Mumbai, September 20, 20113: Siddhi Vinayak Logistic Ltd (SVLL), which is one of the fastest growing specialist road transportation and logistics companies in India, recently celebrated the launch of a ‘Driver’s Day’ campaign, a one-of-its-kind CSR initiative in appreciation of truck drivers in India.
Starting this year, the company along with industry veterans will celebrate September 17 as Driver’s Day year-on-year to recognise and celebrate the hard work and contribution of drivers towards the growth of the logistics sector in India and their role in nation-building.
With an aim to acknowledge the men who spend a large part of their lives on the wheel, the company conducted various initiatives such as road safety training, health camps, AIDS awareness workshops, special food and gift distribution at loading stations, toll plazas, petrol pumps, RTO offices and police stations in the country.
In Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, many sites in areas like JNPT, Wadala, Govandi, Belapur, Thane, Bhiwandi, Panvel and Sahara Airport saw such activities. In addition, yoga camps, talent competitions, plantation drives and bike rallies were also conducted for drivers by SVLL along with support from DCP Vijay Patil in Navi Mumbai. Over 15,000 drivers in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai were felicitated under this campaign including a special honour for Navi Mumbai’s lady auto driver, Jyoti Shetty.
This national day is supported by Mumbai Police as well as corporates like IndianOil Corporation, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Eicher Motors, Scania Commercial Vehicles India, Volvo and Mahindra & Mahindra.
Commenting on the occasion, R C Baid, chairman and chief mentor, Siddhi Vinayak Logistics Ltd, said, “Logistics sector is the backbone of the Indian economy and drivers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this industry. SVLL is one of the largest fleet owners in the country, owning a fleet of over 5,975 commercial vehicles. Ever since I have ventured into the transportation business, I have been very concerned about the situation of Indian drivers who face a serious challenge as the infrastructure, security and support provided for drivers in India is close to non-existent. There is pressing need to orient these drivers, accord them the security, dignity and respect they truly deserve for their relentless day-to-day struggle and contribution towards economic development of the country. Through this unique initiative, we would like to encourage their spirit and acknowledge their contribution to our society.”
“In line with our commitment to honour and create respectable livelihood for drivers, we launched the ‘Chalak se Malak’ CSR initiative last year to ensure professionalism amongst the drivers and to give them a social status by allowing them access to own the trucks they drive. The ‘Driver’s Day’ campaign is an extension of our support to the drivers in the country, who are the foundation of the logistics industry. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the industry veterans who have come in support of this cause,” said Deepak Baid, director, Siddhi Vinayak Logistic Ltd.