The Vayu Veer Vijeta Car Rally, commemorating the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the 25th anniversary of India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil Conflict, made a significant stop at Air Force Station Tezpur today. This iconic rally, organized in collaboration with the Indian Air Force and the University of the West of Scotland (UWM), covers a staggering 7,000 kilometers from Thoise in Ladakh to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh.
The rally team was warmly welcomed by Group Captain VK Gupta, the Station Commander of Air Force Station Tezpur, along with personnel from the station. Earlier, the car rally had arrived at the Gateway to the East, Guwahati, on 23 October, where it received a hearty reception.
With the primary aim of inspiring youth to join the armed forces, the rally team visited Guwahati University on 24 October and Tezpur University on 25 October. The interactions at both institutions proved enriching, as students engaged with rally participants and celebrated the spirit of the armed forces.
The team consists of a diverse group, including Air Warriors, Army Officers, and esteemed Air Veterans. Among them is Retired Group Captain RC Tripathi VM, a distinguished ex-Para Jump Instructor. Tripathi holds the unique distinction of summiting Mount Everest and performing a skydive at Gorakshep (17,500 ft) near the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. He is also recognized as the first IAF personnel to climb all the highest peaks on each continent, known as the Seven Summits. Another notable participant, Retired Group Captain MK Sharma, is an avid adventurist who has actively participated in various car and bike rallies during his service career.
The rally was flagged off earlier this morning from Air Force Station Borjhar by Air Commodore SS Prabhune, Air Officer Commanding. Tomorrow, the team will depart for Dirang in Arunachal Pradesh, with the rally culminating in Tawang on 28th October 2024.
The Vayu Veer Vijeta Car Rally stands as a testament to the valor of the Indian armed forces and aims to engage and motivate the youth of the Nation to consider a future in defense services. (PR)