Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and Mahindra Logistics unveil 'Desh Chaalak': A book honouring Indian Drivers

Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport and Highways and integrated logistics solutions provider Mahindra Logistics unveiled a book titled ‘Desh Chaalak’ at an event in New Delhi. Authored by Ramesh Kumar, a journalist and an industry veteran with a deep understanding of the driver community, the book serves as a tribute to the unsung hero community — the drivers of India.

‘Desh Chaalak’ acknowledges and honours the silent contribution of India’s drivers to the growth of the country. The book also highlights the life on the road for these drivers, and their trials and tribulations that they overcome in the multitude of journeys they undertake. Comprising a collection of 30 stories based on real-life experiences, ‘Desh Chaalak’ is a captivating account of their journey on the road.

Speaking at the book launch, Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Nitin Gadkari, expressed his admiration for the drivers of India and the vital role they play in the country's economic progress. He stated, "As we gather today to launch the book 'Desh Chaalak,' I commend Mahindra Logistics for taking this initiative to honour these silent warriors of India. These tireless drivers are the true backbone of our nation, steering the country towards growth. With world-class roads and accompanying infrastructure, we are attempting to make the lives of these drivers better. ‘Desh Chaalak’ is a step in the right direction to make more people aware of the contributions made by the driver community for India”.

Mr. Ramesh Kumar, Author of the book 'Desh Chaalak' said, “This book touches upon an aspect of our nation that often remains overlooked. It is an attempt to direct this spotlight on the extraordinary working lives of India's drivers and their untold stories. I am deeply grateful to Mahindra Logistics for their support in this endeavour, to bring these inspiring and emotional stories to life, and help bring attention to a community that deserves its due recognition”.

Mr. Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director and CEO, Mahindra Logistics, said, “At Mahindra Logistics, we firmly believe that our drivers are not just the backbone of our operations but also the driving force behind the entire logistics industry. In recognition of their remarkable contribution, the book 'Desh Chaalak' serves as a heartfelt tribute to our drivers highlighting their resilience that keeps the wheels of the industry turning. The book stands as a symbol of our deep admiration and gratitude and aims to bring greater recognition to the drivers' tireless efforts, ensuring that their indispensable contributions are acknowledged and valued by all.”