The Great Driving Challenge | User Application

Vaibhav Savant & Raka Dabhade

Total Vote(s) : 172 | Total Testimonial(s) : 14

Hello people. I'm Vaibhav and have teamed up with Raka who's teaching at Fergusson College. We are a Teacher-Student Duo. Dr. Raka is a Lecturer in Fergusson College, Pune and is involved with various activities like Astronomy, Eco Club, Student's Welfare, arranging Conference/ Workshops, guiding students for their Project Work, etc. Along with this she's also passionate about Travelling, Cooking, Gardening and Singing. I am pursuing BSc Physics with Photography at Fergusson College and am crazy about adventure sports, be it trekking, car rallies, para gliding, gliding, ham radio, etc. Am a professional Dog Trainer and immensely enjoy spending time with all my pet friends. Some of my hobbies include going on long drives and treks, rappelling, photography, playing chess, making friends and listening to all forms of music. I am passionate about Formula 1 racing (be it cars or aircrafts!) and rallies. The thundering notes of rally cars on the roll sets my pulse racing! It was exciting to be a part of the organizing team as organizing an event of this magnitude was a Challenge in itself and here I am now fantasizing to be a part of the Great Driving Challenge!

We are the best candidates because...

Since we are a Teacher and Student duo and have an age difference of more than 20 years, we feel we are representing more than two generations of our society. Vaibhav is an experienced car rally veteran after having marshaled in car rallies including International Asia Pacific Rally Championship held at Panshet, near Pune. As we both are involved in various projects/ issues in and outside the college, requires us to travel extensively and make the best out of the available situation. Staying awake through the chill of the night (for taking Meteor Shower Observations) and driving to remote places away from civilization where few people would venture out has become a habit for us. We are always looking for opportunities to make our college and society a better place to be. The Great Driving Challenge will be an ideal platform for us to do the same on a much larger scale. Year 2009 being the International Year of Astronomy we intend to carry our telescope with us and popularize the subject along the length of the journey during our nightly halt. Whereas, during the day we hope to convey the message of Global Warming and Environmental Awareness. We had never imagined in our wildest dreams that a Driving Challenge like this could open such a plethora of possibilities which would enable us to experience the thrill of adventure as well as spread social awareness, educate people and above all allow us to present to the world the essence of Incredible India!

Our Travel Plan

During our journey we intent to cover at least five states. Start off from Mumbai via expressway to Pune; then Aurangabad after which we intent to go through to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh; we’ll cross over into Agra, Uttar Pradesh; return journey will be from Agra, Uttar Pradesh to Jaipur, Ahmedabad and finally Mumbai again.

Our Travelogue

Between the two of us we have travelled from the colds of Nainital in the north to the southernmost tip of India, Kanyakumari. We strongly believe that experiencing the vast cultural differences in the world we live in and meeting people and learning from them at every instant of time is something no formal education can teach. Travelling by road is one of the most attractive of all the modes of transport given the flexibility it offers of halting at your whim. Raka has been fortunate to have experienced the best of two continents – Africa and the Indian Sub Continent. Some of her memorable experiences include soaking in the mist of The Great Victoria Falls on Zambia Zimbabwe border and enjoying the Safari in the Savannah regions of Africa. Being an avid foodie my taste buds tingle in anticipation of the different local dishes from the shores to the mountains. I have fond memories of the star shaped lanterns celebrating Christmas Eve in Munnar casting a warm glow and lighting up the countryside. While standing at the shores of Kanyakumari staring out at the sea made me wonder how it would fell like to walk along all the way to Sri Lanka on a setu.

7th July 2009

supriya deshpande

7th July 2009

Vikram

6th July 2009

Testimonials

Vikram

Vaibhav and Raka deserve to be in the Great Driving Challenge. Hats off to Raka for the wonderful work she's doing in Fergusson College.

Dr Shrikant DAbhade

Vaibhav and Raka deserve to be in the Great Driving Challenge. Hats off to Raka for the wonderful work she's doing in Fergusson College.My best wishes for he duo.

Bharat Goenka Nagpur

This teacher student duo deserve to win.Raka is an excellent academician and Vaibhav full of life and adventurism.

Juilie Thakur

I'm definitely vouching for this team. An incredible duo that has paired up for this challenge. Dr. Dabhade has done a lot for Fergusson College, establishing the AstroClub for one and has travelled a lot

Meenaxi Shrikant Dabhade

I amproud of you two. i am sure with your sincere efforts you will win this race. Meenaxi

R.G.Thakur

It is an adventure to sport a car. I am sure Raka and Vaibhav team will make it to the top entry and fulfil their dream. My best wishes to the team.

Aparna Subramanian

(Dr.) Dabhade Madam is one of the 2-3 teachers with whom I have kept touch with even after completing academics at Fergusson. Have immense respect for her, and have been a witness to her work done for and the dedication given especially to the Dept of Physics in Fergusson College.

Sheetal Patil

We worked together at Uni. of Pune, and I found her passion towards trying new things and her capability. I am glad to have a friend like her. Very friendly and nice personality. I am sure Raka and Vaibhav team will make it to the top entry and fulfil their dream. My best wishes to the team.

Priyanka Chaturvedi

This teacher- student pair is unique in its kind. It is pairing up young vibrant energy with experience. I am sure the duo will make it big. My best wishes with them.

manishi

i have known raka dabhade she is not only an inteligent lady but she has achieved her present status with heroic corrage i wish she will shine the most in the contest

Rajendra kd

I am really excited & surprised on reading email.I am proud of these people.This is a wonderful example of student & teachers healthy relations & courage.This is how we are different.Our teachers are not only teachers but friends, philsophers & guide.Best Luck!(I am trying to vote for you every day but more than one vote is not accepted.) From this one can learn that if there is a will there is a way.One more thing I have realised is that Raka Dabhade is ideal example of good human being. KD

Tarun Singh

I feel that besides all the technical/functional logic - Its basically the passion that drives a person to his goal. And I know the passion that Vaibhav carries for cars. I have full faith that he will do his best. All my good wishes to you Vaibhav.

Manishi S.Dabhade

When I first met Vaibhav hardly could i belive that this young lad has a farsighted ambitions of an astrologer. But now that he is ready to test his guts i am sure that his stars are going to shine bright in the near future. I wish him all the best

SAILI DESAI

i am a F.Y.B.Sc student at Fergusson.we've had dabhade maam for all of one week but we love her already.i wish her and vaibhav best luck and hope they will be triumphant in this unique contest

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