THE GRAND CHAMBAL SAFARI - 2005

The Grand Chambal Safari 2005 held on the 24th of April 2005. Now in the third successful year since its inception in 2003, this Car Rally has become an important fixture on the North India Motor Sports Circuit. This event was initiated by a group of dedicated motor sports enthusiasts, who give freely of their own resources in terms of time and money to organise and ensure the success of this event. The motivation lies in combining an enthusiasm for motor sports with a desire to create awareness of the rugged, raw natural beauty and wildlife of the Chambal Valley. The organisers firmly believe in the need to highlight areas in and around Agra, so that alongwith the World Famous Taj Mahal other destinations are not neglected and are duly appreciated.

Kr. Ram Pratap Singh, the Chief Patron and organiser of this event, is an IITian who after a brief spell as an engineer and civil servant chose to move back to his ancestral farms in the Chambal Valley and start an eco-lodge and tour – the Chambal Safari. He and his wife Anu, an environmentalist from London University, are deeply committed to the twin issues of conservation and sustainable development in the Chambal Valley. They have been instrumental in raising issues of concern with the relevant authorities and in placing the hitherto neglected Chambal Valley on the World Tourism Map, now an increasingly popular destination with birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Recognising the need for greater awareness within the country, the Grand Chambal Safari was started as a means of acquainting a larger and more diverse group of people with the Chambal Valley.

The Grand Chambal Safari car rally through the Chambal ravines encompasses some of the toughest terrain through U.P., M.P., and Rajasthan. Mr. Vikram Brar, a veteran of numerous National Rallies, provides the technical expertise. Now in his 30’s, Mr. Brar is ‘retired’ from active rallying and brings his considerable experience and passion for the sport to ensure the success of the event. Mr. Gopal Pasricha handles all local liaison, media planning and coordination work. His role is critical to the overall success and ultimate aim of popularising the sport and the Chambal region.

The Grand Chambal Safari attracts a number of prominent rallyists such as Anil Wadia, Manoj Khan, Sanjay Sikand, Sandeep Sharma, who have been a source of great support with their enthusiasm and words and deeds of encouragement, from the very inception of the event. A growing number of participants from all over North India, including many new converts from Agra, are adding to the success of this rally. The technical briefing and vehicle scrutiny will take place at the Mughal Sheraton, Agra a day prior to the rally under the supervision of Mr. Vikram Brar. The rally will be flagged off from the Mughal Sheraton and after passing through some very challenging terrain shall culminate at the Chambal Safari Lodge at Jarar, Bah. After an ethnic lunch at the lodge, the rallyist will proceed to Agra for the Rally Ball at the Mughal Sheraton Hotel later in the evening, where the results will be announced and the trophies distributed. The evening will culminate with Dinner and Dancing for all the participants and the oragnisers – a chance for all to compare notes and share the excitement of a day well lived.
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