by Trishna Pegu Doley

GUWAHATI : In what will be an unique event to mark 75th year of country’s Independence, the Amazing Namaste Foundation has organised a pan-North East bike expedition – ‘North East on Wheels’ from April 9 to April 17, 2022. This expedition will boost and promote tourism in NE and help showcase this beautiful region and its performative character through diverse lenses.

A total of 75 bikers from all over India will participate in the 9-day expedition covering almost 1,00,000 km distance in 8 states across North East. Honourable Chief Minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma will flag off the bike expedition from Administrative Staff College Ground, Khanapara, Guwahati on April 9th morning and Hon Union Minister of Culture, Tourism & DoNER, Govt of India Shri G Kishan Reddy ji will be Guest of Honour.

After riding about 1400 km distance each biker will return to Guwahati on April 16, 2022. During the journey, the riders will pay tributes to our national heroes, interact with local communities and promote through social media, the rich flora & fauna, cultural rainbow & performative character of the citizens supporting the cause of ‘One Nation, One Culture One People’ in true spirit. The bikers will be touching different international borders (Bumla Pass, Jaigaon, Moreh & Dawki) through their journey Speaking about their initiative, Mr. Atul Kulkarni, Chairman, Amazing Namaste Foundation, organizers of the event and Member, Board go Governors of IIM Shillong said, “North East Region is not just unique but also strategically very important for India’s neighbourhood initiatives. As the Hon Prime Minister says this ‘Ashtalakshmi’ is going to be the new growth Engine for the nation. It is this beauty of the region which the nation must appreciate and also experience and hence we have conceptualized North East on Wheels. We are happy that bikers across the country representing all age, gender, professional backgrounds and region have responded overwhelmingly.

Through North East on Wheels our endeavor is to provide an experience of the lifetime to people.” Mr. Kulkarni also thanked all the state governments of the North East for supporting this initiative actively. Local community, biker groups and start up ventures in different parts of the region are preparing enthusiastically to welcome these bikers. He also specially thanked all the partners and sponsors for taking keen interest in promoting the Beauty and Vibrancy of the North East India. Smt Jahnabi Phooken, Immediate Past National President of FICCI Flo and a successful entrepreneur from Guwahati was also present alongwith other members of the Organising Team associated with NEW Expedition About Amazing Namaste: Amazing Namaste Foundation is a Section 8 company born out of a sheer passion to showcase to the world the North East Region full of mesmerising beauty, rich heritage, sustainable lifestyle and unique biodiversity.

What started just as a Facebook page has now become a global movement, which has led to nearly 10,000 followers from all walks of life. With 120 + live sessions and more than 16 lakh viewers and counting, our vision to connect the North East with the rest of the world is a !work in progress”. About ‘North East on Wheels’: The Expedition is based on three themes: 1.Deksho Apna Desh to promote Domestic Tourism which could be the single largest employer in the North East Region. 2.Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrating the 75th year of our Independence and 3.Road Safety to create awareness amongst the people about the need to follow protocols necessary to take maximum advantage of the improving road infrastructure. NEW Expedition is an attempt to unravel many gems hidden so far: individuals, places, cultural values and community behaviour. Awareness- Integration- Empowerment is going to be the approach by the participants when they are moving in the region.

After the launch by Hon Minister of State for Culture & External Affairs, GoI Smt Meenakshi Lekhi ji in January, more than 400 participants registered for this expedition through a dedicated website. A team of 7 senior bikers from North East and Rest of the country shortlisted the bikers based on their riding skills and other background. Throughout the Expedition days, social media platforms of Incredible India and Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav will be going live in addition to the bikers and organisers. Hon Governor of Assam & Nagaland Prof Jagdish Mukhi ji will be the Chief Guest for the Closing Ceremony on April 17 at Cotton University Auditorium.