Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways unveiled the ‘Desh Chaalak’ book along with Mahindra Logistics at an event in New Delhi. Authored by journalist Ramesh Kumar, the book serves as a tribute to drivers, who are the unsung heroes of Indian roads. At the book launch, Mahindra Logistics also awarded scholarships to the children of drivers, further emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of this community.
‘Desh Chaalak’ acknowledges and honours the silent contribution of this community in the country’s growth. Comprising a collection of 30 stories based on real-life experiences, it highlights their life on the road, their trials and tribulations that they overcome while undertaking a multitude of journeys.,
Speaking at the book launch, Gadkari expressed his admiration for these drivers and the vital role they play in the country’s economic progress. He stated, “I commend Mahindra Logistics for taking this initiative to honour these silent warriors of India. These tireless drivers are the true backbone of our nation, steering the country towards growth. With world-class roads and accompanying infrastructure, we are attempting to make the lives of these drivers better. ‘Desh Chaalak’ is a step in the right direction to make more people aware of the contributions made by the driver community for India.”
Author Kumar added that the book touches upon an aspect of India that often remains overlooked. “It is an attempt to direct this spotlight on the extraordinary working lives of India’s drivers and their untold stories. I am deeply grateful to Mahindra Logistics for their support in this endeavor, to bring these inspiring and emotional stories to life, and help bring attention to a community that deserves its due recognition,” he added.
Mahindra Logistics claims it is dedicated to empowering communities by enhancing the livelihoods of their driver-partners, improving access to essential resources, and promoting hygiene and safety awareness. Rampraveen Swaminathan, the company’s managing director and CEO claimed that it firmly believes that its drivers are not just the backbone of its operations but also the driving force behind the entire logistics industry.
“In recognition of their remarkable contribution, the book ‘Desh Chaalak’ serves as a heartfelt tribute to our drivers highlighting their resilience that keeps the wheels of the industry turning. The book stands as a symbol of our deep admiration and gratitude and aims to bring greater recognition to the drivers’ tireless efforts, ensuring that their indispensable contributions are acknowledged and valued by all,” he opined.
