TVS and Indian Army commemorate 24th Vijay Diwas with 1,000km all-women motorcycle rally

By Anagh BhaskarTVS Motor Company and the Indian Army have partnered to commemorate the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas with an all-women motorcycle rally from Delhi to Dras (Kargil). The rally was flagged off today at the National War Memorial, New Delhi by General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff and Mrs Archana Pande, Chairperson, Army Wives Welfare Association, and Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company.

The Nari Shashaktikaran Motorcycle Rally, under the aegis of Headquarters Northern Command, Indian Army has been flagged off from the National War Memorial in Delhi and consists of 25 women riders on TVS Ronin motorcycles. The Ronin is a motorcycle well suited for both long-distance highways and rough terrain, as will be encountered by the rally on its way to Dras. The team of 25 women riders consists of two Veer Naris, one of whom is a serving officer, 10 Indian Army women officers, one woman officer from the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, three women soldiers of the Indian Army and eight Armed Forces spouses.

The rally will reach the Kargil War Memorial in Dras on July 25. On the way, the rally will interact with NCC Cadets, veterans and Veer Naris, and visit Defence Memorials along the route. The total route distance is a thousand kilometres, passing through Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Speaking on the association, KN Radhakrishnan, Director and CEO, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are proud to add another milestone in our journey of associations with the Indian Army, which symbolises strength, valour, and dedication. At TVS Motor Company, we believe in supporting initiatives that embody the spirit of patriotism and empowerment, and the collaboration with the Indian Army represents our commitment to nurturing the spirit of adventure and resilience, particularly amongst women riders. By joining hands, we aim to provide a platform for women to break stereotypes, conquer new frontiers, and inspire riders with their remarkable journeys. “

Speaking at the flag-off event, Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium, TVS Motor Company, said, “We are thrilled to announce our association with the Indian Army for the Nari Shakti ride, an empowering initiative that celebrates the spirit of women riders. At TVS Motor Company, we have always championed diversity and inclusivity, and this collaboration reflects our commitment to fostering gender equality and celebrating them. TVS Ronin has been designed for riders who choose to live an unscripted way of life, to be spontaneous, fluidic and versatile while experiencing the joy of riding on this modern-retro motorcycle. The Nari Shakti ride not only showcases the courage and determination of these incredible women riders but also pays tribute to the brave women who serve in the Indian Army.”

The flag-off event was graced by General Manoj Pande, Chief of Army Staff, his wife and President, Army Wives Welfare Association Mrs Archana Pande, senior Army officials who interacted with the women riders and complimented them for taking up such a challenging journey to commemorate the 24th anniversary of India’s decisive victory at Kargil.