Women On Wheels – the WOW Drive was flagged off on 14th January 23 from Rajbhavan, Guwahati, by the Hon Governor of Assam & Nagaland, Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, and Smt Nandita Gorlosa, Hon Minister, the Guest of Honour at this function.

Among the 40 intrepid and adventurous women from different parts of the country was veteran of many car rallies & drives, Suchita Javadekar, wife of Capt Sudhir Javadekar, a merchant navy mariner.

The group assembled on the morning of ‘Uruka’ at Raj Bhavan and embarked on a tour across three states of the Northeast – Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Notably, this seven-day-long drive, organized by the Amazing Namaste Foundation, marked the celebrations of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. The National Commission for Women and State Women Commissions of the respective states supported the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Mukhi recalled how Prime Minister Narendra Modi had always referred to the Northeast as the country’s future. “These eight states, which are named ‘Ashtalakshmi’, are witnessing phenomenal works of development. In particular, the infrastructure work in this area in the last few years has been exemplary.

“The industry and commerce sector has benefited greatly from road, rail, and air connectivity, water, and the internet. Along with it, employment opportunities have also increased manifold,” he said.

The Governor complimented the Amazing Namaste Foundation. He said, “This is a great and innovative concept. I am happy that this unique event started from Guwahati with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya on the auspicious day of Bhogali Bihu to commemorate Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

“I am sure all the participants will experience the genuineness and warmth of the people of our Northeast and the unique culture of the region”.

Minister Gorlosa, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the importance of the program, which has the inherent component of promoting ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Welcoming the participants, she urged them to be the ambassadors of the Northeast region and spread the message of friendship and camaraderie to the people of their own respective regions.

Chairman of the Amazing Namaste Foundation, Mr. Atul Kulkarni, in his speech provided a brief outline of the activities of the Foundation.

After the huge success of the path-breaking North East on Wheels (NEW) motorcycle expedition last year, the organization had decided to organize this all-women event to highlight the region’s changing landscape.

The participants had been divided into two groups and appropriately named after the rivers they would be passing by – the Kameng and the Kopili.

During the week-long rally, the Kameng group drove through the Pakke Tiger Reserve, Tezpur, and Itanagar, while the Kopili group traversed places such as Mawlynnong, Dawki, and Haflong.

Several events had been organized on both routes, which included jungle safaris at Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, music and dance events by locals, and interactions with local artisans.

At the last lap of the journey the presence of Padma Vibhushan Awardee & Honorable Member of Parliament – Dr. Sonal Mansingh provided a moment of awe and admiration.

Her benign presence and wise words not only encouraged to explore the uncharted territories of the North East, but also empowered every woman with a sense of freedom and upliftment.

8 days of a lifetime experience. 8 days full of adventure, timeless bonds, and heightened spirits.

As the trip ended, the participants of the WOW drive 2023 returned to their homes with the blessings of Maa Kamakhya.

“While we reminisce about our recent memories, we would like to strengthen our engagement with the North East Region through the Amazing Namaste Foundation”, said Suchita, feeling a bit worse for wear but at the same time enthused immensely about notching up another successful drive.

She expressed her earnest gratefulness for the support provided by MSC, MASSA, MUI & Marex Media.

Marex Media