Visually impaired participated to a car rallye

Visually impaired people in Kolkata on Sunday participated in a unique car rally, acting as navigators.

In an inspirational attempt, at least four dozen cars navigated an 80-km long route in a car rally jointly organised by the National Association for Blind (NBA) and a city club.

The participants who were clueless about the path took directions from visually challenged people who were beaming with excitement at the adventure ahead.

"In this car rally my work is to be the navigator. The navigator gives route directions, I have to read the navigation charts and give directions to the driver, " said Shamim Akhtar, a visually challenged.
The rally got tremendous support from the locals and participants who said such initiatives should be encouraged.

"It's an excellent concept. It's a very unique initiative that has been taken up and we are playing a supportive role here, " said Haimanti, a participant.

Elsewhere in Bangalore, 30 vintage beauties came out on roads, attracting attention of curious onlookers.

Heads turned as classic cars, motorcycles dressed elegantly paraded majestically on streets on a winter morning.

"We are a part of the Karnataka Vintage club. We have rallies regularly. This time it's nice to be a part of the Bangalore rally, "said Sabina Prakash, a participant.

The rally organised by the Vintage Car Owners Association saw cars like Ford, Austin, Fiat, Jaguar rolled out on streets to the cheers from the crowd.