By Raju Vernekar
Mumbai, Mar 23:
The Indian Navy is organising the Coastal Car Rally-”Sam No Varunah”, from Kolkata in West Bengal to Lakhpat in Gujarat from March 26 to April 19 covering the entire Indian Coastline.
The objectives of the expedition which is part of the “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” (75 years of Independence), include: to create awareness drives along the route about various career opportunities that the Navy offers including the Agnipath Scheme, to showcase “Naari Shakti” (women’s power) with participation of serving women officers and Naval wives, to instil a sense of adventure and motivate young generation to join the Indian Navy, to interact with Naval Veterans/ Veer Naaris (brave women) and to spread awareness about the rich maritime heritage and revival of maritime history by covering various Ports, Forts, Light Houses, Heritage Villages, Beaches etc.
An itinerary : Flag off the rally from INS Netaji Subhas, Kolkata on March 26 and to reach INS Chilka (Odisha) on the historic occasion of Passing Out of first batch of “Agniveers” of Indian Navy on March 28, to conduct awareness campaigns at cities/ villages with the aim to provide information about employment opportunities in the Navy, to conduct Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA) outreach activities at various old age homes, orphanages, school for special children in keeping with the ethos of community development and empowerment, to undertake coastal cleaning at beaches to spread environmental awareness and to spread awareness of India’s rich maritime heritage by visiting ports, lighthouses.
The expedition planned over 25 days covering approx 7500 Kms passing through all coastal states is partnered with by M/s Mahindra who are providing a fleet of 12 vehicles along with Mastercard India and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd as fuel partner, the official statement read.
The Maritime trade has played an important role in Nation’s Economy and the same was emphasised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his speech, on occasion of 59th Maritime Day on April 05, 2022. While ensuring the safety and security of the nation, Indian Navy plays a crucial role in protecting our Maritime trade too.
Surrounded by seas from the three sides, India has a vast coastline of approximately 7500 Kms, which is more than the length of land borders we share with China and Pakistan combined. To awaken the maritime nation and encourage sea consciousness, the Indian Navy in association with NWWA is conducting this expedition.