Sardar Patel Memorial Society (SPMS) UK held a reception with the Indian Diaspora to honour the Biking Queens at the Indian Gymkhana in London on 28th August 2019. Ravi Sharma from Lyca Radio was the master of ceremony, who kept capturing and maintaining the attention of the audience with his brilliant presentation.
The pleasant evening started with canapes & refreshments followed by Indian National Anthem & Flower Tributes to Sardar Patel.
C B Patel Chairman of Sardar Patel Memorial Society welcomed all present and went through the work of Sardar Patel Memorial Society. Southall MP Virendra Sharma congratulated the Biking Queens for the amazing expedition and Rohit Wadhwana, First Secretary (Economic), High Commission of India, went briefly through the journey of Biking Queens to discuss the adventure and difficulties that arise at times.
Bikers – Dr Sarika Mehta & Rutali Patel of the Biking Queens from Gujarat have claimed that they have become the first women to ride from India to London on bikes covering 21,000 km and 21 nations of the three continents propagating Twin social cause – ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and ‘Ride for Women’s Pride’
The Biking Expedition started from Uttar Pradesh in June 2019 to reach London by August 26th. However, the expedition was fraught with various difficulties with one of the bikers also having to leave midway as her passport and other important documents were was stolen in Russia. In addition, the motorbikes got stolen in Amsterdam hotel parking in the second week of August. However, not the ones to die, bought new motor bikes to complete the expedition successfully.
Talking to the audience, Dr Sarika Mehta said, “We faced various difficulties, but amidst the trials & tribulations, our journey was really overwhelming. We rode on difficult terrains and extreme weather conditions, but at the end, we have successfully completed what we set out to achieve”.
Rutali Patel said, “It was a special experience for me to ride internationally for the first time, which has taught me a life lesson too to help in some or the other way.”
The Biking Queens were awarded Sardar Patel – Spirit of Unity Recognition by CB with Virendra Sharma MP & Rohit Wadhwana for covering three continents – Asia, Europe & Africa on Motorbikes, spreading awareness on Women’s Pride across the continents. CB added, the feat is especially commendable as the riders had to face immense hurdles all throughout their journey.
The Biking Queens were honoured from Sardar Patel Memorial Society Secretary General - Krishna Pujara with shawls & flowers along with representatives Gita Foundation, Inspiring Indian Women, Sojitra Samaj, Mangalam, Hindu Mandir, Rotary Club, Lions Club London, Women to Women Diamond Group, Assam UK, Bihari Connect, Enfield Saheli, UK All Ladies League, Indo British Cultural Exchange, Haryana in UK , Anoopam Mission, Lohana Mahaparishad and the wider communities.
In his vote of thanks, Pravin G Patel mentioned that there would have been 'No United India' without Sardar Patel, and thanked all the community organisations, Management of Indian Gymkhana & specially thanked Mehdoot Salimi, Hitendra Sheth and all the committee members – especially Lord Rami Ranger, Jitu Bhai Patel, GP Desai, Rajesh Patel, Sharad Parikh, Krishna Pujara, Kala Patel, Jayrajbhai & Sulochana Sethi for their support.
The evening ended with a lovely dinner, networking & photo opportunities.
