“Behavioral transformation and cumulative societal efforts are essential to make our roads safer and accident-free,” said DCP Traffic Archit Chandak during the Road Safety Awareness Campaign organized by Ismaili CIVIC at RBI Square, Nagpur. The campaign, focused on promoting road safety, was held simultaneously at several locations, including Old Katol Naka, Variety Square (Sitabuldi), Shankar Nagar Square, and Telephone Exchange.
DCP Chandak, who visited RBI Square and Shankar Nagar Square, expressed his concern over the increasing number of fatalities due to road accidents. He praised Ismaili CIVIC for their innovative approach to raising awareness and engaging the public in such an enthusiastic manner. Dr. Suleman Virani, President of the Ismaili Council for Central, Northern, and Eastern India, welcomed and honoured him at the event. Other notable attendees included Dr. Jasmine Ajani, Local Council President, Aashima Jiwani, Regional Council Secretary, Farhana Ahmed, Chief of Ismaili CIVIC Nagpur Board, and Hussain Ajani.
Dr. Suleman Virani emphasized the significance of the initiative and briefed DCP Chandak on the various global activities undertaken by Ismaili CIVIC. He highlighted the organization’s efforts across 36 countries and over 600 programs, concentrating on areas such as environmental conservation, cleanliness, health and lifestyle, poverty eradication, and the upliftment of underprivileged communities.
Virani expressed his gratitude to the Nagpur traffic police and emphasized that small but significant measures can help prevent road accidents, referencing recent traffic police data. He pointed out that common causes of road accidents, such as speeding, not wearing helmets, disregarding traffic signals, and using mobile phones while driving, contribute to the high rate of road fatalities in India. With lakhs of lives lost each year due to negligence in road safety, the campaign aimed to raise awareness about these critical issues.
Citizens from the Ismaili community in Nagpur, representing various age groups, enthusiastically participated in the campaign, delivering important road safety messages at busy traffic junctions. Approximately 12-15 volunteers, including Scouts and Guides from the Ismaili community, played an active role in ensuring the smooth execution of the campaign, making it a meaningful and successful initiative for promoting road safety. Farhana Ahmed, Chief of Ismaili CIVIC Nagpur Board, stated that similar activities will be organized regularly and will collaborate with the Nagpur Traffic Police during January, which is designated as Traffic Awareness Month.