Taking on the initiative to showcase the beautiful and resourceful northeast India, the NEW Expedition (North East On Wheels) was launched on January 18, 2022, in New Delhi.

The event was graced by Meenakshi Lekhi, Hon. Minister of State for Culture & External Affairs, Government of India as Chief Guest, in the presence of other dignitaries, including Ashish Kumar Chauhan, MD & CEO, Bombay Stock Exchange, who was the Guest of Honour.

To mark the "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav", 75 bikers from all over India will be a part of this journey, which is organised by the Amazing Namaste Foundation.

The expedition, which is set to flag off on April 8, 2022, from Guwahati, Assam, will see participation by riders from across India. Each of them will traverse a distance of about 1400 km across different states in the northeast in a span of eight days. On their expedition, riders will experience the vibrant and rich culture of the Northeast, their sustainable lifestyles, their food habits, and much more.

Speaking about their initiative, Atul Kulkarni, Chairman, Amazing Namaste Foundation, and organiser of the event, said, "The northeast is very close to my heart and has always surprised me with new learning. It is this beauty of the region that we all must have the opportunity to experience, and hence we have conceptualised North East On Wheels. We are sure many would like to join us on this expedition to explore the North East region further. Through North East On Wheels, our endeavour is to provide an experience of a lifetime to people who undertake this journey with us."

The expedition will be connecting, apart from other places, some of the important locations that are part of our country’s historic events. They include Jowai, Moirang, Imphal, Kohima, Bumla Pass, Tezpur, etc.

The participants will be paying tributes to national heroes such as Rani Ma Gaidinliu, Kiang Nangbah, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Kanaklata, Jaswant Singh and others on their journey.

Lauding the initiative, Meenakshi Lekhi said, "The northeast has a rich cultural heritage and is a storehouse of talent. It is one of the best examples of people living in harmony with nature. North East On Wheels is not just any expedition, but a journey across the region to learn about their way of life.|

"The northeast has a lot to offer, but barring a few prominent places and traditions, many of us are unaware of them. Through the North East on Wheels, I am sure it will provide an experience of a lifetime to people who undertake this journey. Such societal initiatives are sure to achieve much-desired awareness about the region, leading to empowerment, "she added.

The minister also launched the website of North East On Wheels, which marks the beginning of registrations for the expedition. Out of all who register, 75 riders will be selected by a team of senior and experienced bikers from different parts of the country.

At the launch program, a song, "Nikal Pade," meaning "Set out/Venture," was also launched, which captures the true spirit of young India ready to lead the future. The song was written by Tanishk Nabar and sung by Sugandh Shekhar, Yadu Krishnan, Arun.S, and Divya.S.Iyer; music by Arun.S.; music producer-VAVAE; additional programmer-Yash Pagare; vocal arranger & supervisor-Divya.S.Iyer; flautist-Kiran Baral; and Mix & Master-VAVAE.

The main idea behind the song is to create an anthem for the younger generation of the country and portray them as leaders, taking India forward and being the best, and encouraging them to be the best in all walks of life.