Humsafar Inter district Car Rally: A Journey of Friendship, Service, and Rotary Spirit
(Participating District’s 3030,3131, 3132, 3141, 3142,3170)
We're back! After an incredible seven-day journey with fellow Rotarians from the neighbouring 5 Districts. 76 of us in an Inter-district Car Rally from 14th to 21st December, 2024.
we've safely returned home, brimming with memories and a renewed sense of Rotary spirit.
Our route was a thrilling adventure: Pune – Shirdi- Nashik- Mumbai- followed by a ferry ride from Mumbai to Alibaug- Ganpatiphule- Goa- Kohlapur- Pune. The rally was a perfect blend of seeking blessings to enjoying the beautiful journey along the coastal roads from Alibaug to Goa. Not to mention the hospitality and fellowship enjoyed at every participating district.
This has been the most decorated rally that I have witnessed with 3 PDG’s, 2 serving DG’s and 2 PDG’s along with their spouses joining us in this incredible journey promoting the cause of Organ Donation and Positive Health.
The Rally kicked off from Pimpri where DG Rtn.Shital Shah, along with IPDG Rtn. Manjoo Phadke and DGE Rtn.Santosh Marathe, flagged off the Humsafar Car Rally which was led by women bikers from District 3131 for the 1st 5 Kms. Enroute to Shirdi RC Rajgurunagar welcomed us for a meet and greet. This is also where we did
Our 1st flash mob.
In Shirdi, we were warmly welcomed by DG Rtn.Suresh Saboo and the Rotarians of District 3132 followed by Darshan at Sai Baba Temple and a fun evening and fellowship organised by the host district. The camaraderie continued in Nashik. On the way to Nashik, RC Sinner welcomed us and the rally travelled through the city of Sinner before moving forward to our destination to be welcomed by DG Rtn.Rajendra Khurana and Rotarians of District 3030.
In the afternoon event organised at Wisdom High International School we were inspired by a captivating skit on organ donation, presented in the presence of DG Rtn.Rajender Khurana. The same evening, the IFRM members of Nashik and DG Rtn. Khurana hosted a memorable fellowship event titled "E Mere Humsafar," elevating the evening with melodious tunes from the 70’s.
The next morning, we set off for Mumbai. We were greeted by the warm hospitality of District 3142, staying at the Pritam Midtown in Dadar. Post seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesh at the Siddhivinayak temple, a special fellowship event organized by District Governors Rtn.Chetan Desai (3141) and Rtn.Dinesh Mehta (3142), awaited us. All participants joining us from Mumbai for the Rally were welcomed and felicitated.
On December 16th, DG Rtn.Dinesh Mehta, his gracious First Lady Rtn.Jyoti Bhabhi, DGND Rtn.Chandrahas Shetty, along with other participants joined the rally from Mumbai thus taking the count to 76. Not being able to resist themselves and in the spirit of being a part of the Rally DG Rtn.Chetan Desai and a few Rotarians from his district joined the Rally till Alibaug.
The ferry ride from Mumbai to Mandwa was a unique experience for all Rotarians and what made it special was the Flash mob at the M2M ferry Docks where the bystanders also joined in. In Alibaug, we enjoyed the hospitality of District 3131 followed by a karaoke night.
In the early hours of the next morning, we departed from Alibaug for Ganpati Pule.
Enroute a meet and greet was organised by RC Goregaon followed by a Vocational visit and lunch to Scon’s Coca-Cola factory site. Scon Pro is the 1st Corporate Rotary Club of District 3131 and the 2nd in Rotary India.
Ganpati Pule offered breath-taking views and a serene ambiance. After seeking blessings at the Ganesh temple, we enjoyed a delightful DJ night and fellowship event hosted by District 3131. This was a very big occasion for District 3131, being the D-day for the election process of District Governor for RY27-28. The celebrations for the evening doubled as the results were announced, with Rtn.Charu Shrotri being announced as DGND, and Rtn.Charu being amongst the rally participants.
The next morning, we embarked on a scenic coastal route from Ganpati Pule to Calangute where enroute we were welcomed by the Rotarians of Ratnagiri and Kankavli. Continuing our journey on NH 48, we reached the vibrant Calangute beach in Panjim, where a games night was organized by the core committee, led by Isha. PDG Rtn.Gaurish from Goa graced the occasion.
Next morning, we headed out for Kolhapur. Participants sought blessings at the Mahalaxmi Temple and enjoyed a fellowship event planned by PDG Rtn.Sangram and Rotarians from District 3170.
Our final leg of the journey ended at Khed Shivapur with DG Rtn.Shital Shah’s club awaiting to receive all the Rally Participants and felicitating them for a successful completion of Rally.
I along with the entire Core committee comprising of Rtn.Jay Karia ( Dis 3142), DGND Rtn.Charu Shrotri, Dis.Secretary Rtn.Unmesh Risbood, AG Rtn.Ravindra Bhave, Rtn.Maithili and Isha Shrotri, extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the Participating DG’s, PDG’s, DGND’s and every single Rotarian who nominated themselves for the Rally and made it a resounding success. A bigger thankyou to all the Rotarians from participating districts for the warm welcome, hospitality and fellowship without which the purpose of the Rally would have been defeated. A big Thank you to PDG Rtn.Dr Anil Parmar as the Rally Convenor, who mentored and lead the team whose meticulous planning and flawless execution made this rally an unforgettable experience. The flash mobs created the required buzz in every city and helped us break the invisible boundaries.
This was more than just a car rally; it was a celebration of friendship, service, and the true spirit of Rotary. It helped us with the opportunity to spread awareness around crucial causes like Organ & skin Donation and PRID +Trustee Rtn.Dr. Bharat Pandya's inspiring project on Promoting Positive health - "1 Chamach Kam, 4 Kadam Aagey," promoting good health.
A special mention to our incredible rally mates – we've gained 76 new friends on this journey, and the shared laughter and camaraderie made this experience truly unforgettable.
Thank you to everyone who made this rally a resounding success. It has been an inspiring journey that will continue to motivate us in our service to humanity.
Look forward to many more such memorable and impactful events in the future!
On behalf of the entire Core Committee
Rtn.Tina Rattra- District Secretary Special events
District 3131
