Bengaluru: Vintage car rally gives clarion call for mental health awareness

In the vibrant city of Bengaluru, an enchanting vintage car and bike rally took place on the morning of December 17. The rally was orchestrated by Rotary International Districts 3191 and 3192 in collaboration with the esteemed Karnataka Vintage & Classic Car Club (KVCCC).

Commencing at the iconic Vidhana Soudha, the heart of the city's administrative hub, the rally embarked on a nostalgic journey at 8:30 am, tracing its way through prominent locales like Century Club, MG Road, and Cunningham Road, before reaching its crescendo at Chamaravajra in the resplendent Palace Grounds around 10 am.

Rotary International President Rtn Gordon R McInally ceremoniously flagged off the rally, adding an air of prestige to the event. However, this rally was not merely a showcase of vintage automotive marvels; it bore a profound purpose. Organized by the Rotary Institute, the rally sought to raise awareness about mental health, a critical aspect of well-being often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of contemporary life.

Over 25 meticulously restored vintage cars and bikes, ranging from models dating back to 1935 to 1974, graced the rally. These automotive gems, hailing from the era of World War II to timeless antiques, captivated onlookers as they gracefully traversed the city roads. Each vehicle narrated a unique story, contributing to a vivid tapestry of automotive history that held spectators in awe.

Guiding the event with expertise and passion were the leaders of the initiative, including PDG B L Nagendra Prasad from Rotary, along with Balachandra Y A and Suresh, President and Vice President of KVCCC, respectively.

The Karnataka Vintage and Classic Car Club, established in 1979, played a pivotal role in curating this splendid vintage car spectacle. Conceived by a group of friends led by Anand Rao and Balram Kandige, the club has remained committed to promoting and fostering the collection, preservation, and usage of vintage cars in India.

Today, it stands as one of the oldest and most distinguished vintage and classic car clubs in the country, contributing significantly to the rich automotive heritage of India.

The rally not only showcased the beauty of vintage automobiles but also served as a reminder of the importance of mental health in our daily lives, creating a harmonious blend of nostalgia, culture, and social responsibility.