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On August 30, 2024, the 35th edition of the Ford-supported "Braille On Wheels" car rally kicked off from Hotel Savera in Chennai’s Mylapore neighborhood, with nearly 100 cars weaving through the city. What makes this rally stand out isn’t just the vintage vehicles or the competitive spirit—it’s the navigators. All of them are visually impaired, using Braille route maps to guide their drivers through a timed, distance-based course.
The event, organized by the National Association for the Blind – Tamil Nadu Chapter in partnership with the Madras Motor Sports Club and the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India, follows a strict Time, Speed, and Distance (TSD) format. Teams are given a set of Braille instructions that describe landmarks, turns, and checkpoints across the city. The driver follows the navigator’s directions, while other team members assist with timing and note-taking. The result is a collaborative, high-energy challenge that tests communication and trust.
“This is not just a rally; it’s a platform for inclusion,” said R. S. Krishnan, secretary of the National Association for the Blind – Tamil Nadu Chapter. “Every year, we see participants come back with more confidence. They prove that blindness does not limit what you can achieve.” The event also receives strong support from Ford India, which has been involved since its early days. A Ford spokesperson noted that the company values initiatives that break down barriers and promote mobility for all.
The rally route typically covers 80 to 100 kilometers, passing through iconic Chennai landmarks such as Marina Beach, Fort St. George, and the Kapaleeshwarar Temple. Each team must adhere to a strict schedule—arriving too early or too late incurs penalties. This requires precise coordination between the navigator and driver, especially when navigating busy intersections or narrow lanes.
For participants like 32-year-old Priya Chandrasekaran,
