To commemorate the 290th Anniversary of Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, and to enhance camaraderie and public connect, the Indian Navy is undertaking an outreach initiative through a Car Rally from Mumbai to Shimla, Kalpa, Kinnaur and back. As part of this initiative, the Navy Car Rally Expedition arrived in Chandigarh on 23 November 2025.
Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, Deputy Commissioner–cum–President, Zila Sainik Board, UT Chandigarh, welcomed the participating Naval Officers and team members and flagged off the Car Rally on 24 November 2025 at 09:30 AM from Sukhna Lake. The Navy Outreach Programme aims to build stronger engagement with citizens across the country and to raise awareness about the work and contributions of the Indian Navy.
The initiative also encourages youth from both rural and urban areas to consider joining the Navy as service personnel. Commodore Amitabh Saxena, leader of the Navy Car Rally Expedition, interacted with NCC cadets, civil defence volunteers, and other College/School students from Chandigarh, inspiring them to explore opportunities in the Indian Navy. Col HS Ghuman (Retd.) and the Zila Sainik Welfare Office, Chandigarh, organised a special interaction between the Navy team and Naval veterans (Ex-servicemen) of Chandigarh.
On this occasion Shri Nishant Kumar Yadav, DC-cum-President, Zila Sainik Welfare Office, UT Chandigarh said that “The Indian Navy’s Outreach Programme is an inspiring effort to connect with citizens, especially the youth, and to highlight the invaluable service rendered by our defence forces.
He also appealed to the people of Chandigarh to participate wholeheartedly in Armed Forces Flag Day on 07 December 2025 and extend their support to our brave veterans and their families.”