DRIVERS OF Change

A 12,000km journey with the Mahindra XUV700 across India as Auto Today Special Projects Team share stories of extraordinary people who have dedicated their lives either to the development of the nation or the preservation of our rich cultural heritage

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Since 1947, Mahindra & Mahindra is a name that's been synonymous with ever-growing change and an ability to ford the toughest of terrains thanks to its robust and off-roadfocused vehicles. The homegrown brand's portfolio today is an extensive one, with offerings like the XUV3X0 to the Thar Roxx as well as the new age BE 6 electric vehicle. The coming together of the India Today Group and Mahindra Automotive for yet another season of Drivers of Change, with Auto Today at the helm, is a testament to the brand's belief in recognising the efforts of key individuals across the country. This time around, the theme followed 'Vikas' and 'Virasat', which translates to development and legacy, both of which are bywords in a country like India. A total of 15 unique individuals were chosen to be a part of this epic undertaking, each of which had proved to be pioneers in their respective fields, and are the reason for change in the system. Each of these achievers has a special story, each of them belongs to a field that sets it apart from the crowd and deserves the attention as well as praise from across the country. Venturing to each of these individuals' home grounds was no easy task, but this was the best way to celebrate their achievements and bring them to the fore. To commemorate this momentous occasion, which marked the start of a voyage that would see three Mahindra XUV700, the brand's flagship ICE-powered SUV, journey across the extensive network of expressways, highways and back roads from almost each and every part of the country. To flag off the start, the entire team assembled at M&M's plant in Kandivali. This included Rajesh Jejurikar, ED & CEO, Auto & Farm Sectors along with Neha Anand, VP & Head- XUV Brand Portfolio & International Marketing as well as Yogendra Pratap, Editor, Auto Today. After words of encouragement from senior leadership at Mahindra Automotive, it was time for us to commence this grand tour that would see the Auto Toda