The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) orchestrated the 9th Inter-School Competition on ‘Road Safety’ from December 7th to December 8th, 2023 in a concerted effort to instill a culture of safe mobility at the grassroots level. Aligned with SIAM’s Road Safety Initiative, known as सुरक्षित सफर (SAFE JOURNEY), the event, hosted in collaboration with Gyan Mandir Public School, Naraina Vihar, New Delhi, sought to engage students in various activities aimed at raising awareness about issues related to ‘Safe Mobility.’
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) stands as an apex national body representing major vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in India. As a society with charitable objectives registered under the Societies Registration Act 1860, SIAM’s goals include enhancing the contribution of the automobile industry to the growth and development of the Indian economy, assisting the industry in meeting its social obligations, encouraging efficiency, and improving and protecting the environment. Recognizing these objectives, SIAM has been granted registration under the Income Tax Act 1961 as an institution with a charitable purpose.
The annual inter-school competition serves as a platform to sensitize children to various road safety issues and foster awareness about their responsibility towards themselves, their families, society, and the country. By providing an opportunity for students to explore and showcase their creativity, imagination, and critical thinking skills, the program aims to contribute to safer mobility on roads.
The event, revolving around the theme of SDG goal 3.6 – to reduce road injuries and deaths, included a range of competitions for students of all age groups. Activities such as ‘E-Poster making,’ ‘Jingle,’ ‘Logo Designing,’ ‘Presentation on road safety,’ ‘Brochure Designing,’ ‘Movie Making,’ ‘Photography,’ etc., were designed to encourage active participation and engagement.
Approximately 1000 students from 38 schools participated in the inter-school competition, with expert judges ensuring unbiased and transparent evaluation of the activities. Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Prashant K Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, emphasized the importance of empowering young minds with road safety principles from an early age. He highlighted road safety as a collective responsibility that demands active engagement from all stakeholders to ensure the well-being of society and individuals.
The SIAM initiative integrates education with interactive games to facilitate a more effective absorption of crucial road safety principles by children. The enduring partnership with Delhi Traffic Police and Gyan Mandir Public School has played a crucial role in advancing the cause of road safety. The overwhelming enthusiasm displayed by children from diverse schools encourages SIAM to continue organizing such competitions in the future, fostering a culture of safety and responsibility on Indian roads.
SIAM’s 9th Inter-School Competition on ‘Road Safety’ stands out as a commendable initiative to promote safe mobility from the ground up. By engaging young minds in activities focused on raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility, SIAM continues to contribute to the larger goal of ensuring safer roads in India. The event’s success, marked by enthusiastic participation from students across schools, reflects the effectiveness of integrating education with interactive games. SIAM’s commitment to advancing road safety, coupled with partnerships with key stakeholders, underscores the industry’s collective responsibility towards creating a culture of safety and responsibility on Indian roads. As SIAM remains dedicated to this cause, such competitions are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping a safer future for all road users.
