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The remarkable story of how off-roaders came to the rescue of those affected by the Wayanad floods headlines issue #15 of Engage 4x4 magazine

We’ve also got a special road test review, some incredible road trips and a few amazing stories of Mahindra aficionados and their notable 4x4s in this issue of Engage 4x4 India!

Team Evo India

Kerala’s sizable off-road community came to the rescue of hundreds during the Wayanad landslide and the floods that followed in July this year. During this unprecedented natural disaster, local off-roading clubs, along with their extremely capable 4x4s, swung into action and assisted in the rescue effort of people who were affected. At a time of immense tragedy, these 4x4s were beacons of light – moving supplies into inaccessible regions and moving the affected people out. Read all about these heroes and their rescue efforts in the latest issue.

In what is our wackiest road test yet, we get behind the wheel of the Mahindra Roadmaster motor-grader to see how it functions and the effort that goes in making a butter smooth road. Sruthi Santhosh also tells us what’s it like to go overlanding through the gorgeous terrains of Namibia, while we meet a few Thar owners in Chandigarh to see why the SUV gets so much love around there, and also join the Indian Army on the Mahindra Hearts to Bravehearts drive which celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Kargil War. We also visit the Mahindra off-road academy in Chennai to sharpen our off-roading skills and join Mahindra SUV owners on the Monastery Escape 2024 to explore Ladakh’s natural beauty.

All this and much more in issue #15 of Engage 4x4 India — get your copy today by clicking here.

Leave no man behind

The Wayanad landslides and subsequent floods in Kerala were a devastating natural disaster that left hundreds stranded and in dire need of rescue. Amidst the chaos and destruction, the off-road community came together, quickly mobilising their 4x4s and resources to assist in the rescue efforts. With their rugged 4x4s equipped to navigate the treacherous conditions left by the landslides, the off-roaders played a crucial role in reaching remote areas that were otherwise inaccessible to rescue teams – becoming lifelines for hundreds of people trapped in the aftermath of the landslides and floods.

Traversing Namibia in a Scorpio-N

Sruthi Santhosh, an overlanding newbie with a sense of adventure, recently embarked on an journey through the stunning yet challenging landscapes of Namibia. Piloting a Mahindra Scorpio-N, she ventured into Namibia’s vast deserts and rocky mountains, ready to experience the thrill of an expedition. This is a story from Shruti’s perspective of her adventures in Africa.

Mahindra Roadmaster test

To see what it takes to make a good road, we get behind the controls of the most luxurious motor-grader from the Roadmaster family — the G9595 Comfort Plus — in what is our wackiest road test yet!

Rain Forest Challenge, India 2024

Mohamed Fahed VP's journey in the world of off-roading is nothing short of inspiring. In 2017, he stood as a spectator, watching in awe as skilled off-roaders tackled the toughest terrains in one of the country's most challenging off-roading competitions. The thrill, the challenge, and the camaraderie of the off-roading community left a lasting impression on him. Little did he know that this moment would ignite a passion that would lead him to winning the 2024 RFC India in his Mahindra-based extreme 4x4 nicknamed The Sloth. This is his story!

Hotspots of the Thar: Chandigarh

We join enthusiasts in Chandigarh to explore a rather unique cultural phenomenon called the 'gedi', where locals step out in the evenings in their cars. This culture, revolving around leisurely drives and socialising, finds a perfect match in the Thar, an SUV that has become a mainstay on the ‘gedi’ route. To truly understand why the Thar is so integral to this lifestyle, we joined a group of Thar enthusiasts for an off-roading session, followed by a leisurely drive around town.

Off-roading in Vattavada

In the picturesque hills nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, a group of grown men have found an unconventional way to spend their weekends: intentionally getting their 4x4s stuck in the thick, slushy trails that snake through the lush green landscape. These men, bonded by their love for off-roading, see these challenging terrains not as obstacles but as opportunities for thrill, camaraderie, and adventure.

Pimp my Thar with Prad 4x4

The Thar is a versatile and rugged SUV that already boasts impressive off-road capabilities straight from the factory. However, for those who want to enhance its performance, comfort, and everyday usability, PRAD 4x4 offers a range of modifications specifically designed for Thar owners. Whether you’re planning serious off-roading adventures or just want to make your Thar more comfortable and practical for daily use, we bring you five must-have modifications.

Mahindra Monastery Escape 2024

One of the most awaited Mahindra Adventure events of the year, the Monastery Escape takes enthusiasts across the breathtaking landscapes of Ladakh. Known for its high-altitude deserts, snow-capped mountains, and ancient monasteries, Ladakh offers a blend of adventure and spiritual serenity.

Mahindra off-road academy: Chennai

We visit Mahindra’s off-roading training centre in Chennai to brush up on our off-roading skills. We bring you the full story including plenty of the tips and tricks he picked up during his time behind the wheel

Sahyadri off-road challenge 2024

The fourth edition attracted some of the best off-roaders from across the country, with over 250 drivers taking part in an epic off-road fest on the outskirts of Pune

The Passionates: Part 2

The legacy of Mahindra SUVs is rich with tales of adventure, passion, and a deep connection between the vehicles and their owners. In this second instalment of ‘The Passionates’, from Adil Jal Darukhanawala’s book — Timeless Mahindra — we delve into the lives of vintage Mahindra SUV owners who cherish their vehicles as prized possessions.

Departure angle: Killar to Kishtwar

The old trail from Killar to Kishtwar, once deemed the most dangerous road in India, is a route that beckons hardcore off-roaders from across the country. Winding its way through the majestic Himalayas, this trail is characterised by its breathtaking yet treacherous scenery — steep cliffs, narrow paths, and a dirt track that hugs the mountain edges.