Chandigarh, 5th December 2024 – The Indian Navy and Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles announce the ongoing “Ride of the Marakkars” motorcycle rally, a momentous tribute to India’s rich maritime heritage and naval prowess. The rally commenced on December 2nd from INS Kunjali in Mumbai with a convoy of 22 motorcycles, led by senior officers of the Indian Navy. This historic journey marks another milestone as BSA Motorcycles joins the Indian Navy’s trusted fleet of Jawa and Yezdi machines for the first time.
The 10-day journey will cover a round trip of 1,580 kilometres, culminating at the origin point on December 11th. The convoy, featuring motorcycles proudly manufactured in India, will make strategic stopovers at Pune, Satara, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, and Goa. Throughout their journey, the riders will champion national pride, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
“The ‘Ride of the Marakkars’ represents a significant milestone in our enduring partnership with the Indian Navy,” says Vishal Choudhary, Chief marketing officer of Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles. “This historic ride symbolizes the bridge we continue to build between India’s maritime defenders and the communities they protect. Our motorcycles embody the same values of reliability and excellence that the Indian Navy stands for.”
As we commemorate Navy Day, we are thrilled to join forces with Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles to honour the fearless spirit of the heroes of the Indian Navy. These Made-in-India motorcycles stand testament to our values of adventure, performance and respect for our cultural heritage. Together, we’re excited to connect with the young Indians who are driving the country’s future,” says the ride captain, Lieutenant Commander Vishal Nair, of the Indian Navy
As part of Navy Week celebrations, the ‘Ride of the Marakkars’ motorcycle rally, organized by INS Kunjali in association with Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, pays tribute to India’s rich maritime history and the legacy of the iconic Kunjali Marakkars. Over ten days, 24 sea warriors from the Western Naval Command traverse the scenic Konkan coast, visiting sites of maritime significance and engaging with local communities and youth. The initiative emphasizes national pride, cultural heritage, and environmental sustainability through tree plantations and outreach programs, inspiring patriotism and highlighting the Navy’s role in fostering unity and fitness across the nation.
Community Engagement and History
Throughout the journey, the convoy will make meaningful stops at historical maritime landmarks and conduct community outreach programs:
• Educational visits to schools and colleges across five cities
• Career guidance sessions highlighting opportunities in the Indian Navy
• Tree plantation initiatives at each major stopover
• Interactive sessions at historical naval sites
The Legacy Continues
Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles have maintained a strong relationship with the Indian Armed Forces, from the INS Vikrant expedition to Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations and the Jawa 42 Tawang Edition. The “Ride of the Marakkars” continues this proud tradition of support for India’s defenders, reflecting the commitment to maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability.