Kochi-based Thomas Chacko, all of 63 years, is an avid motoring aficionado who embarked upon a national expedition in his Tata Nano starting from Mumbai on May 3, 2012. On July 21, 2012, Chacko proudly completed his dream project, which spanned over 78 days. He covered a distance of 26,500 km during the course of his road trip, treading asphalt across all state capitals and union territories in the country, as well as 100 towns and cities.
Over the course of these 78 days, Chacko took the Nano to the farthest corners of the country including Tawang in the east, Kanyakumari in the south, Dwarka in the west and Kargil in the north. He also climbed the highest and second-highest motorable roads in the world, Khardung la and Tanglang La, driving at a maximum elevation of 18380 ft. He further travelled to the geographical centre of India, Nagpur and the hilly terrains of Bhutan.
After finishing the trip, Chacko commented, “I chose the Tata Nano for this journey because it is the car that has put India on the world motoring map. It also has very good ground clearance and climbs well. The journey was not a joyride but an expedition to explore the country and know the people.” The Tata Nano traversed some of the roughest terrains in the country in all kinds of weather conditions during these 78 days and has emerged as a victor in the endurance test.
Chacko further added, “The Nano is a dream project. It is every person’s aspiration to own a car and the Nano fulfils this dream. In a way, this small wonder has fulfilled my dream to explore India. This journey has indeed been an achievement and a book is very much on the cards. It would perhaps be named Mano et Nano: India to its farthest reaches.”
Tata Nano has participated in many car rallies and expeditions to showcase its ruggedness and dependability and has always made Tata Motors proud. The car maker will further continue to encourage such expeditions to make its customers better understand the brand and the experience that comes with it.
Thomas Chacko happens to be a FCS passed out from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. A company secretary by profession, Chacko has served a 20-year tenure as company secretary and interim chief executive of a leading plantation firms. Being a motor sports fanatic, he has participated in many events and has also watched Formula One races in Sepang, Malaysia; Singapore and Monaco. Also, Chachko has a zest for travelling and has been to more than 27 countries and driven his cars on the roads of Bhutan, Canada, Malaysia, Oman, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the UAE, the UK & the USA.
Chacko has also penned several articles related to motorsports and is the author of a historical novel in the backdrop of 16th century Europe and South India, namely 'Without a City Wall'.
