Pune: First ‘Kartavyadharma Nishtha’ Award Presented In Mohammadwadi To Late Driver Shankar Nagargoje
Pune: First ‘Kartavyadharma Nishtha’ Award Presented In Mohammadwadi To Late Driver Shankar Nagargoje
Pune, December 3, 2025: The newly instituted “Kartavyadharma Nishtha” award—created to promote road safety, support accident-affected families, and recognise personnel who act responsibly during road emergencies—was presented for the first time to the family of the late dumper driver Shankar Nagargoje. The award has been initiated by the Ashok Mehendale Mitra Parivar, with support from social workers including Laxman Upadhyay, Abbas Motiwala and Vijay Dudhan.
The award ceremony was held at Raheja Reserve Society Hall in Mohammadwadi, where Nagargoje was honoured posthumously for his exemplary presence of mind.
According to organisers, on June 15, 2025, Nagargoje suffered a massive heart attack while driving his dumper on the busy Karve Road. Despite intense chest pain, he safely pulled the heavy vehicle to the left side of the road, preventing a potential disaster. He passed away moments later, without even getting the chance to switch off the engine. His quick action averted a major accident and saved many lives, the organisers said.
The event also highlighted another tragic incident from October 21, 2025 (Lakshmi Pujan), when four allegedly drunk youth crushed 22-year-old milk delivery worker Sunny Misal in front of Raheja Reserve Society at 5:30 am. Misal, a resident of Tadiwala Road and from a financially weak family, died on the spot. In support of his family, organisers provided ₹25,000 in cash along with food grains and clothes. His mother, Urmila Misal, and sister, Pooja Misal, accepted the assistance.
Senior Police Inspector Mansingh Patil (Kalepadal Police Station), Senior Traffic Police Inspector Maruti Patil (Kondhwa), and Rajiv Agarwal attended the ceremony. The officers appreciated the concept of the award and appealed to citizens to cooperate with police to ensure smooth traffic movement in Pune.
Social worker Ashok Mehendale expressed gratitude to the citizens who contributed to the initiative. Social activist Vinita Sukhrani also extended thanks, while Sameer Chaudhary moderated the programme.
