GANGTOK, : The valedictory function of National Road Safety Month 2025, organized by the District Road Safety Committee and the Transport department's Motor Vehicle Division, Gangtok, was held today.
The event commenced with a bike rally from the SNT premises to MG Marg, with participation from members of the Sikkim Riders Club, students, department staff, committee members, and representatives from animal welfare organizations.
The rally was flagged off by District Collector East and District Road Safety Committee chairman, Tushar G. Nikhare.
Following the rally, students of West Point Senior Secondary School presented a band display at MG Marg. Thereafter, the main event was held at Manan Kendra.
National Road Safety Month in India was observed from January 1 to January 31, 2025.
The theme for the month was ‘Sadak Suraksha Jeevan Raksha,’ which translates to ‘Road Safety Saves Lives.’ With the slogan ‘Be a Road Safety Hero,’ the month-long campaign in Sikkim aimed to raise awareness about road safety and promote safer roads for all. The initiative involved various activities and events to unite citizens, youth, and other stakeholders.
The district collector urged the gathering to work collectively to raise awareness about road safety and drug abuse, especially among students.
“Drug addiction is a vicious cycle, and students should be made aware of its dangers. Children below the age of 18 should not drive. If they are caught, they will only be eligible for a driving license when they turn 25. Students often experience an adrenaline rush, but they should learn to enjoy it responsibly and within limits. Accidents cost us precious lives,” said Nikhare.
He further informed that focus group discussions, in collaboration with three rehabilitation centers in Sikkim, would begin soon.
RTO Gangtok, Dilip Sharma, in his welcome address, emphasized the importance of road safety. Urging drivers to be responsible, he stated that 80% of accidents occur due to driver error. “Within a year, India has witnessed over a lakh accident casualties. The main aim of Road Safety Month is to raise awareness through such programmes and encourage the public to be responsible citizens. Please follow traffic rules,” he said.
Sharma also highlighted the key aspects of the State government's road safety policy.
Dy SP (Traffic) Bimal Gurung spoke about the importance of following traffic rules and signals while educating drivers on road safety. He also shed light on the introduction of advanced AI traffic monitoring in Sikkim and the importance of wearing seat belts.
Dy RTO Gangtok, Phurba W. Bhutia, urged attendees to keep their vehicle documents updated.
Freedom Rehabilitation Centre proprietor, K.C. Nima, spoke about drug abuse, while People for Animals representative, Smriti Rai, discussed safety awareness regarding animal cruelty.
Other resource persons included Motor Vehicle Inspector Sonam N. Bhutia and RJ Prabal.
The West Point Senior Secondary School band received a cash prize of ?20,000 for their recent victory.