Meghana HarikumarBengaluru: From just 25 participants in 2015 to over 200 in 2025, the Drive for Autism has quietly grown into one of the city’s most heartfelt movements—combining community spirit, advocacy, and an unforgettable treasure hunt across Bengaluru.
This April, the 10th edition of Drive for Autism set the tone for Autism Awareness Month in Bengaluru, weaving together bikers, families, and citizens for a citywide drive that transformed everyday vehicles into moving canvases of empathy. What started as a modest gathering a decade ago—sparked by the vision of former Radio Jockey and autism advocate RJ Snigdha—has now evolved into a full-fledged city event, powered by collective goodwill and growing public consciousness.
Held in partnership with The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, Hotel Conventions Residences and Tusker Harley Davidson – Bengaluru Chapter, the 2025 edition of the Drive was more than just a ride. It was a movement in motion. Participants from diverse walks of life—Jeepers from Bangalore Mudsters, Superbike enthusiasts from Special Initiative Riders, and citizen advocates—decorated their two- and four-wheelers with creative, impactful messages about autism. As they crisscrossed the city, Bengaluru’s streets were transformed into a live gallery of empathy, awareness, and hope.
Post-drive, participants gathered at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru for a morning of breakfast, performances, and curated conversations that deepened the dialogue around autism. High-functioning individuals on the spectrum took to the stage with stirring performances, while caregivers and experts shared first-hand experiences, giving the event an atmosphere of learning, solidarity, and celebration.
Corporate partners like Meraki Eco Designs, Bridge Health, and EssEss Corp lent their support, while the flag-off ceremony saw enthusiastic participation from noted names in the fashion and film industries, including Angana Roy, Raghu Mukherjee, Anu Prabhakar, Sanjay and Shammi Choraria, and special guest Rubin Raj.
Speaking on the occasion, Virender Razdan, General Manager, The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, shared, “At The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru, true leadership means fostering inclusivity and compassion. Drive for Autism’ exemplifies how collective action can spark societal change—and we are proud to stand alongside RJ Snigdha’s inspiring vision.”
RJ Snigdha, the heart and soul behind Drive for Autism, describes it best, “The most powerful change happens when strangers sit together, talk, and leave with understanding. That’s the real journey Drive for Autism takes you on.”
Over the years, Snigdha has turned her personal journey—raising a child on the autism spectrum—into a larger mission of public education and advocacy. Through her initiatives, she has consistently reminded Bengaluru, and beyond, that autism is not a condition to be feared but a reality to be understood, accepted, and embraced.
The partnership with organizations like Autism Society of India, ALFAA, and Mitra for Life continues to anchor the event in community support, ensuring that the initiative remains inclusive and impact-driven.
As RJ Snigdha looks ahead, her vision is clear: to take the Drive for Autism beyond Bengaluru and spark similar movements across Indian cities.
This isn’t just about awareness anymore—it’s about building bridges between worlds, one street, one conversation at a time.
In a world that often rushes past differences, Drive for Autism reminds us to slow down, to listen, and above all, to understand.
Editor
Meghana Harikumar
