Mumbai: It’s not every day that one witnesses hundreds of elegant and trendy cars driving through the city streets in perfect tandem. But this was not just another day. This Sunday was the day when thousands of women came out and gathered to celebrate the spirit of womanhood. It was the Women’s Rally to the Valley’ – a women’s car rally presented by JK TYRE & Industries Limited and organised by Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) in association with Aamby Valley City on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Mumbai’s first ever Women’s Car Rally had over 250 cars (1000 women) owning the streets of Mumbai on their special day. The rally commenced from Hotel Sahara Star (Domestic Airport) at 8 in the morning and proceeded through the heart of the city. The participants then passed through Worli Sea Face, Peddar Road, Chowpatty, Marine Drive, Churchgate… and reached Aamby Valley, the hosts for the grand culmination ceremony.

On behalf of WIAA, Executive Chairman Mr. Nitin Dossa said, “Since WIAA’s prime focus is creating awareness in society about road safety, we have now taken initiative to create awareness about women’s safety on roads, in public transport and in public places. With the growing attacks on women in recent times, it is important to create awareness amongst the citizens of Mumbai to build a protective society for women.”

Present on the occasion Shri Arun K Bajoria, President and Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd said, “At JK Tyre, it’s all about making lives safer. We feel that each one of us has a responsibility to make it a society that is based on equality and honour. Wishing all the participants, he added, “Today, on International Women’s Day, we would like to reiterate our commitment to safety for all and recognize the tremendous contribution made by generations of women folk to the society.”

Mr. Jean Todt, President, Federation Internationale de L’Automobile (FIA) the World body for Motor Sports & Mobility was the special guest at the first ever women’s car rally in Mumbai. He along with Shri Bajoria and Mr Vijay Mallya, Chairman, UB Group flagged off the rally with loud cheers and camaraderie from the participants.

The rally was unique in the sense that 77 year old Rajkumari S. Kasliwal was the first driver to be flagged off by FIA President Mr. Jean Todt.

Several famous personalities from Mumbai who have time and again voiced for the rights of women and equality in the society participated with much enthusiasm. Actress Tanvi Azmi, Neerja Birla, veteran rallyist Renuka Kripalani, Deepa Damodaran and yesteryears rallyists Navaz Bhathena Sandhu along with senior Katy Bhathena graced the occasion.

Source : Lokesh Shastri