PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 28: Jamshedpur’s first-ever Tata Steel Classic and Vintage Car and Bike Rally was organised on Sunday with vehicles lined up at the Gopal Maidan.
The rally was organised as part of the 183rd Founder`s Day celebration honouring the vision and memory of the company’s and Tata Group’s founder Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata.
Over 40 vintage and classic cars and bikes dated from the 1920s to 1980s participated in the rally with participation from Ranchi, Chaibasa and Jamshedpur.
It was a unique opportunity for the owners to display their vehicles in this rally and experience the city on wheels.
The rally also included a special participant, Jamshedpur’s very own ‘Hitodi’, a 50cc moped that was manufactured by India Automotives Ltd. in Adityapur in the 1970s.
This unique and first-of-its-kind event in Jamshedpur was flagged off by T V Narendran, chief executive officer and managing director, Tata Steel at Gopal Maidan
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the citizens of Jamshedpur who gathered in large numbers to see the vintage vehicles.
Addressing the gathering at Gopal Maidan, TV Narendran said, “Vintage vehicles represent history, passion and above all, they are a source of priceless memories and joy. These vehicles that are participating in this rally are also cultural icons in their own right. This is also an opportunity for Tata Steel to honour the owners of these vintage vehicles whose passion for preserving our culture is unique. Sports, arts and culture have always been a way of life in Tata Steel, and we will strive to utilise every opportunity to promote them amongst our stakeholders.”
Chanakya Chaudhary, vice-president, (Corporate Services), Tata Steel said, “We are glad to have conceptualized this event and invited the proud owners of vintage vehicles from Eastern region in the first edition of this rally. We hope that this becomes a memorable experience for everyone and gives us a boost to continue organizing this event every year on a larger scale”.
The rally ended at United Club with the prize distribution by JJ Irani, former managing director, Tata Sons and Daisy Irani.
Atrayee Sanyal, vice-president, Human Resource Management, Tata Steel also gave away a few prizes. Ruchi Narendran was also present as one of the jury members for the event.
Prizes were given in 18 categories including the overall champion prize which was bagged by Gurmukh S Khokhar from Chaibasa who owns Austin 7 of 1933.
Jamshedpur is not only home to connoisseurs of prized vintage cars and bikes but also has a rich cultural history and heritage.
The rally was aimed at promoting Jamshedpur’s rich culture and its history.
