Chandigarh: Jatinder Sodhi and Shaily Sodhi navigated by visually impaired navigator Garima won the Rotary Visually Impaired Car Rally which concluded at The Lawrence School, Sanawar on Saturday. Simran Likhari and Col. GS Likhari, navigated by Priceny, secured the second position, while Sumeet Kaur and Jasleen Kaur, navigated by Samya, finished third.
Organised by Rotary Chandigarh Shivalik in association with Tynor Sports and in support with The Lawrence School, Sanawar, the rally brought together around 45 participants and was aimed at promoting confidence, independence and inclusion through motorsport. The event also paid tribute to the late Hari Singh, the world-renowned Indian rallyist and Old Sanawarian.
The rally was flagged off by AJ SIngh, Director, Tynor Orthotics and Simran Kaur, wife of late Hari Singh. The participants travelled through Chandigarh and Panchkula before taking the Kalka-Shimla Highway to Sanawar. Conducted in the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format, each car comprised a driver, an assistant and a visually impaired navigator.
A key feature of the rally was the active participation of visually impaired navigators who used route instructions including Braille-based information to guide their drivers along the designated course. The format provided the navigators an opportunity to demonstrate their confidence, decision-making and navigational skills in a competitive setting.
At The Lawrence School, Sanawar, the participants also interacted with students and shared their personal journeys, achievements and experiences. The interaction focused on Braille, assistive technology, accessibility and the importance of creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate independently in mainstream activities.
Ruchi Pradhan Datta, Headmaster, The Lawrence School, Sanawar, said it was a matter of pride for the school to host the concluding leg of an initiative that combined motorsport with a strong message of inclusion. "Sanawar has a special connection with late Hari Singh, who was not only a celebrated name in Indian and international rallying but also an alumnus of the school. His passion for motorsport and association with Sanawar made it a fitting destination for the rally. It was inspiring to see visually impaired participants demonstrating confidence, independence and navigational skills,” she said.
Manjit Kaur said the rally had demonstrated that visual impairment need not limit a person from taking up challenging roles when the right opportunities and support are provided.
The organisers said the rally was an effort to challenge conventional perceptions about visual impairment and highlight the abilities, confidence and potential of persons with disabilities.