Urbanization being the key word, in the recent past we have overlooked a major responsibility that almost defines our existence. Ever wondered if you could take time off your busy schedule and do a deed that would make a difference to the society at large? The Rotary International District 3050, decided to do just that, when it decided to create Polio and Thalassemia awareness in India. Every year 10,000 children with Thalassemia major are born in India, which constitutes 10% of the total number in the world. Tribal communities in India constitute the largest tribal population in the world. Most of them have been practicing endogamy for a long period of time as a result they are vulnerable to various hereditary diseases and Thalassemia is just one of them.

                          Figure 1: The logo for the humanitarian cause.

The Rotary International District 3050, organized a Trans Himalayan motor car expedition in association with the world renowned Toyota Company in India .A specially branded Innova was the vehicle chosen for the expedition traversing picturesque geographies spanning  the vast  semi barren lands in Gujarat and seven other states to Khardung La, the highest motorable road in the world. The polio and Thalassemia free world awareness expedition started from Ahmedabad to Khardung La situated at a height of 18,380 feet on the 8th of June 2008.

                         Figure 2: The specially designed Innova vehicles used in the campaign.

                         Figure 3: The members of the team.

Like for any other adventure, apart from physical and mental fitness, the sheer enthusiasm to accomplish the mission is a prerequisite. The team consisted of fifteen distinguished members of the Rotary Club, Ahmedabad who are top professionals in their respective fields. The team was headed by Mr. Mehul Shah, leading advocate at the Gujarat High Court.

The sponsors for the expedition were the world-renowned Toyota Company and their flagship dealer Infinium Toyota located in Ahmedabad city which sponsored the Toyota Innova cars that proved to offer good off-road value.

The heart of the nation lies in rural India. What better way to create awareness than to travel to the remotest regions, withstanding the rough terrains and distributing pamphlets on Polio and Thalassemia to the locals. Khardung La being a formidable place in the Himalayas was indeed a tough geography to traverse, but thanks to the ever accommodating Innova, the journey was comfortable. Traversing some of the most spectacular sights and mountainous passes via Delhi, Manali, Rohtang Pass (13200 ft), Baralacha La (16000 ft.), La (17582 ft.), Khardung La (17582), and finally Khardung La, the entire team disbursed 5000 pamphlets about Polio and Thalassemia in English and 3000 pamphlets in Hindi all along the route.

                         Figure 4: One of the Innova vehicles trudging through rough path.

                         Figure 5: The Innova vehicles in succession, traversing the terrain.

The backward and the under privileged populace of rural India who are by far, the most under exposed, benefited from the expedition more than words can define. The members tutored the masses about the aftermath of ignorance in health related issues laying emphasis on Polio and Thalassemia. The most important step to prevent polio by timely administration of polio drops was conveyed to them verbally. The genetic blood disorder Thalassemia affects nearly 15% of the Indian population and is widely seen among tribes who are ignorant of the side effects of endogamy. Genetic counseling is an integral part of its treatment and the members of the team counseled, and distributed pamphlets on the treatment & its preventive measures.

                         Figure 6: The natives of the Himalayan Region.

The members of the Rotary Club, Ahmedabad returned on the 22^nd June, after a challenging expedition to the Himalayas, satisfied at having served a humanitarian purpose .The participants were supported by the Toyota dealers in different parts of India throughout their journey The three Innova vehicles emerged winners all the way with no breakdowns or flat tyres. Throughout the journey the members of the Rotary Club showed unflinching enthusiasm so did the vehicles with their diligent performance. The vehicles returned unscathed, delivering excellent performance throughout the expedition. This surely proves the toughness and performance of the Toyota Innova, as it singularly achieved two tasks at one go – spreading crucial awareness about Polio and Thalassemia and also proving its mettle in comfort, luxury and off road Value.

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Posted by Naresh Koshti on 8 July, 2008 4:54:31 PM IST #