A Dandi March inspired Pedestrian Day for Punekars

October 2^nd was celebrated as Pedestrian’s Day by Punekars. The Global Shaper’s Club was seen at seven major road junctions across the city. October 2^nd also being Gandhi Jayanti, the groups took inspiration from Gandhi’s Dandi March to encourage pedestrians to join the movement of road safety and awareness. Speaking of the initiative Tejaswi Satpute, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) shared, “This is a good initiative which involves the youth and I extend my support.I suggest that along with thanking those wearing helmet, you can also spread awareness about zebra crossing”.

The theme of the day was “You are a Hero” and since heroes inspire others and save lives, the groups greeted people wearing helmets at traffic signal junctions by calling them a hero as the people were saving their own life and inspiring the ones who did not. Speaking of the initiative, Devendra Jani, Alumni Shaper at Global Shapers Pune and the head of this project shared, “Penalizing those breaking traffic rules is critical. However, appreciating those who are following traffic rules is equally important. It goes long way to encourage them to continue believing in system and inspire young generation.”

The event saw a total of 471 citizens receiving appreciation by students giving out handwritten thank you notes and cards while 74 citizens pledged to use footpaths instead of walking on roads. The event saw a variety of NGOs coming together after a Facebook invite was circulated. Kharadi Junction saw children from Labor Camp and Faza Foundation, Tara Foundation at Anand Nagar, Renovatio at Amanora, LetsRise at Nal Stop, EcoAd at City Pride, Do Save Foundation at Hinjewadi and Swachh Kalyani at Kalyani Nagar Junction.
The event also received an active participation from the traffic cops.