Riding high on passion

Biking enthusiasts in the City for in for a treat recently at the Harley Owners Group (HOGs) ‘Ride for Literacy’ held in association with Tusker Harley Davidson. The passion for motorcycles was put to the best use as the bikers rode for the benefit of Smile Foundation to help send less privileged children to school. 

Flagging off by the kids of Smile Foundation from the Tusker Harley-Davidson showroom on Lavelle Road and culminating at the Prestige Golfshire, the 100 km ride was joined by 20 HOGs from Bangalore. 

The HOGs supported 60 children through the ride and even displayed placards on the importance of education in an attempt to encourage more people to send at least one less privileged child to school.

Salamath Shariff, a participant, said, “We all had dreams when we were kids and were fortunate enough to have people around who helped these dreams convert into reality. As the privileged section of society, we all need to bring about the changes that we wish to see. This is one humble step towards the same. I am happy to be a part of this ride for this noble initiative.”

Arun Ramdas, another biker, was as excited to have been a part of the ride. “Education is a basic tool for human development. Today, there are so many children who have no access to education because of difficult social circumstances. It is the responsibility of people like us to bring about the much needed change in the lives of these underprivileged children,” he said, adding, “To be able to do that by following my passion of riding made it all the more memorable.”

Sharing his experience, Vijay Bharadwaj, director of HOGs Bangalore, said, “Harley rides are an integral part of every HOG member. And when it gets clubbed with a social message, it gives one immense satisfaction and happiness as we become the reason for someone to smile. 
I am personally thrilled to be a part of a ride knowing such a worthwhile charity is going to benefit from my sponsorship and that itself is a great motivation.”
The sensitisation-cum-fund raising campaign was a big hit among the riders, who went home after the long journey knowing that they had done their good deed for the day.