Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 13: The city traffic police and the transport department observed National Road Safety Month 2025 at Fiza by Nexus Mall on Thursday, February 13. Although National Road Safety Month officially took place from January 1 to January 31, the event was marked on this day.
The programme was inaugurated by police commissioner Anupam Agrawal, along with Tulu film actor Aravind Bolar.
Speaking on the occasion, Aravind Bolar emphasized that most road accidents occur due to human negligence. He stated, "While it is important to prioritize our safety, we must also be mindful of others on the road. When riding two-wheelers, we often break traffic rules, such as riding three on a bike. To avoid fines, some even drive in the wrong direction when they spot the police. Instead of questioning what the country has given us, we need to focus on what we have contributed to it."
He also highlighted the selfless service of traffic wardens, citing a retired professional who continues to manage traffic at Padua, calling it a noble service that deserves support.
Aravind further remarked, "When we travel abroad, we see cars maintaining a safe distance, but in India, vehicles often stick together with no gap. We frequently complain about potholes and blame the authorities, but it is also our responsibility to take action and address these issues rather than just pointing fingers."
Police commissioner Anupam Agrawal urged citizens to be responsible and alert while following traffic rules. He highlighted the efforts of awareness programs that have reached over 8,000 students, yet the number of traffic-related deaths remains high. "In our country, we witness hundreds of thousands of fatalities every year due to road accidents," he said.
Meanwhile, students from St Agnes College performed a street play to raise awareness about traffic safety. The management of Fiza by Nexus Mall felicitated police commissioner Anupam Agrawal, Tulu actor Aravind Bolar, and several traffic wardens for their contributions.
Other notable attendees included DCP (Crime and Traffic) Ravi Shankar, DCP (Law and Order) Siddarth Goyal, RTO commissioner Sridhar K Mallad, assistant general manager of Fiza by Nexus Mall Sunil K S, and others.