Pune(thestates.news) : Emphasising that discipline safeguards freedom rather than restricting it, Pune Zone-5 deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Dr Rajkumar Shinde on Tuesday said that road safety is a collective responsibility and that real strength lies in control, not speed. He urged youth to strictly follow traffic rules to ensure safer roads.
Dr Shinde was speaking at a de-addiction and road safety awareness programme organised at MIT Art, Design and Technology (MIT-ADT) University to mark Police Foundation Day and Road Safety Week. The event was jointly organised by MIT-ADT University, the Hadapsar traffic division and Loni Kalbhor police station.
The programme was attended by MIT-ADT University executive director Prof (Dr) Sunita Karad, vice-chancellor Prof (Dr) Rajesh S, senior police inspector Rajendra Karanjkot (Hadapsar traffic division), police inspector Rajendra Panhale (Loni Kalbhor police station), pro-vice-chancellor Dr Ramchandra Pujeri, registrar Dr Mahesh Chopade, assistant director (student welfare) Dr Pratibha Jagatap and dean Dr Ganesh Pathak, among others.
Addressing students, vice-chancellor Prof (Dr) Rajesh S highlighted the need to adopt a “360-degree perspective” in life. He said self-discipline was the foundation of holistic development and encouraged students to imbibe the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and remain committed to a drug-free lifestyle.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by a universal peace prayer. Registrar Dr Mahesh Chopade, in his introductory remarks, underlined the importance of self-discipline in personal and social life.
Police inspector Rajendra Panhale stressed strict adherence to traffic norms and praised the university’s culture of discipline, noting that it was rooted in spiritual values. Traffic police inspector Rajendra Karanjkot provided detailed guidance on road safety measures. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Pratibha Jagatap and the national anthem.
Youth participation vital for community policing
Interacting with students, DCP Dr Shinde said community policing was essential for internal security. He encouraged youngsters to interact with police personnel, visit police stations to understand their functioning and volunteer in traffic management to gain first-hand experience of policing.
‘If needed, the third guru steps in’
Speaking on behavioural discipline, Dr Shinde remarked that parents are a child’s first teachers, followed by school and college educators. However, when individuals fail to heed these influences, the “third guru”, the police, is compelled to intervene. His remark drew laughter from the audience.
