Leh, July 04: In a grand celebration of courage and unity, the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Brig (Dr) B D Mishra, flagged off an inspiring All-Women Bike Rally to mark the Rajat Jayanti Mahotsav of Kargil Vijay Diwas. The event was held at the iconic Hall of Fame in Leh, where the Lieutenant Governor was joined by General Officer Commanding, Fire & Fury Corps, Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, SC**, SM, VSM, and Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium at TVS Motor Company.
The rally, comprising 25 experienced women riders from diverse backgrounds, aims to honor the valour and sacrifice of the Indian Army during the Kargil War. These riders, who include serving women of the Armed Forces, military spouses, and civilian enthusiasts, will embark on a 12-day journey covering over 2,000 kilometers across the rugged terrains of Ladakh. Riding on TVS Apache and TVS Ronin motorcycles, the participants will navigate some of the world’s most challenging roads, including the Khardung La and Umling La passes, before concluding their expedition at the Kargil War Memorial.
Brig (Dr) B D Mishra, in his address at the flag-off ceremony, lauded the bravery of the women riders and highlighted the significance of the rally in commemorating the Kargil War heroes. He emphasized that the rally is not only a tribute to the Indian Army’s determination but also a celebration of “Unity in Cultural and Ethnic Diversity.”
Mr. Vimal Sumbly from TVS Motor Company expressed pride in supporting this unique initiative for the second consecutive year. He remarked, “As an Indian, we take great pride in the Indian Army and their relentless service for the nation. We are thrilled to announce our continued collaboration with the Indian Army on this expedition. With a solid riding community of 5.5 million TVS Apache and TVS Ronin customers globally, we are confident that these motorcycles will perform admirably across the challenging terrains of Ladakh, embodying performance, safety, and rider engagement.”
The All-Women Bike Rally is designed not just as a commemoration but also as a platform to inspire the youth, particularly girls and women, across the country. The participants will engage in various curated events and interactions along the way, aimed at encouraging excellence and showcasing the synergy between the civil industry and the Indian Army.
Lt Gen Hitesh Bhalla, SC**, SM, VSM, also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the rally’s role in highlighting the indomitable spirit of the Indian Armed Forces and the importance of fostering unity through shared experiences.
The rally’s route has been meticulously planned to include visits to key War Memorials across Ladakh, providing the riders with moments of reflection and homage to the soldiers who fought valiantly during the Kargil War. As they traverse challenging terrains and high-altitude passes, the participants will not only pay tribute to the heroes of the past but also demonstrate the strength and resilience of women in facing and overcoming obstacles.
The All-Women Bike Rally stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Kargil Vijay Diwas and a symbol of solidarity and strength in celebrating India’s rich heritage of bravery and unity.
