Pune: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims observed in Hinjawadi 

The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims was observed on 16 November 2025 across the world. This day is meant to remember people who lost their lives in road accidents and to spread awareness about road safety. This year’s theme was “Lost Talent.”

In Pune, Parisar and the Transport Commissioner’s Office organized special activities to mark the day. A silent Walkathon was held at Yash-One Society, Pathak Road, Maan, Hinjawadi Phase 1. After the walk, a memorial event was held in the society’s Multi-Purpose Hall to pay tribute to road crash victims.

Parisar’s Programme Director, Ranjit Gadgil, spoke about the importance of the day and said that every citizen must take responsibility for road safety. Road crash victims and families also shared their experiences:

 • Santosh Borate – Lost his daughter Pratyusha in a cement mixer crash; demanded stricter road safety enforcement.

 • Harini Kandala – Said children in the area, including her son, are mentally affected and scared to go outside due to unsafe roads.

 • Swapnil Thakur – Fell because of an open manhole and was hit by a car; has three metal plates in his body and had to leave his IT job due to long recovery.

 • Sameer Deshmukh – Lost his leg in a Leh–Ladakh crash; faced many struggles afterwards.

 • Leena Vardham – Seriously injured after a truck hit her in Ravet; still fears going on the road.

Government representative Savita Pawar (Deputy RTO, Pimpri-Chinchwad) said that transport has become an essential part of daily life and everyone must follow traffic rules. She stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility.

Rahul Sonawane (Senior Police Inspector, Hinjawadi) said that traffic rule enforcement in Hinjawadi is being made stricter. He added that using public transport can reduce traffic and accidents. He also requested people to help accident victims instead of taking photos and videos.

From BVG, Priyansh Jawale and Vedvyas More explained the Good Samaritan Law and the BVG App. 

Journalists working on road safety, Dr. Bharat Bhosale, and ambulance driver Yogesh Pokale were honoured for their contributions.

 Participants also took a road safety pledge. The Charter of Demands on road safety was handed over in written form to the government’s chief guest by all the victims.

On behalf of Parisar, Sushil Pathare conducted the programme and presented detailed information from the MoRTH Road Crash Report 2023. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released the report in August 2025. According to the report, India recorded 4,80,583 road crashes in 2023, resulting in 1,72,890 deaths and 4,62,825 injuries. Compared to 2022, road crashes increased by 4.2%, fatalities by 2.6%, and injuries by 4.4%.

In Maharashtra, 35,243 crashes were reported, placing the state 6th in the country. With 15,366 deaths, Maharashtra ranks 3rd, and with 29,764 injuries, it stands 6th nationally. On average, the state records 97 crashes, 42 deaths, and 82 injuries every day—meaning nearly two deaths every hour, which is extremely alarming.

Around 75 to 80 citizens participated in the event. Special support was received from Yash-One Society, Maan, along with Mahadev Dhotre, Harini Kandala, and Ravi Sinha. Parisar team members Aditya Chavande, Shweta Vernekar, Poornima Ghabale, Madhumita Sawant, Mrunal Ghadge, and Janani worked dedicatedly to make the programme successful.