Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Oct 1: NCC and NSS students of Milagres College, Kallianpur organized a massive awareness campaign in the form of a bike rally here on Thursday October 1, the day compulsory helmet rule for students came into effect.

Fr Stany B Lobo flagged off the rally at the college campus. The rally passed through Santhekatte, Ambagilu, Gundibailu, city bus stand, Diana circle, Jodukatte, Brahmagiri circle and culminated at SP's office in Bannanje. The students sitting pillion on two-wheelers carried messages promoting road safety.

Addressing the students, SP Annamalai said that he was extremely thankful to the college principals as well as students for conducting such a useful programme. "I am hopeful and confident about the success of the compulsory helmet rule. All college principals have shown their support by giving strict instructions to their students. We will concentrate more on those colleges where the rule is not being followed. By this week every college will have to enforce this rule," he said.

The district police department has issued notices to more than 32 colleges regarding compulsory wearing of helmets.

Speaking to media persons regarding license documents of riders, he said, "We have not taken any stern action on this so far. From this week on we will carry out a document checking operation. All principals have agreed to it."

"Udupi district police has received good response from Hassan and Tumakuru for the campaign. We are focusing on social media also to spread awareness. The department has reached out tomore than 15,000 students so far," he added.

SP Annamalai appreciated the students' efforts and said, "We feel motivated to offer more services to society. This is just the beginning; more rules are yet to take shape. If the compulsory helmet rule achieves hundred percent success in its implementation, then Udupi will shine as the first city in India in terms of following government rules.

"If the government implements any plans for our good, then rules and regulations should be voluntarily practised," the SP said.

Dr Neri Cornelio, Milagres College principal promised that he would always support the police department and said that such student-friendly campaigns will help to save lives.

P Yuvaraj CMC president, Janardan Thonse, town planning president, Rovers leader Dr Jayaram, NSS officer Nityanada, NCC officer Marvin D’Souza, Dy SP Chandrashekhar and others were present. More than 200 students participated in the rally.