The Indian Air Force (IAF) is embarking on a unique 7000 km car rally from Thoise (Siachen) to Tawang, aiming to inspire youth to join the IAF and pay tribute to the nation's war heroes.
In a remarkable initiative, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to organise a 7,000 km car rally from Thoise (Siachen) to Tawang. This event aims to inspire young individuals to consider a career in the Indian Air Force. Additionally, the rally will pay tribute to the brave soldiers who fought for the nation in various conflicts, including the wars of 1948 in Kashmir, 1965, 1971, 1999, and the Balakot airstrike.
The rally will also honour the sacrifices of Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, astronaut Rakesh Sharma, and Kargil war hero Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, VRC, all of whom hold a cherished place in India’s history of bravery. The IAF's 'Vayu Veer Vijeta' will be warmly welcomed at the National War Memorial on October 1st, marking the official start of this extraordinary rally.
Air Force Day
On October 8th, Air Force Day, the rally's flag will be unfurled at Thoise, the transit point for Indian soldiers heading to Siachen. On the following day, Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brigadier B.D. Mishra, will welcome the IAF car rally at the Levin Polo Ground and see them off on their journey. Located at an altitude of approximately 3,068 metres above sea level, the Levin Polo Ground is one of the highest air force stations in the world.
Vayu Veer Vijeta Rally
This rally is known as the "Vayu Veer Vijeta Rally" in Hindi and is also referred to by impressive names such as "Himalayan Thunder" and "Wings of Glory." Throughout its 7,000 km journey, the rally will make sixteen stopovers, featuring over 20 interactive sessions with students and youth at various colleges and universities. Dignitaries will welcome the rally in several major cities, culminating in a flag-off at Tawang, the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama.
A total of 52 air warriors will participate in this rally as drivers and co-drivers, including several women officers from the Air Force. Air Chief Marshal Anil Tipnis, who led the force during the Kargil War, along with Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, have confirmed their presence as mentors for the rally, each expressing a desire to drive 4x4 Jimny vehicles.
Maruti Suzuki, the adventure division of the Indian Air Force, is spearheading and coordinating the rally. Group Captain Namit Rawat will oversee the "Rally War Room" in Delhi, while Wing Commander Vijay Prakash Bhatt will manage the vehicles along the rally route.
Shri Nitin Gadkari's Ministry of Highways, through NHI DCL, is a key partner in the rally, eager to showcase both its highways and airstrips for fighter jets. Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya, will be a special guest at the flag-off ceremony at the National War Memorial and has expressed his enthusiasm for being part of this inspiring initiative. Maruti Suzuki will be the primary supplier of robust, mountain-capable vehicles for the IAF, providing 4x4 Jimnys for the Himalayan Thunder Rally.
The rally is scheduled to return to Delhi by November 13th, and top national and military leaders have been invited to pay their respects at the 'flag-in' ceremony.
Admiral DK Joshi, former Chief of the Navy and currently the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, along with Air Marshal PD Jayal, Brigadier R.S. Rawat from the Uttarakhand War Memorial, former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a patron of the memorial, and former MP Tarun Vijay (Chairman) will participate in this event. They have all expressed their gratitude to Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, who is retiring as Chief of the Air Force.
They have also conveyed their best wishes to A.P. Singh, who will succeed as the new Air Chief Marshal. Experts are calling this the biggest Air Force car rally of the century, designed to celebrate the armed forces' glorious history while encouraging youth to aspire to be masters of the sky.
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