In line with the national leadership’s vision of fostering development in remote areas, the Indian Navy has initiated a comprehensive outreach program aimed at strengthening connections with the North Eastern states of India. One significant component of this effort is the “Khamree Mo Sikkim!” (Hello Sikkim) Motor Car Expedition, which commenced on September 24, 2023, and will run until October 15, 2023. This expedition, starting from INS Shivaji in Lonavala, Maharashtra, and covering a distance of 6500 km, involves a diverse team of Naval personnel, including women officers, and members of the Navy Wives Welfare Association (NWWA), highlighting the ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s power).
The primary objectives of this event are to encourage the participation of youth from Sikkim in the defense services, raise awareness about maritime matters in the region, and contribute to the nation-building process.
The car rally was officially inaugurated in Lonavala on September 24, 2023, by Commodore Mohit Goel, NM, Commanding Officer of INS Shivaji. The rally is divided into three distinct legs. The first leg includes stopovers at Mhow, Jhansi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Bagdogra. The second leg will venture into Sikkim, commencing from Gangtok. The final leg will encompass visits to Kolkata, Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, and Pune. Throughout the car rally, participants will engage with students at various schools, interact with veterans, and conduct outreach programs and awareness campaigns. This 22-day expedition has received support from Maruti Suzuki India Limited and the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, serving as the fuel partner.
