I am not a Grand Prix addict and speed races do not send me into raptures. But a casual conversation with a friend left me curious. He told me of a special car rally, to be held on November 30, where the navigators are blind boys and girls. 

Karun, who is associated with the National Association for the Blind (NAB) in Karnataka, helped to set up a meeting with a few of the navigators.

An air of excitement fills the room at NAB in Jeevan Bima Nagar as the talkative bunch walks in.

They have more questions for me than I have for them. "Do you know that the rally is a fun event and not a bhashan-type of programme?" "Do you drive?" "Will you participate?"Ask your friends to come along too, won't you?" "Do you know that we can read tulip charts in braille?"

Momentarily speechless, I marvel at their confidence. They promise to be back once their chores for the morning are done. They walk around the campus, skirting stones and puddles, without a single misstep. Some of them get busy with their laundry while others are off to attend music and dance classes.

An hour later, a young girl comes down the stairs, walks up to me and says, "Hi, I'm Renuka. I will be participating in the rally and I've been waiting to do this for 12 long months."

Renuka is an accomplished dancer as well. She has toured the United States and the United Kingdom on the invitation of governments, not-for-profit groups and cultural associations.

She points to the tulip chart and patiently explains how someone like her would read a route map. Her enthusiasm is infectious and I wonder aloud if we could go for a drive. Will she be my navigator? Necessary permissions are sought and obtained from Mr Srinivas at the NAB office and we are in the car.

Without exaggeration, this is turning out to be the best drive of my life. My navigator is poised, confident and calm. Blaring horns and loud conversation do not distract her as she pores over her map. She cautions me of a busy junction ahead, she tells me there's a T-Junction coming up ahead and she admonishes me when I get a little carried away and step on the gas.

Ten minutes and ten kilometres later, I tell her I'd like to drive back to NAB, and she's got the route ready.
I come away impressed and humbled.

To watch confident youngsters like Renuka demonstrate exceptional navigation skills, be at:

What: The 5th IMG Car Rally for the Blind
When: November 30, 2008
Flag off: Total Mall on Sarjapur Road at 9 am
CONTACT: Srinivas M (Ph: 098455 99798).