In a blend of purpose and adventure, the Rotary Club of Hubli Vidyanagar, RID 3170, flagged off a unique Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) motor rally from Hubli to Goa. Nearly 200 Rotarians, driving 66 cars, participated in this “slow rally” championing the theme Go Plastic Free.
The rally focused on creating awareness along the way on elimination of single-use plastics. At village squares and community stops along the route, Rotarians interacted with residents, shopkeepers and youth groups, speaking about the environmental and health hazards of plastics and encouraging practical, sustainable alternatives.
The message was hard to miss. Branded vehicles, creative displays and vibrant banners ensured visibility at every stop, while the enthusiasm of participants drew curious crowds and sparked meaningful interactions.
The organisers also walked the talk. “We consciously avoided plastic in every form; meals were served on eco-friendly plates, water was carried in stainless steel bottles, and snacks were packed in paper bags,” said event coordinator Mahima Dand.
Branded vehicles, creative displays and vibrant banners ensured visibility at every stop and drew curious crowds.
As a precision rally, the journey tested skill and discipline rather than speed, with participants taking nearly 10 hours to reach Goa. The drive concluded with an Awards Nite celebrating creativity and commitment, with prizes for categories such as Best Dressed Car and Best Display of Theme. “All the participants were given specially designed t-shirts; the teams were encouraged to customise them with designs of causes close to their heart and the best designs were recognised,” she said.
A professional team mapped the rally route and interactive games at checkpoints kept the energy high throughout the journey.
The overall cost of the event was around ₹12 lakh. “We had generous contributions from various sponsors and with the remaining funds, we are planning to install large dustbins at strategic locations in Hubli,” said Mahima.
DGE Lenny D Costa, DGN Ashok Naik, PDGs Avinash Potdar and Basil D Souza were present at the flag off, along with Hubli MLA Mahesh Tenginkai and Rajya Sabha MP Sadanand Shet Tanavade. Sanjay Shetti was the event chair.
Through a wonderful gesture of friendship, “friends from Australia, connected through our club member Sadhna Rao, contributed ₹54,500 towards the education of orphaned girls, also giving kitchen utensils and appliances worth ₹25,000 for an orphanage.” Club members further donated blankets, sarees, groceries and sweets.
This rally is part of a continuing tradition. Organised once every two years, each edition spotlights a different social theme. Previous rallies have addressed issues such as noise pollution with Horn Not Okay, Please! and mental health through Mind Matters More.