News18 Network, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles announce ‘National Saarthi Diwas’ on Oct 23

New Delhi: News18 Network and Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles have announced an initiative to celebrate October 23 as ‘National Saarthi Diwas’, recognising the contribution of truck drivers to India's transport and logistics sector. The announcement was made at the ‘Desh Ke Super Saarthi’ conclave in Delhi on October 19, which brought together government representatives, industry leaders and transport-sector stakeholders to discuss driver welfare, road safety and working conditions. The initiative forms part of the two organisations' ongoing ‘Desh Ke Super Saarthi’ campaign, which seeks to bring greater public attention to truck drivers and the challenges they face. Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, attended the conclave as chief guest. He highlighted concerns around drivers spending long hours on the road, the need for adequate rest and access to medical facilities, including regular attention to eyesight and overall health. Tamta also sought details of the campaign's work over the years, along with plans for activities on National Saarthi Diwas and initiatives to support drivers throughout the year. The conclave featured two panel discussions examining the relationship between operational efficiency and driver welfare. The first session, ‘Efficiency × Empathy = Real Progress: Building a Safer, More Inclusive & Dignified Future for India's Saarthis’, brought together representatives from transport associations, logistics organisations and industry bodies. Participants included Dr Veni Mathur, Vice Chairman, CILT; Ramesh Agarwal, Patron and Chairman, Welfare and Wellbeing of Drivers, AITWA; Dr Harish Sabharwal, President, AIMTC; Mohit Kapoor, Chair, Projects and Events Committee, Warehousing Association of India; and S. Tajinder Singh, National President, Parivahan Morcha. A second discussion focused on how businesses could improve operational performance while prioritising the welfare of drivers. Speakers included representatives from Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, Safexpress, KPMG, Integral Logistics Services, CONCOR and Triumph Auto. Actor, writer and producer Randeep Hooda also participated in a fireside chat titled ‘Finding Dignity in Every Journey’, where he discussed the potential for cinema to portray the lives and experiences of truck drivers and bring their contributions to wider public attention. Through National Saarthi Diwas, News18 Network and Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles aim to extend the conversation around drivers beyond the conclave, with an emphasis on recognising their contribution and keeping their welfare in focus throughout the year.