VIKRAM DITYA SHARMA/FEROZEPORE
As part of the National Road Safety Month 2025, a grand walkathon was organized in Ferozepur to spread awareness about traffic rules and road safety. More than 1,500 students from 25 schools actively participated in the event, which started from Saragarhi Memorial Road and passed through Sher Shah Wali Chowk, District Administrative Complex, before culminating at DC Model Senior Secondary School.
The event was flagged off by ADGP Traffic A.S. Roy, DC Deepshikha Sharma, SSP Soumya Mishra, educationist Dr. Anirudh Gupta, and Lead Agency Joint Director Deshraj Kamboj. Addressing the students, they emphasized the importance of following traffic rules and encouraged them to spread awareness among their families and friends. Several officials also joined the students in the walkathon.
The walkathon was jointly organized by Lead Agency Road Safety, Punjab State Road Safety Council, Department of Transport Punjab, District Road Safety Committee, Department of School Education, and Mayank Foundation.
Following the walkathon, a special awareness program was conducted at DC Model Senior Secondary School, where police officials educated students about traffic regulations.
School Principal Yachna Chawla welcomed the dignitaries and provided an overview of the initiative.
The event commenced with a lamp-lighting ceremony and a Saraswati Vandana performance by students. Harinder Bhullar moderated the proceedings.
SSP Soumya Mishra highlighted that 28 traffic personnel in the district issued 26,000 challans in the past year, significantly reducing road accidents. She compared murder cases with road accident deaths, stressing that losing lives in traffic accidents is an even greater tragedy. She revealed that in 2023, 135 people died in road accidents in Ferozepur, while in 2024, the number increased to 143.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anirudh Gupta, CEO of DCM Group and President of Mayank Foundation, praised the ongoing efforts of the Traffic Department in implementing innovative safety measures. He noted that road accident rates have decreased in recent years due to improved enforcement and awareness initiatives.
SSP Soumya Mishra highlighted that 28 traffic personnel in the district issued 26,000 challans in the past year, significantly reducing road accidents. She compared murder cases with road accident deaths, stressing that losing lives in traffic accidents is an even greater tragedy. She revealed that in 2023, 135 people died in road accidents in Ferozepur, while in 2024, the number increased to 143.
ADGP Amardeep Singh Rai acknowledged Ferozepur Police’s key role in promoting road safety. He applauded the massive participation of students, stating that their enthusiasm demonstrates a commitment to following and advocating for traffic rules. The ADGP also praised Mayank Foundation for its remarkable efforts, including road safety seminars in schools, helmet distribution, and reflector installation on vehicles.
At the conclusion of the program, Mayank Foundation founder Deepak Sharma extended gratitude to all participants and emphasized the foundation’s commitment to organizing more such events in the future. He noted that Mayank Foundation was specially chosen by the Punjab Lead Agency for this initiative, in collaboration with district administration, police, and schools.
The event was attended by Mayank Foundation founder Deepak Sharma, Secretary Rajeev Setia, Ashwini Sharma, Sandeep Sehgal, Deepak Mathpal, Kamal Sharma, Rakesh Kumar, Harish Monga, Krishna Lal Sachdeva, Aksh, Harinder Bhullar, Gaurav Bhalla, Vikas Aggarwal, Vikram Ditya Sharma, Deputy Principal Manish Banga, Headmistress Ritika Soni, and DGM Anu Sharma, along with other esteemed guests.