Anand Mahindra, the Chairperson of Mahindra and Mahindra, recently made headlines by gifting a Mahindra XUV400 EV electric SUV to R Praggnanandhaa, the top-ranked chess player in India. This generous gesture was a token of appreciation for Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable achievements in the world of chess, including surpassing Viswanathan Anand in chess rankings.
Mahindra’s decision to gift the XUV400 EV stemmed from his recognition of Praggnanandhaa’s exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. In a promise made back in 2023, Mahindra pledged to support the young chess grandmaster, a commitment that was fulfilled with the delivery of the electric SUV.
The Mahindra XUV400 EV holds a special place in the company’s lineup as the sole electric SUV, offering versatility and eco-friendliness to its users. Boasting two battery pack options – 34.5 kWh and 39.4 kWh – the XUV400 EV provides flexibility and choice to suit various driving needs. With a power output of 150 PS and torque of 310 Nm, it delivers impressive performance, ensuring a smooth and responsive driving experience. Its claimed range, rated by the MIDC, stands at 375 km for the 34.5 kWh battery pack and 456 km for the 39.4 kWh battery pack, making it suitable for both urban commutes and long-distance journeys.
Moreover, the Mahindra XUV400 EV received model year enhancements in January 2024, making it even more feature-rich and appealing to consumers. Notable additions include a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, dual-zone AC, a sunroof, and wireless phone charging. On the safety front, it comes equipped with up to six airbags, electronic stability program (ESP), hill hold assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and a rear parking camera. Competitively priced between Rs 15.49 lakh and Rs 19.39 lakh, the Mahindra XUV400 EV caters to a wide range of customers.
Mahindra’s gift was not only a gesture of recognition for Praggnanandhaa’s achievements but also a demonstration of support for his parents, Shrimati Nagalakshmi and Shri Rameshbabu. By gifting them an electric car, Mahindra aimed to encourage the nurturing of children’s interests, particularly in cerebral pursuits like chess, while also promoting sustainability through the adoption of electric vehicles. This thoughtful gesture underscored Mahindra’s commitment to supporting talent and fostering a better future for all.
In a poignant moment captured in 2023, a widely circulated photograph immortalized the pride and admiration of R Praggnanandhaa’s mother as she gazed at her son. This emotional snapshot marked the culmination of Praggnanandhaa’s journey to the finals of the FIDE World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan. Anand Mahindra, moved by the powerful image, reposted it on X with a heartfelt caption: “Maa, tujhe Salaam (Mother, salute to you).”
The post sparked a conversation, with one user suggesting that Praggnanandhaa deserved Mahindra’s Thar, a symbol of recognition often bestowed upon athletes for their exceptional accomplishments. However, Mahindra responded with a different proposal, emphasizing his desire to support the parents of Praggnanandhaa by gifting them an electric car. In his thoughtful reply, Mahindra expressed the importance of nurturing children’s interests, particularly in cerebral pursuits like chess, and underscored the parallels between investing in a better future through chess and embracing electric vehicles. Thus, Mahindra proposed gifting an XUV4OO EV to Praggnanandhaa’s parents, Shrimati Nagalakshmi and Shri Rameshbabu, as a token of gratitude for their unwavering support and dedication to their son’s passion.
