Bajaj Auto and the Indian Navy have come together and organised a multi-city ride that is aimed at encouraging  Indian youth to join the country’s naval forces. A fleet of 15 naval personnel will take Bajaj's latest 150cc commuter bike, the V15 across Maharashtra on a month-long journey. The ride which commenced on Martyr’s Day (March 23, 2016) will cover 23 forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji, who is hailed as the father of the Indian Navy for his exceptional naval capabilities.

During this journey, Navy personnel will interact with youth from schools and colleges to educate and empower them about India’s naval legacy and how they can contribute to fortifying and protecting the nation. The ride was flagged off from the Kohli Stadium at Navy Nagar, Colaba, Mumbai, in presence of the chief guest Vice-Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command, and Sumeet Narang, vice-president, (Marketing) Bajaj Auto, along with many senior naval commanders and officers.

Commenting on the endeavour, Rear Admiral S N Ghormade, Nausena Medal (Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area) of Indian Navy, said, “We would like to attract enterprising Indian youth to join the Navy. On the occasion of Martyr’s Day, our team has set out on a motorbike-cum-trekking expedition to 23 forts in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji. We felt that the Bajaj V was the ideal vehicle for this initiative as it contains the invincible metal of the INS Vikrant and 'V' also stands for victory.”

Bajaj Auto has issued instructions to its dealers and service centres in Maharashtra to provide the required support and service to the Navy personnel all through the month. Speaking on the initiative, Sumeet Narang, vice-president (Marketing), Bajaj Auto, said: “We are glad to partner with the Indian Navy for spreading an inspiring message for the youth to join the Indian Navy. This initiative represents invincibility in many ways – starting with the invincible Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the invincible Indian Navy and the invincible Bajaj V containing the metal of the invincible INS Vikrant. We are therefore proud to associate with this invincible ride.”
 

Shourya Harwani (Autocar Professional)