Afternoon-Voice showcasing VBI-MYV (http://www.afternoonvoice.com/volunteer-for-a-better-india-vbi.html)
Vasudha Jhunjhunwala
Volunteer for a Better India (VBI)
Mumbai, a social initiative of the Art of Living in association with Mumbai traffic police launched a unique road safety initiative – ‘MIND YOUR VEHICLE’
This initiative of Mumbai Traffic Safety Week from May 6th to May 12th , 2013 was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Chief Secretary of Maharashtra, Mr. J.K. Bhantia at 9.00 am at Churchgate station signal along with Hon’ble Joint Commissioner of Police, Mr. Vivek Phansalkar and Volunteers for a better India. To mark the inauguration and inspire the volunteers, Mr. J.K. Bhantia distributed rear view pledge hangers to various public and private vehicle owners bearing a promise “I will drive responsibly”. At the same time, nukkad natak based on the theme of road safety was performed by Volunteers for a Better India – Mumbai which was highly encouraging and appealing. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has extended support by agreeing to paint zebra crossings at pre-determined number of traffic signals. Mind your vehicle, though, had kick started early in the morning at 6.00 a.m. as volunteers spread across ten busiest parks/gardens/morning walk areas of Mumbai like Marine Drive, National Park – Borivali, Poisar Gymkhana – Kandivali, Chintamani gardens – Mulund, Mini sea shore – Vashi, Worli sea face, Shivaji park, Joggers park, Lokhandwala park, Juhu beach, Thakur complex garden, making around 2500 citizens sign a pledge that they will drive responsibly henceforth taking care of at least 5 traffic rules which are I will not use mobile while driving, will not break signals, will belt up while driving, will stop vehicle before zebra crossing and will not drink and drive. Road safety is a public interest concern as road transport accidents are increasing at alarming rate in India, claiming one life every 3.7 minutes. Mumbai tops the cities of road accidents in India with more than 25000 accidents last year as per road transport ministry report. Mind your vehicle is a solution oriented initiative intended to not just cry and crib about the situation but bring about a turnaround in attitude of every citizen that road safety is highest priority while driving and thus make Mumbai a better city.
Today onwards, parks, gardens, malls, bus depots, taxi stands, gas stations will see a determined group of volunteers set with placards of traffic rules and pledges educating citizens about the importance of traffic discipline and imbibing the culture of responsible driving through banners, signature campaign and distribution of car danglers and this will continue right through till 12th May across Mumbai city. 11th May will see Mumbaikar volunteers in large numbers manning signals from Borivali to Churchgate and from CST to Thane like Borivali, Goregaon, Andheri, Bandra, Dadar, Churchgate, Mumlund, Thane, etc. equipped with banners educating fellow citizens thus heightening the awareness on road safety. 12th May will see the finale by awarding certificate of recognition to the traffic police across Mumbai.