The Pune edition welcomed participation from citizens, youth organizations, volunteers, and well-known personalities from across the city, representing the spirit of unity and collective wellness.

Over 5,000+ participants enthusiastically joined the 3K, 5K, and 10K categories for both running and cycling, transforming the university campus into a vibrant celebration of harmony, togetherness, and social consciousness.

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries and leaders from government, industry, and civic circles, including:

• Rajan Navani, Chairman & Managing Director at Jetline Group of Companies
• Dharmesh Vaidhya, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Org, Maharashtra West
• Capt. Girish Lele, District President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Pune
• Prof. Parag Kalkar, Honourable Pro Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
• Shri Ravindra Shingapurkar, Member, Management Council, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
• Prof. D. B. Pawar, Member, Management Council, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
• Prof. Jyoti Bhakare, Officiating Registrar, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
• Sucheta Kadethankar, an Indian sportsperson from Pune
• Richi Mathur, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman, Lighthouse Communities
• Abhishek Ubhe, A seasoned athlete
• Dr. Sudam Shekhe, Assistant Director, Sports
• Dr. Vishnu Petkhar, Head, Department of Sports and Physical Education
• Prof. Vinayak Joshi, Director, Internal Quality Assurance Cell
• Prof. Vaibhav Jadhav, Centre for Distance and Online Education

Speaking about the initiatives, Dharmesh Vaidhya, State President, Sri Sathya Sai Seva Org, Maharashtra West, said, “The Sri Sathya Sai Run & Ride is more than an event; it’s a movement that connects hearts through action. As we celebrate 100 years of Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s birth, we continue to carry forward his message of selfless love, unity, and service. Today, Pune came together not just to run or ride, but to reaffirm these eternal values.”

Prof. Parag Kalkar, Honourable Pro Vice-Chancellor, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, said, “Events like these beautifully align with the vision of Fit India and youth empowerment. It’s inspiring to see the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation uniting citizens under one mission — promoting fitness with compassion, discipline with devotion, and strength with service.”

Mr. Rajan Navani, Chairman & Managing Director at Jetline Group of Companies, added, “The Sri Sathya Sai Run & Ride exemplifies how faith and fitness can coexist to build stronger communities. The event’s emphasis on inclusivity, service, and togetherness truly embodies the essence of what India stands for — unity in diversity and progress through purpose.”

Capt. Girish Lele, District President of Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Pune, said, “This Run & Ride event is a holistic 360-degree approach towards fitness at the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual levels of the entire mankind. It stands for world peace, happiness, and harmony for all. It is not just a test of physical endurance but also a celebration of equilibrium and unity in thought, word, and action.”

The event concluded with participants pledging to uphold the values of physical wellness, mental peace, and social harmony. As part of its centenary celebrations, the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisation, Maharashtra, will continue to spread this spirit through a series of community outreach initiatives across the state. Extending this message beyond Maharashtra, the organisation has also embarked on the Sri Sathya Sai Prema Pravahini — a nationwide Rath Yatra traversing all 28 states and 8 Union Territories, carrying the message of love and unity to every corner of India. In parallel, the Sri Sathya Sai National Cricket League (SSSNCL) seeks to engage the youth through the unifying spirit of sport, fostering teamwork, discipline, and service — virtues that lie at the heart of Bhagawan’s vision for a harmonious society.

The post Celebrating Togetherness: Highlights from the Sri Sathya Sai Run & Ride in Pune appeared first on NRI News.

GURUGRAM: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, today announced the launch of a new edition of its flagship scooter – the Suzuki Access. Introducing the new Suzuki Access Ride Connect Edition, the scooter now features a Bluetooth-enabled multi-function Coloured TFT Digital Instrument Cluster, seamlessly blending modern technology with enhanced visual appeal. This upgrade comes with the addition of a vibrant and refreshing new Pearl Mat Aqua Silver colour, joining the existing palette.

Commenting on this latest offering, Deepak Mutreja, Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The Suzuki Access has long been a trusted companion for urban riders, and with its latest upgrade, we are adding a new layer of modern functionality and flair. The Coloured TFT Digital display and the elegant new colour elevate the everyday riding experience while staying true to the scooter’s strength of reliability, comfort, and efficiency.”

The fully digital instrument cluster of Access with Suzuki Ride Connect features a 4.2-inch coloured Thin-Film Transistor (TFT) display with a clean and intuitive layout that provides the information the rider requires. With its brighter visuals, faster refresh rates, higher contrast ratios, and more accurate colours, the display offers maximum visibility both day & night and in any riding situation.

Adding to the excitement, the Suzuki Access Ride Connect TFT Edition debuts a new Pearl Mat Aqua Silver colour. With its subtle matte sheen, this striking hue enhances the scooter’s urban appeal, complemented by its legacy of dynamic acceleration, enhanced fuel efficiency, advanced technological features, comfortable riding experience, and practical conveniences.

The Suzuki Access Ride Connect TFT Edition is available at all Suzuki Motorcycle India dealerships across India for INR. 1,01,900/- (ex-showroom Delhi). The scooter is offered in five colour options, including the newly introduced Pearl Mat Aqua Silver, along with the existing Metallic Mat Black No. 2, Metallic Mat Stellar Blue, Pearl Grace White, and Solid Ice Green colours available in the Suzuki Access range.

The post Suzuki Motorcycle India Unveils the New Access Ride Connect TFT Edition appeared first on NRI News.

On the morning of January 26, over 100 passionate riders gathered at Kalyani Nagar to embark on an exhilarating journey through the streets of Pune. The sound of over a hundred BMW motorcycles reverberated across the city, their powerful engines roaring in unison as they made their way to Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi. It was a sight to behold—a parade of gleaming, legendary machines, each one a testament to precision engineering and the spirit of adventure. The hour-long ride was an enthralling spectacle, as the riders demonstrated their skill and shared commitment to the ideals of freedom and safety on the roads.

Upon reaching the hotel, the bikers were met with a warm welcome from the Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi team. A curated selection of refreshments awaited them, setting the tone for the day’s celebrations. The flag hoisting ceremony, followed by the rendition of the national anthem, filled the air with patriotic fervor, uniting all present in a moment of collective pride.

In keeping with the association spirit, a cake-cutting ceremony symbolized the successful partnership between Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi and BMW Motorrad. The camaraderie between the riders and the hotel team was palpable as they shared stories, memorable moments, and reflections on the day’s significance. The event culminated in a vibrant “Tri-color Breakfast,” where participants reveled in delicious fare while continuing to engage in heartfelt conversations, furthering the bond of unity and respect for one another.

Amit Raman, General Manager of Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi, graciously summed up the event’s essence: “This Republic Day, we not only celebrated the joy of riding but also reinforced the importance of safety and responsibility on the roads. It was an honor to join hands with BMW Motorrad in commemorating this occasion with such passion and purpose. Together, we celebrated the freedom of the open road, while reminding everyone that it is our collective responsibility to ensure safety and harmony.”

This extraordinary event, which brought together the essence of patriotism and the unbridled enthusiasm of motorcycling, was more than just a celebration. It was a powerful reminder that while the open road calls to the spirit of adventure, it also demands mindfulness and respect. As we continue to honor our nation’s Republic Day, the Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi and BMW Motorrad partnership stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when freedom and responsibility ride hand in hand.

The post Radisson Blu Pune Hinjawadi and BMW Motorrad Unite for a Meaningful Ride appeared first on NRI News.

The convoy’s crossing of Atal Setu Sea Bridge, a bridge typically restricted for motorcycles, marks a landmark moment in India’s motorcycling and engineering history. This milestone event highlights the innovative and adventurous spirit shared by the Indian Armed Forces and these legendary motorcycle brands.

Leading the 22-strong convoy were senior officers of the Indian Navy, joined by riders from the Western Naval Command and representatives from the Army and Air Force. All 22 motorcycles, proudly manufactured indigenously, epitomized the Make in India vision, showcasing the synergy between homegrown innovation and the indomitable spirit of the armed forces.

“The sight of a phalanx of Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA motorcycles roaring across Atal Setu fills me with pride. It is fitting that these Made-in-India machines partnered with the Indian Navy to celebrate the ‘Ride of the Marakkars’ and honor India’s maritime history” said Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group and co-founder of Classic Legends.

Beginning at INS Kunjali in Mumbai, the rally traversed scenic coastal routes with stopovers at Pune, Satara, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, and Goa. Along the way, riders visited sites of maritime significance, including Ratnadurg Fort, Fort Aguada, and Sinhagad Fort, honoring India’s naval heritage and the legacy of the iconic Kunjali Marakkars.

“It’s fitting that this rally ended with a historic first on Atal Setu,” said Lieutenant Commander Vishal Nair. “As we crossed the bridge, it felt like a tribute to the countless bridges—both literal and symbolic—that the Navy builds with the people of this nation.”

Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has a strong relationship with the Indian Armed Forces, having participated in landmark events such as the INS Vikramaditya expedition, Kargil Vijay Diwas commemorations, and the launch of the Jawa 42 Tawang Edition. The “Ride of the Marakkars” continues this proud tradition of supporting India’s defenders, reflecting the brand’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of performance and reliability.

The post The Indian Navy and Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles Host the First-Ever Bike Rally on Atal Setu appeared first on NRI News.

MUMBAI: As residents of Delhi get set to pick an Uber Shuttle Bus for their everyday commute, Uber has launched a novel campaign #UberReads to raise awareness for the shared ride product that can go a long way in addressing congestion on the roads. The new fleet of electric Uber Shuttle buses will come stocked with popular books and best-selling titles from Penguin Random House India to encourage riders to read during their rides.

The #UberReads campaign has been designed to allow riders to sit back comfortably in the air-conditioned EV buses with pre-booked seats and pick their favorite title from a handpicked selection of best sellers – encouraging reading over doom-scrolling on smartphones during long rides.

Uber Shuttle offers riders the convenience of pre-booking seats up to a week in advance while being able to make cashless payments, follow the live location of the bus on the Uber app, and have access to a round-the-clock safety helpline.

The month-long campaign will see #UberReads EV buses running through predefined routes in Delhi that have some of the most traversed commute routes between business districts and large residential areas.

Commenting on the feature, Amit Deshpande, Head of High Capacity Vehicles, Uber India and South Asia said, “Uber Shuttle helps get more people to travel in fewer vehicles, all with the comfort, convenience and safety that Uber has brought to everyday commute. Our campaign #UberReads is a unique way to draw attention to the options available to all of us which we somehow choose to overlook – like choosing a shared ride over a private vehicle or choosing to scroll endlessly on the phone instead of mindful reading. By bringing to life #UberReads through our partnership with Penguin, we want to remind people of the conscious choices that are wholesome in more ways than one.”

Speaking about the initiative, Gaurav Shrinagesh, CEO- of India, SEA & MENA, Penguin Random House said, “At Penguin, we believe in the transformative power of reading and the importance of keeping this habit alive in our content-crowded world. The #UberReads campaign is an exciting opportunity to showcase the wide range of books we offer – from fiction to biographies, self-help to mysteries – ensuring there’s a book for every kind of reader. We are thrilled to partner with Uber in this innovative initiative, demonstrating that reading can happen anywhere, even on the go. This partnership is a testament to the creative possibilities when two brands come together with a shared vision.”

The ‘# UberReads-branded buses house a collection of the most popular Penguin titles ranging from fiction to biographies, and from self-help books to mysteries, offering riders the chance to revisit the joy of reading paperback. Riders will have the freedom to pick a book of their choice and enjoy reading it through their journey. They would be encouraged to place the book back in its place for the next rider while exiting the bus at their stop.

How to book an Uber Shuttle trip:

1. Open the Uber App
2. Enter your destination, select the ‘Shuttle’ option
3. Review your fare
4. Select your preferred route & pick-up timing, and then tap request
5. We will send you the driver and bus details 25 min before your journey.
6. You can track the shuttle via the app before your pickup time.
7. Walk to the pickup spot you see on the map

The post Uber’s Game-Changing Initiative: Say Goodbye to Doomscrolling and Hello to Reading appeared first on NRI News.

The event aimed to uplift the underprivileged in the Magarpatta community. Over 70 dedicated cyclists from Weekend Riders participated, showcasing a unified dedication to social responsibility and community welfare.

Nidhi Desai, Head of Marketing, JSM Corporation Pvt Ltd. highlighted the significance of the collaboration with Feed Forward and Weekend Riders, stating, “This collaboration underscores Hard Rock Cafe’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. It’s a privilege to be part of such impactful work, leveraging our resources and unwavering dedication to foster positive change. Together with Feed Forward, HRC stands committed to alleviating food insecurity and advocating for marginalized communities, embodying our shared ethos of compassion and social responsibility.”

Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this initiative, Dimple Somji, Founder of With Love Charitable Foundation, stated, “We are privileged to be a part of this initiative. Our mission is to organize surplus food from the food industry and serve it to the marginalized communities, through volunteer efforts to make a meaningful impact.”

Feed Forward, led by With Love Charitable Foundation, endeavors to combat food waste while providing nourishing meals to those in need. Through this partnership, HRC showcases its dedication to addressing food insecurity and promoting a more equitable society.

The post Hard Rock Cafe Leads Historical Ride And Charity Drive Uniting Cyclists For A Cause appeared first on NRI News.

The app is discoverable Google Play Store and currently has 12,000 auto rickshaw drivers already registered

PUNE: ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) announces the launch of the ‘O Rickshaw’ buyer and seller app on the Network signaling a significant stride in urban mobility for the city of Pune. The app directly connects auto drivers and riders in the city on the Open Network.

The app is owned and operated by End Mile Connectivity Federation, a community-driven Section 8 entity established to empower auto drivers and provide Pune citizens access to safe, affordable auto rides. Over 12,000 auto-rickshaw drivers in Pune are already part of this federation and will now be discoverable on the “O Rickshaw app.” This initiative represents a pioneering moment as it is the first instance of a driver collective coming onto the ONDC Network, an endeavor made possible by the tech enabler Suma Soft.

The launch event had a distinguished line-up of key dignitaries including Mr. T. Koshy (MD and CEO of ONDC), Mr. Hardikar (MD, Pune Metro), Mr. Vivek Velankar (President of Grahak Manch), Mr. Suryakant Pathak (President of Grahak Peth), Mr. Surendra Brahme (Director of Suma Soft) and Mr. Shrikant Acharya (Advisor, End Mile Federation).

T. Koshy, MD and CEO of ONDC shared, “ONDC aims to democratize e-commerce in India by empowering local communities. The ‘O Rickshaw app’ closely aligns with this vision and will greatly benefit the citizens of Pune. This launch is the result of ONDC’s mission of putting the control back in the hands of auto drivers and riders.  As Pune embraces this transformative journey in urban mobility, the app stands as a testament to the potential of tech in fostering positive change with inclusion and level playing field for all at its core.”

Suma Soft, a Pune-based technology service provider for the ONDC Network, has been instrumental in the successful development of the ‘O Rickshaw’ app. It is designed to empower drivers and is set to onboard an additional 35,000 drivers within the next 3 months, with plans to extend its services to other cities across Maharashtra in the next 6 months.

Surendra Brahme, Director at Suma Soft said, “Suma Soft believes in developing best-in-class solutions that ensure enduring growth and shared prosperity for all the stakeholders and the ecosystem at large. We are indeed very happy to be associated with the various components of India Stack including ONDC, AA, and ABDM, where Digital Public infrastructure is being explored to give solutions for growing India. This venture of creating value in the lives of Rickshaw Drivers is a step in that direction.”

Kedar Dhamale, Director at End Mile Connectivity Federation said, “End Mile Connectivity Federation aims to revolutionize the last-mile transportation system in India. We are trying to achieve the final stretch of travel that connects passengers to their ultimate destination. This could be a short distance between a bus or train station to a person’s home or office. We are also looking at it as a means of providing employment opportunities to the underprivileged sections of the society and welfare of the driver families.”

The launch of the O-Rickshaw app is a significant step towards achieving the goal of last-mile connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation in India. It not only improves the travel experience for passengers but also supports the government’s efforts to create a cleaner and greener nation.

One of the distinguishing features of the ‘O Rickshaw’ app is its commitment to a zero-commission model, ensuring that drivers receive their fair share. Additionally, the app adheres to government-mandated fares, making transportation affordable and transparent for users.

The post ONDC-Enabled ‘O Rickshaw’ App Launched In Pune appeared first on NRI News.

The cyclothon is the brainchild of Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, of Mpower, and was started to encourage conversations on mental health and encourage the community to come together to stamp out associated stigma. She shared her thoughts on the 5^th edition of Ride to Mpower, saying, “Every pedal stroke symbolizes a step forward in our collective journey towards destigmatizing mental health. Through unity and action, we can create a world where mental well-being is prioritized and embraced by all.”

The post Ride To Mpower Kicks Off With Over 200 Cyclists Riding From Pune To Mumbai To Raise Awareness About Mental Health appeared first on NRI News.

HMSI strongly believes that children are the future of society and their awareness of road safety at an early stage can contribute to making the roads accident-free. The company frequently conducts road safety awareness programs that are interactive and engaging, catering to a wide range of age groups, from children to youth and are conducted in schools, colleges, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

Since its inception, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, HMSI has imparted education to nearly 1.85 lakh adults and children, focusing on promoting responsible road usage and cultivating safe riding habits. The company’s CSR commitment towards road safety aligns with Honda’s global vision statement for the year 2050, where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles.

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on the road, riding gear & posture explanation, and safe riding etiquette.

1. PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on the road before actual riding.
2. INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behavior on roads.
3. EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

HMSI’s set of skilled safety instructors conducts daily programs at their 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has already reached over 5.7 million Indians. The company’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through scientifically devised learning modules, practical learning, and interactive sessions.

HMSI’s road safety awareness campaign in Noida is a step towards achieving the company’s goal of promoting responsible road usage and cultivating safe riding habits. The company’s focus on road safety education aligns with Honda’s global vision statement for the year 2050, and the initiative has already reached millions of Indians.

The post Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Conducts Successful Road Safety Awareness Campaign in Noida appeared first on NRI News.

Airattix’s one-stop solution brings together various storage and parking options, making it easier for companies like inDrive to access a diverse range of storage and parking solutions under one roof. This partnership reflects Airattix’s commitment to providing convenient and effective solutions tailored specifically for valued partners like inDrive.

Aditya Kale, Founder and CEO of Airattix, expressed his views on the partnership, stating that the platform is dedicated to simplifying storage and parking management for both businesses and individuals. With inDrive’s plans to expand to more cities in India, Airattix offers a straightforward solution for inDrive to locate and reserve these spaces through their website according to their needs.

Airattix has a proven track record of catering to the needs of taxi aggregation companies and has previously partnered with industry leaders like ORIX and TVS. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Pune, India, the company has seen remarkable growth since its inception. With a presence in approximately 20 cities across India and over 10,000 registered users, Airattix is preparing to expand its services internationally.

In addition to its core offerings, Airattix provides value-added services such as movers and packers, goods insurance, and valet parking services through third-party vendors, positioning itself as a comprehensive one-stop solution provider for storage and parking needs.

Airattix’s collaboration with inDrive is a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards providing convenient and effective storage and parking solutions. The partnership will enable inDrive to concentrate on delivering exceptional transportation solutions to their customers while reducing logistical hassles and saving valuable time and resources.

Overall, Airattix’s collaboration with inDrive is a testament to the company’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that cater to the evolving needs of its partners and customers.

The post Airattix Collaborates with inDrive to Streamline Car Accessory Storage appeared first on NRI News.