Recap · 24 Dec 2023 – 1 Jan 2024 · Madhya Pradesh
Sangam 2023-24 — Where it all started
The first Sangam: nine days from Bargi Dam to the edge of Kanha, ending with a New Year's flag-off for a tradition that's run every year since.
The first flag-off
An idea, a route, and a hundred members
Barely a few months after the founding charter was signed in Jabalpur, the committee mapped out something bigger than a chapter meet — a nine-day convoy across Madhya Pradesh, ending with the whole association ringing in the New Year together. A hundred members and forty vehicles made the trip. By the time the convoy reached Mandla for the New Year's countdown, Sangam had already become an annual tradition.
Assembly & Flag Off · 24 Dec, 10:00 AM
Maikal Resort, Bargi Dam
The convoy assembled at Maikal Resort on the shores of Bargi Dam, just outside Jabalpur — a short drive from where the association's founding charter had been signed only months earlier. Flags went up at 10 AM and the first Sangam was officially on the road.
- Vehicle check-in & documentation
- Flag-off ceremony
- Rig introductions
- Convoy briefing & route safety talk
Rig introductions
First Camping Site · 24–27 Dec
Gugra Falls, Mandla
Three days camped by Gugra Falls in Tehsil Niwas, Mandla district — the convoy's first proper campsite, and the first community service stop of the trip.
- Waterfall trek & viewpoint walks
- Campfire storytelling
- Local cuisine
- Rig clinic & knowledge sharing
- Medical camp for villagers
- Stationery & book distribution
Camp by the falls
Second Camping Site · 27–30 Dec
Kanha Kisli, Mocha Village
Three days at Mocha village, on the doorstep of Kanha National Park — one of central India's best-known tiger reserves — for wildlife, forest trails and a slower pace before the New Year push.
- Wildlife safari near Kanha National Park
- Forest trail exploration
- Local village cuisine
- Shops & exhibitions: overlanding gear, local craft
- Blanket distribution
- Nature cleaning drive
Camp near Kanha
Third Camping Site · 30 Dec – 1 Jan
New Year's Eve, Mandla
The convoy closed out the year at the Tourist Motel, Madhya Pradesh Tourism, Mandla — inside a secured, fenced campus, with venue and food costs shared equally across every participant. Rooms were limited and went on a first-come, first-served basis. The very first Sangam wrapped up on New Year's Day, right after breakfast.
- New Year's Eve celebration
- Shared community dinner
- Campfire & music
- Association's first annual general meeting
- Closing circle & farewells
- Event closing — 1 Jan, post breakfast
Campfire & music
Closing circle & farewells
We booked three campsites and a fenced motel for New Year's, half-joking that we'd "see if anyone actually shows up." A hundred people showed up. We've never had to ask that question again.
— Dr. Rajendra Dhande, OAI President
See how far Sangam has come
From Bargi Dam to the edge of Kanha in the first year, to nine days across three states by 2025 — follow the story through every Sangam since.