Sheher ki Ladki, Raveena Tandon goes the Aranyak way for the Rhinos with the Anvayins Kaziranga Ultra Run

The Anvayins Kaziranga Ultra Run 2023 scheduled for January 28, 2023 has a unique social objective - to express support for the rare-one horned rhinoceros and deepen public consciousness for the glorious animal.

Noted Bollywood actor, Raveena Tandon has come on board to support the cause of rhinos while promoting Northeast India. A wildlife enthusiast and activist herself, Raveena will also be visiting the Kaziranga National Park in early 2023 with Anvayins for a rendezvous with the animal and understand the various efforts for its conservation. Speaking at the press conference held at Mumbai on December 21, 2022, Raveena said, “It is important for mankind to understand that life is about coexistence. When you build roads across the jungle, it is important to fence them and make overhead or underground pathways for animals. Man-animal conflict will always exist, but when initiatives like Anvayins Kaziranga Ultra Run initiated by Nishikant Das are conceived to protect the rhino and other wildlife, they will always have my support.”

The Anvayins Kaziranga Ultra Run 2023, the first ever ultra-run in Assam, will have four race categories for runners to choose from – 52 KM 26 KM, 14 KM and 5 KM. This trail runs through pristine rural settings, paddy fields and tea plantations that promise to make their city counterparts look less exciting. The Government of India through the Ministry of Development of Northeast Region (M-DoNER) has extended its support for the initiative while Sports Authority of India has endorsed the event under its Fit India Movement program. We are proud to be associated with Bandhan Bank as they present this event. We are also delighted to have HDFC ERGO as Wellness Partner and HDFC Life as Life Insurance Partner. Resort Borgos, one of the premium properties at Kaziranga has joined as the Venue Partner. The event is organized by Anvayins Travels Private Limited, a Northeast India focused travel and hospitality platform that offers curated journeys through the region.

Kaziranga, arguably the best-known face of Assam, is home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros. After a steady decline in its population largely due to poaching, the number of rhinos has gradually increased in the last decade due to focused efforts by the government and various foundations dedicated to rhino conservation. In line with the goal of the ultra-run, a portion of funds available in excess of expenses of the event will be contributed towards the conservation of the Kaziranga rhino.

Nishikant Das, founder and CEO, Anvayins expressed, "This event not only aims at making a contribution to the cause of rhino conservation but also is another initiative by Anvayins to facilitate a deeper understanding of Northeast India, a land of exquisite natural beauty and extraordinary socio-cultural practices amongst the rest of the country. Accordingly, we are determined to make it an annual national event."

While Anvayins had originally committed to the entire capital for the event, the company has now received financial sponsorship from reputed financial institutions such Bandhan Bank Ltd, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Ltd and HDFC LIFE Insurance Company Ltd. Apurva Sircar, Head – Marketing, Bandhan Bank, said, “It is our pleasure to be associated with Anvayins Kaziranga Ultra Run 2023. For Bandhan Bank, Northeast and Assam have always been important markets. And it is heartening to see that Anvayins is focussed on creating meaningful impact in the realm of wildlife conservation and climate in these areas. Further, Anvayins' cause resonates with Bandhan as an organisation - sustainability and holistic development. We look forward to partnering them in this exciting initiative that upholds fitness as well as sustainability.”

For HDFC ERGO, the event encourages fitness and health that motivated the institution to join as the wellness partner. Ms. Shilpa Desai, EVP & Head of Marketing, HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, said, “In our endeavour towards serving India for the last 20 years, we at HDFC ERGO are committed to encouraging holistic wellness for our customers, employees, partners and all stakeholders. Our association with Anvayins for Kaziranga Ultra Run 2023 showcases our commitment to drive wellness and touch lives across North-East India while propelling awareness around environmental conservation.”

The nature-friendly theme of the event aimed towards securing the future for the rhinos, resonated with HDFC LIFE who have joined as the life insurance partner. Lavneesh Gupta, Group Head - Bancassurance, HDFC Life said, "We are pleased to associate with the Anvayins Kaziranga Ultra Run 2023. As part of our social responsibility, we are focused on doing our part to make the world a better place. We are delighted to support this event that contributes towards the protection and conservation of the one-horned rhinoceros - an essential member of the forest ecosystem." Resort Borgos said: “We are privileged to host and sponsor the Anvayins Kaziranga Ultra Run 2023.

Stating that she will be ain Kaziranga in and around the run, Raveena said that whenever such initiatives are on, I will always be there in spirit, standing with a placard, cheering. We need such action to preserve the environment!”