Deepa Malik's inspiring drive finally concludes in Delhi

Arjuna Awardee Deepa Malik has completed her record of the longest ever recorded Pan India drive by a paraplegic woman for the Limca Book of World Records. Starting from Chennai, running over 3000kms, the epic trail crossed Bangalore, Belgaum, Pune, Mumbai, Indore, Udaipur and Jaipur before finally concluding in Delhi. Covering the entire Western coast of India, it reached a crowd worth lakhs in numbers.  With this drive, Deepa Malik has made her fourth Adventure record in the Limca Book of Records.

The inspiring Project 'WOW-Will on Wheels' started from the campus of Sathyabama University, Chennai to mar the gap between the ables and differently-abled people while driving on roads on 22nd September. Students of the University have modified a Renault Duster, where all the controls are operated by hands. The complete road drive had two Renault cars, one with Deepa Malik and the other with our correspondent travelling the country.

The entire convoy reached the National Capital Region on 30th September after 10 days of continuous driving. Pit-stopping at major cities, the road drive accomplished its goal of making people aware of about disability and overcoming it. An initiative to promote Para-Sports, running with the motto of ‘Ability Beyond Disability’ , the drive was a success in the eyes of the carriers of the message.

In Delhi, the Team WOW was welcomed by a group of prominent bikers who hooted and clapped while leading the team. At the venue of the press conference, Deepa Malik showed an Audio-visual of the entire journey which aimed to create awareness about something that is very close to her heart. The conference was presided over by AIBEA Vice President J.P Sharma, NVD FD MD Mr. Hazra, FMSCI Marshal Mr. Tutu Dhawan, Ms. Deepa Malik herself, Mr. Sudhir Rajpal Director General Haryana Sports Deptt. Govt. of India.

“Delhi is Deepa’s drive destination on a Duster and this is how I’d like to sum up this drive, “ said Deepa Malik while talking passionately about having entered Delhi. She added, “It has been a delightful and a different experience altogether, having covered so many cities in such a short span of time. Though it was a tiring journey, but I’m happy that Team WOW got an overwhelming response wherever we went. And creating this record on my birthday makes it even sweeter an achievement.” Para-athlete Deepa Malik, who has won several accolades in biking, swimming and car-rallying on both national and international platforms despite her chest-below paralysis feels that it is just one of those campaigns that she ardently believes in. With an aim to reach the Indian audience, a number of supporters have come forward to promote this event.

Hosting the press conference at their venue (Lemon Tree Hotels, Gurgaon), Mr. Rahul Pandit, President & Executive Director, Lemon Tree Hotels said, “We are very excited about hosting Arjuna Awardee Deepa Mailk's new Limca record. Her feat is an inspiration to us and reaffirms our commitment at Lemon Tree Hotels to recognize and create opportunities for differently-abled people across our properties so that they can achieve their potential. I am sure that her courage and tenacity will take her much further in the years to come”.

Supporting the cause in its spirit, all the sponsors including Sathyabama University, Renault, AIBEA, I Am For India, NVD FD got together to congratulate the Team WOW.

I Am For India, an Initiative by Latha Rajinikanth on the occasion said that it was proud to associate itself with the project WOW. IAFI is working towards making a change in various segments like Environment, Education, Culture, Heritage and Health Care. IAFI is launching project Green Wave on the campus as well through out the drive. NVD FD another pillar of support salutes the cause ambassador and is extremely proud to be associated with WOW, a noble and unique project by Sathyabama University and I Am For India Foundation.