On January 21st, Bengaluru witnessed a spectacular display of vintage automobiles as the annual Historic Vehicles Drive, organized by the Federation of Historic Vehicles of India (FHVI), took center stage. The event showcased a lineup of 65 vintage cars and 46 vintage bikes. Commencing at 10 am from ITC Windsor on Golf Course Road, the drive culminated around 1 pm at ITC Gardenia on Residency Road, covering prominent Bengaluru landmarks including Cubbon Park, Vidhana Soudha, and M G Road.
Under the theme ‘Wheels to Vision,’ the organizers aimed to promote awareness about eye donation. Ravi Prakash, FHVI’s president, emphasized the potential impact of even a modest percentage of the population opting for eye donation. To support this cause, the organizers partnered with Shraddha Eye Care, the charitable arm of Nethradhama Hospitals. Approximately 30 visually impaired children actively participated in the event, riding in the vintage cars and assisting drivers in navigating the route. Braille navigation maps were provided to the children, offering them a unique perspective on the daily challenges faced by the visually impaired.
The showcase included a remarkable collection of vintage vehicles, with the oldest car being a 1909 Wolseley, formerly owned by the Maharaja of Cooch Behar and currently belonging to Ravi. This car, part of Ravi’s family for 31 years, held historical significance. The oldest bike participating in the drive was a 1930s Harley Davidson. Other notable vehicles on display included vintage models from Mercedes, Jaguar, Ford, and Austin-Healey and historic Indian, Aerial, Norton, Triumph, and BSA motorcycles.
Acknowledging the potential traffic disruptions caused by such a procession, Ravi Prakash assured that discussions were underway with authorities to establish a green corridor. This approach aimed to allow people to appreciate the vintage vehicles up close without causing significant traffic congestion. The Historic Vehicles Drive promised not only a nostalgic journey through automotive history but also served as a platform to support a noble cause and foster empathy towards the visually impaired.
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