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oi-Oneindia Staff
Dombivli: A patriotic ride carrying a message of respect and gratitude towards Indian soldiers, which began from Dombivli and travelled all the way to Kargil, concluded in Dombivli on Saturday. The journey, undertaken by Rohit Acharekar and his fellow riders, came to an end with their participation in Dombivli’s iconic Dahi Handi celebrations as part of the ‘Ek Bandhan, Rakshabandhan’ initiative.
Rohit Acharekar’s patriotic motorcycle ride from Dombivli to Kargil (over 2,252 km) included unfurling Tricolours on August 15, celebrating Raksha Bandhan with soldiers on August 28, and concluded with participation in Dombivli’s Dahi Handi event.
For the past 20 years, Rohit Acharekar’s ‘Way to Cause Riders Club’ has been organising the ‘Ek Bandhan, Rakshabandhan’ campaign. The initiative, which expresses respect and gratitude towards Indian soldiers, has received support in recent years through ‘Dombivlikar Ek Sanskrutik Parivar’, led by BJP Maharashtra State President Ravindra Chavan.
This year’s ride was dedicated to the spirit of ‘Shivrashtr – Nation First, Bravehearts Supreme’. As part of the campaign, the riders travelled more than 2,252 kilometres from Dombivli to Kargil. On August 15, a massive 1,000-square-foot Tricolour was unfurled in Kargil. In addition, 42 Tricolours, each measuring 12 square feet, were hoisted along Vijaypath in tribute to the brave soldiers of the country.
After Kargil, the bike ride continued through some of the most challenging and remote areas, including Leh, Turtuk, Pangong Lake, Hanle, Umling La and Lamayuru. On the occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, an 80-square-foot Tricolour was hand-hoisted at these locations as a mark of respect for the National Flag. Throughout the journey, the riders spread the message of patriotism, respect for the Tricolour and gratitude towards Indian soldiers.
Raksha Bandhan Celebrated with Soldiers in Kargil
One of the most emotional moments of the journey took place in Kargil on August 28. Rohit Acharekar and his fellow riders celebrated Raksha Bandhan with Indian soldiers and tied rakhis on their wrists. The occasion was marked by expressions of respect and gratitude towards the soldiers. The emotional interaction strengthened the bond of affection and trust between citizens and the armed forces and became one of the most memorable moments of the journey.
The patriotic journey, which began in Kargil, travelled through several difficult and remote regions before returning to Dombivli on Saturday. After hoisting the Tricolour at the border, paying tribute to the National Flag at challenging locations and celebrating Raksha Bandhan with Indian soldiers, the journey concluded with the riders participating in Dombivli’s Dahi Handi celebrations.
Carrying the message of respect for the Tricolour and patriotism from Kargil to Dombivli, the journey became a matter of pride for the residents of the city. The initiative by Rohit Acharekar and his fellow riders proved to be an inspiring effort to foster a spirit of patriotism among the youth and strengthen respect for the brave soldiers of India.
