fecilitated by CO INS Sardar Patel. After the Darshan the team drove to Honest Hotel for a sumptuous Lunch. Later the Convoy drove to INS Sardar Patel at Porbandar to be received by Cmde N Roy, CO NAE and CO Sardar Patel along with Mrs Zarine Singh VP NWWA, Mrs Kamal Singh, Mrs Mayuri Mohan, Mrs Poonam Shankar and Mrs Sandya David who joined the Team at Porbandar. After the High Tea Cmde Bishnoi briefed the Participants of next mornings programme, before the team members departed for theirs NOFRA/ Nausena Baug homes/ Lords Hotel.
An outreach program with School and NCC Students in Porbandar was organised to extend awareness on ways & opportunities to join Indian Navy. About 150 Students inclusive of Govt Girls College, Under-privilaged students, NCS Porbandar & NCC Cadets attended the programme. Cdr Neelam Khandpal from IHQ/DMPR delivered the interactive session at Family Welfare Centre (FWC), INS Sardar Patel.
(Note- The Media team of Karan +2 were agile through out and kept snapping the convoy cars at regular intervals during the drive. There was a planned 2 mins halt every hour for driver rotation)
DAY-2 (PORBANDAR TO VALSURA)
The bus conveyed the team members from Hotel Rainbow early morning at 6 AM to the Rally Line up at INS Sardar Patel. Cdr Vijay Vadhera cheerfully met RAdm Sameer Saxena, FOGNA and presented a copy of Quarter Deck 2022 to him. The Convoy was flagged off by FOGNA at 0645 hrs in foggy weather, that albeit couldn’t dampen the spirits of the team members, who seemed jubilant for the visit to Dwarkadheesh Temple 2 hrs later.
After a visit to the temple the Convoy drove to INS Valsura Jamnagar to be warmly received by Navy’s First Lady and President NWWA, Mrs Kala Hari Kumar, Cmde Dhanoa (CO Valsura) and Cmde Amarjeet Saluja (DAPSA) at 1245 hrs. A small cultural programme by School children added gaiety to the colourful function. This was followed by a sumptuous delectable Lunch arranged next to the Ujjwal Auditorium.
Thereafter the team visited Dhanvantri Auditorium at Jamnagar for a social outreach programme in coordination with the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Gujarat. The event was also attended by the Hon'able MP Smt Poonamben and the Mayor of the city, Smt Binaben Kothari. President NWWA interacted with differently abled children and elderly persons and handed over gadgets such as smart glasses, hearing aids, sewing machines, wheelchairs, tricycles and educational kits to the needy. There was a standing ovation for the Special Children by the Audience and the roar of the claps continued for a long time. The VIPs interacted with the Sam No Varunah Rally team before their return to Valsura. The Media team made the Rally Teams to line up at the Rozi Beach main road for a sunset Photo Op and Wee hours of the next morning for the Sunrise Photo Shoot.
It was a home coming for Meena and I after having been posted to this establishment from 1999-2003, during my aviation medical downgrading. The sweet memories started flooding in as we drove into the Maingate of this wonderful Base.
(Double click the videos below and finger zoom for convenient view)
DAY-3 (VALSURA - KANDLA) During the Sunrise Photo shoot line up, a flying Bird chirruped about the Birthday of Mrs Kala Hari Kumar. On her arrival at the Rozi Port, the NWWA Ladies and Rally members surprised her by singing the B’day song to the Birthday Girl.
After Breakfast one Team was despatched to Balachadi for interaction of the Sainik School students and the second Team of Veterans; Cdr Vijay Vadhera, Capt Animesh Nagar, Cdr Raj Dutta, Meena and 4 smart Sailors went to Vrudh Asharam to interact with the 40 elderly inmates and to distribute food items anf Gifts on behalf of NWWA. Cdr Vadhera during his address drew a parallel with the ethos of the Ashram and the noble work of NFMC, the Navy Foundation chapter that he is heading as its President. He was overwhelmed by the nobility of the trustees and instantly gifted the Vrudhashram a personal Cheque of Rs 10,001/-. During noon time Valsura had arranged for NWWA Coffee morning in the Wardroom in which the Rally NWWA ladies where invited including Meena Dutta, who captured the event fabulously including the Birthday Bash of the First Lady of Indian Navy.
Post a Sumptuous Lunch befitting royal VVIPs in the Wardroom, the Car Convoy was flagged off by Navy’s First Lady Mrs Kala Hari Kumar at 1400 hrs, consisting of 12 SUVs (+ one Hired Toyota) driven with utmost enthusiasm by the Rally Team. The convoy stopped at Honest Hotel, past Morbi, where arrangements had been tied up for a High Tea for all. The team reached Hotel Raddison Blu in Kandla at about 2100 hrs, after an eventful drive. At the Lobby itself Cmde Nitin Bishnoi executed a Hot-washup of the Team and explained the next day’s program. The Dinner and stay at this 5 star hotel was luxurious.
DAY 4 (KANDLA- NALIYA)
Early morning the Team for interaction at KV IFFCO left for the awareness drive. The following team departed at 0800 hrs from the hotel with the allocated vehicles to participate in the outreach program to KV IFFCO, Gandhidham. Mementos were exchanged after the interaction and Mrs Meena Dutta presented a copy of Quarter Deck 2022 to the Principal on behalf of the Veterans. (Photos below)
Car 4 - Scorpio - Lt Cdr Rohit Dhankar, Lt Cdr Sushant Vats, Lt Vishaal
Car 8 - XUV 300 - Cdr Neelam Khandpal, SLt Mehak, Mrs Meena Dutta
Car 9 - XUV 300 - Vijay Kumar MCPO II CD, Sandeep Kumar MCAA I, Arvind Yadav CHEAA, Vikram Singh CPO(GW)
The convoy left the Hotel at 1000 hrs and headed for the Mandovi beach and Windfarm enroute to next night halt at Naliya. All participants executed the beach cleaning with gloves on and got snapped. A media Car got stuck in the beach sand but was soon extricated with group’s ingenuity. We reached Naliya Officers Mess for a quick Lunch and proceeded an outreach program to Jeevan Sandhya Old Age Home at Roha about 50 kms away. Mrs Zarine and other NWWA Ladies gifted the inmates of the Home with blankets and edible supplies. Cmde Bishnoi presented the Rally Memento to the Trustee. On return to Naliya we proceeded to our allocated accommodation in Offrs Mess. In the evening a few of us gathered in the Bar for a round of shuffle pool, even as Cdr Vadhera and a few ladies regaled us with an impromptu Karaoke session.
DAY 5 (NALIYA-BHUJ)
In the morning the departure was delayed by an hour as a Car’s Tyre puncture needed repairs. After a sumptuous breakfast the Convoy left for Koteshwar at 0930 hrs, however as Mrs Labony Saxena had fallen ill and later joined directly at Bhuj. After a drive of 2 hrs we first visited Narayan Sarovar Temple, one of the 4 sacred Sarovars for Hindus. Next halt was the famous Koteshwar Temple and the Lakhpat Fort that houses the famous Lakhpat Gurudwara which has preserved the khadaun of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji brought from Nankana Saheb by his Son. On the way out we climbed the high ramparts of the Lakhpat Fort and had an all round view of our Border outposts. We then had a delectable Lunch with cold Chhas at a restaurant enroute to Mata No Madh Temple. The 2 hrs drive to Bhuj Military station, Leg’s final destination was uneventful. A hot washup was arranged at the Lawns where Mrs Zarine Singh thanked Cmde Bishnoi and Team for the superb conduct of this Leg (Diu to Bhuj) of the Rally. Cmde Bishnoi too was appreciative of the Team members for the success of this Leg. Cdr Vadhera requested Mrs Zarine to convey Veterans humble gratitude to CNS for having been included as part of the Rally. After Japhian Papiyan the Mumbai members left for AirForce Mess for the night stay prior to the Alliance Air Flight next morning. Rest of the members stayed in Army mess to hand over the Convoy Cars to the Team Delhi that arrived in the morning from Gandhidham.
After a festive Flag off at 0900 hrs by Cmde Nitin Bishnoi, NOIC Gujarat to Cmde MM Mohan Raju and Team Delhi at Smriti Van, the former returned to base port in the evening bringing to close this wonderful vibrant WNC Leg2 of Indian Navy’s Coastal Car Rally that shall terminate at New Delhi on 26 Apr 2023, being Flagged in by CNS at the National War Memorial at 1830 hrs, culminating this month long Mega Event of SAM NO VARUNAH COASTAL CAR RALLY OF INDIAN NAVY.
WNC COMMENT ON GOA-BHUJ SEGMENT (09 - 19 APR 2023)
The WNC leg of the Sam No Varunah expedition was completed yesterday at Bhuj. The leg which commenced from Goa on 09 Apr 23 completed almost 3000 kms along the coast of Goa, Maharashtra n Gujarat in the 11 days of hectic schedule which included awareness drives (05 Schools/ colleges), outreach programmes to Orphanages/ Spl schools (05) & old age homes (06), beach Cleanship drives (03), visit to Forts/Heritage sites/Memorials (14) and Ports/ Light houses(05). All of this would not have been possible without the whole hearted participation of each and everyone of u. A big thanks u from HQWNC to all the participants which included 37 officers, 19 sailors, 21 NWWA ladies n 07 Veterans for making the rally a grand success. A word of thanks to the Area coordinators at GD&D, GNA & MNA for efficient coordination within their allotted areas and to both the team Oic Cmde Nitin Bishnoi and Cmde Anirudh Roy for efficient n safe conduct of the rally in their individual legs. Also thanks to the NWWA ladies n r esteemed Veterans for sparing their valuable time n volunteering to b part of the Navy’s outreach programme. I m sure all of u would have had some wonderful experiences n memories to treasure during the expedition. If there is any feedback to help us improve for next time do let us know. Warm regards. Capt Sumit Bhatnagar Command Sports Officer WNC 20 APR 2023
COMMENTS BY MEMBERS
Ø On behalf of all Veterans from Goa & Bombay, I, Cdr Vijay Vadhera,72 yrs (Retired but not yet Tired) as the youngest participant of the Rally would like to express our gratitude to NHQ & HQWNC for including the Sr Citizens in the Car rally. Indeed a very thoughtful gesture .
Ø A big thank u to Cmde Bishnoi and team HQ GD&D for making leg 2 of car rally an amazingly memorable experience.Lot of effort, planning n hard work has gone into making it happen. Kudos to the team . Thank u once again .....Shikha Roy
Ø Thank you Cmde Bishnoi and Team GD&D for executing this wonderful car rally. The warmth and camaraderie in this Leg was overwhelming. Thank you for all the help and support. ......Mrs Kamaljit Singh
Ø Huge thanks to Cmde Bishnoi and team HQGDnD for a smooth execution of the event. Shout out to Mrs. Saxena and Admiral Saxena for their warm hospitality. You have our hearts.Have fab day ahead Cheers...Mrs Mayuri Mohan
Ø After a delightful Motor car rally experience, departing back home.Grateful to the Indian Navy and all the organising teams enroute for making the journey a memorable one.Regards and best wishes to everyone….Capt Animesh Nagar
THE FINALE LEG (BHUJ- DELHI) (20-26 APR 2023)
Ø Leg 6 of SamNoVarunah Motor Car Expedition was flagged off by Commodore Bishnoi from Smriti Van Earthquake Museum in Bhuj. The last leg too comprised of Officers, Sailors, Veterans and NWWA members from Delhi Area. The convoy made its way through iconic white Rann, visited Harappan civilisation heritage site Dholavira before arriving at Palanpur for night halt covering a distance of 415 kms in a day. The team conducted an awareness drive at Silver Bells School Palanpur where students were informed of opportunities that IndianNavy offered. Along with that an outreach programme at Satyam Sansar Mandir and Children Home was conducted where members of NWWA interacted with elders and children.
Ø SamNoVarunah Motor Car Expedition undertook awareness drive at SainikSchool, Chittorgarh and apprised student of opportunities in IndianNavy. Questions of inquisitive minds were answered by Naval personnel in an interactive session with students. Outreach program was conducted at Bhagwati Seva Evm Shikshan Sansthan where members of NWWA interacted with staff & children and distribute daily essentials. The day ended with visit to iconic and breathtaking Chittorgarh fort, a UNESCO heritage site and one of the largest forts in Rajasthan
Ø SamNoVarunah Motor Car Expedition traversed from Palanpur to Sawai Madhopur. Outreach program was undertaken by NWWA members by meeting the elders and staff at Rukmani Old age Home and Mercy Rehabilitation Home while awareness drive was undertaken by the personnel at Adarsh Vidya Mandir for Girls where the students were made aware of the the opportunities available to join the men and women in white.
Ø The rally culminated at the National War Memorial in
Delhi and was flagged in by Raksha Rajya Mantri shri
Ajay Bhat with great pomp and show.
SAM NO VARUNAH
JAI HIND
(PS : BLOG PHOTOs/VIDEOs COURTESY MRS MEENA DUTTA)
(Credits to Indian Navy Facebook Page for Media
Videos/ Snaps)
SNAPS BHUJ TO DELHI LEG (20-26 APR 2023)
SAM NO VARUNAH
JAI HIND
The wonderful team of Cdr Dutta & Mrs Meena Dutta's compilation of the whole journey is par excellence. It is so lucid & with the attention thay have paid to even minor details, I felt like a I was a participant in this historic rally. Thanks Cdr Rajinder Dutta & Mrs Meena Dutta for this exceptional & detailed narration. I was glued to it & was compelled to watch it again. Keep posting Sir. Surg Cdr RC Verma (Retd)
ReplyDeleteThanks Dr Rajesh, Grateful for your humbling Tonic Comment.
ReplyDeleteNice Blog, Thanks for sharing such insightful information
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