The Sports and Youth Affairs Minister, Punjab, Rana Gurmit Singh Sodhi today flagged off the Shivalik Hill Drive Car rally from Mullanpur Garibdass near here. The rally was organized by the Old Cottonians Association (OCA) (Northern Chapter) connected with the Bishop Cotton School, Shimla. In his address on the occasion, Rana Sodhi said that the main purpose of the rally is to make people aware about following the traffic rules in letter and spirit. He also expressed strong hope that such events play a yeoman's role in giving fillip to the motor sports in the region. The minister also appreciated the fact that every year a large number of participants from Punjab take part in the event which is testimony to the growing popularity of this sport in the state. It is also worth noting that the rally would cover the distance of 165 Km.Among other dignitaries present on the occasion included the President of the Old Cottonians Association Lt. Col Upindera Singh Gill.