The campaign, which will run across social media platforms until January 1, 2025, harnesses the power of Bollywood to deliver its message. Drawing inspiration from the iconic line in Deewar, where Amitabh Bachchan’s character proudly declares, “Aaj mere paas gaadi hai, bangla hai, bank balance hai,” the campaign cleverly adapts it to say, “Even then, I don’t drink and drive.”

Adding to its creative narrative, the campaign also incorporates the legendary dialogue from Kanoon, “Kanoon ke haath bahut lambe hote hain.” This iconic line serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences of drunk driving. It emphasizes that no one is above the law and that reckless behavior can result in severe penalties, urging people to act responsibly during the festive season.

This creative approach leverages Bollywood’s cultural influence to resonate deeply with audiences, merging the glamour of cinema with a critical social message. Another memorable example from the campaign incorporates the famous advice Veeru gives Basanti in Sholay, “Don’t dance in front of these dogs.” Reinterpreted, it urges people to avoid creating chaos by drinking and driving, stating: “Don’t drink, drive, or create a scene.”

Sonu Tyagi, the founder of Approach Entertainment & Go Spiritual and a celebrated writer-director, highlighted the urgency of addressing drunk driving, especially during New Year’s celebrations. He stated, “New Year’s Eve is a time of joy and celebration, but it is also one of the most dangerous nights on the road due to intoxicated driving. This campaign aims to save lives by raising awareness and promoting responsible behavior. Bollywood has an unparalleled ability to connect with people, and by blending its charm with a crucial social message, we hope to make a lasting impact.”

Approach Bollywood, established under the banner of Approach Entertainment, has consistently leveraged its platform to drive awareness and inspire positive change. Known for its authentic and comprehensive coverage of Bollywood, entertainment, and media, Approach Entertainment is also making waves in film production, with its maiden Hindi feature film set to go for production in 2025 under the direction of Sonu Tyagi.

Additionally, Approach Bollywood has launched an exclusive smartphone app catering to Bollywood and entertainment enthusiasts. The app provides users with breaking news, in-depth industry insights, exclusive celebrity content, and films, TV, OTT, music, and entertainment updates. This innovation complements the newswire’s commitment to being the ultimate destination for Bollywood lovers.

Go Spiritual, the campaign’s partner is a charitable organization dedicated to promoting spirituality, mental health, wellness, and philanthropy. Through its various initiatives, including spiritual tourism, media, and social awareness programs, Go Spiritual has been at the forefront of advocating for a more mindful and harmonious society. This collaboration with Approach Bollywood reflects a shared commitment to making a meaningful societal impact.

As Approach Bollywood and Go Spiritual champion the message of “Don’t Drink and Drive,” they remind everyone that celebrations should be joyous and not marred by preventable tragedies. With their combined efforts, the campaign aims to inspire a cultural shift toward safer, more mindful festivities, ensuring that the dawn of 2025 is filled with hope and happiness.

Approach Entertainment Group, the parent company of Approach Bollywood, continues to lead the way in Celebrity Management, Film Productions, Advertising, Corporate Films, and Entertainment Marketing. With a presence across major Indian cities, the group is dedicated to using its platforms to drive meaningful change. Meanwhile, Go Spiritual remains committed to its mission of fostering spiritual awareness, philanthropy, and holistic well-being, further solidifying its role as a force for positive transformation.

As the clock ticks closer to midnight on December 31, let us all resolve to make safer choices. A single decision to refrain from drinking and driving can save countless lives, ensuring that the New Year begins on a note of safety, joy, and responsibility.

The post Bollywood’s Campaign Against Drunk Driving for a Safer New Year’s Eve Celebration appeared first on NRI News.

The collaborative initiative will focus on the design, development, and prototyping of custom mmWave antennas, followed by comprehensive testing and real-time validation on an ADAS platform. The partnership will leverage IIT Kanpur’s mmWave Research facilities and Starkenn Technologies’ industry expertise.

Prof. Tarun Gupta, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Kanpur, commented on the partnership by saying, “At IIT Kanpur, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology through innovation. Our collaboration with Starkenn Technologies allows us to apply our cutting-edge research facilities and expertise to a critical area like ADAS, which is key to enhancing automotive safety. We look forward to contributing to solutions that make vehicles smarter and safer.”

Paritosh Dagli, COO of Starkenn Technologies, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Starkenn Technologies has always been at the forefront of innovation in AI, embedded systems, power electronics, drones, and ADAS. Our partnership with IIT Kanpur is a testament to our mission of creating affordable and advanced solutions for the Indian market. Together, we aim to develop groundbreaking mmWave antennas that will significantly enhance ADAS systems, bringing next-gen safety features to Indian vehicles.”

This collaboration brings together technical expertise, domain knowledge, and access to the latest research facilities. It represents a significant step towards building safer automotive systems that leverage the latest innovations in mmWave technology, ensuring real-time accuracy and reliability in driver assistance features. The IIT Kanpur team leading this project includes Prof. Raghvendra Kumar Chaudhary, Prof. A.R. Harish, and Prof. Kumar Vaibhav Srivastava, along with PhD scholars Ms Sanjana Paul and Ms Shreya Pourush. 

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Navigating safe days for pregnancy prevention involves understanding the menstrual cycle and its impact on fertility. The menstrual cycle typically lasts 28 days, with ovulation occurring around the middle. To avoid pregnancy, couples often focus on the days immediately following menstruation when the likelihood of conception is lower.

Intimacy during this phase requires communication and mutual understanding. While it is considered a relatively low-risk period for conception, it is crucial to recognize that individual cycles can vary, making the method less foolproof. Additionally, sperm can survive in the female reproductive system for several days, increasing the window of potential fertility.

To enhance pregnancy prevention, couples may choose to combine the calendar method with other contraceptive methods or use fertility awareness-based methods. The use of ovulation kits may help. Ideally, use another contraceptive method along with it. Communication plays a pivotal role in navigating safe days. Openly discussing feelings, desires, and concerns ensures that both partners are on the same page regarding family planning. Establishing trust and understanding of each other’s perspectives fosters a healthy and supportive intimate relationship.

Educational resources on fertility awareness can empower couples to make informed decisions. Learning about the menstrual cycle, ovulation signs, and fertility windows provides a foundation for effective family planning. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals can further enhance the accuracy of the chosen method and address any concerns.

It is essential to acknowledge that no method is foolproof, and there is always a risk of unintended pregnancy. Couples should be prepared for the possibility and have contingency plans, such as emergency contraception, in case of contraceptive failure or unprotected intercourse during less safe days.

In conclusion, navigating safe days after menstruation for pregnancy prevention involves a combination of understanding the menstrual cycle, effective communication between partners, and utilizing reliable fertility awareness-based methods. Education, trust, and openness are key components in creating a safe and supportive environment for intimate relationships while managing family planning effectively.

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The app is discoverable Google Play Store and currently has 12,000 auto rickshaw drivers already registered

PUNE: ONDC (Open Network for Digital Commerce) announces the launch of the ‘O Rickshaw’ buyer and seller app on the Network signaling a significant stride in urban mobility for the city of Pune. The app directly connects auto drivers and riders in the city on the Open Network.

The app is owned and operated by End Mile Connectivity Federation, a community-driven Section 8 entity established to empower auto drivers and provide Pune citizens access to safe, affordable auto rides. Over 12,000 auto-rickshaw drivers in Pune are already part of this federation and will now be discoverable on the “O Rickshaw app.” This initiative represents a pioneering moment as it is the first instance of a driver collective coming onto the ONDC Network, an endeavor made possible by the tech enabler Suma Soft.

The launch event had a distinguished line-up of key dignitaries including Mr. T. Koshy (MD and CEO of ONDC), Mr. Hardikar (MD, Pune Metro), Mr. Vivek Velankar (President of Grahak Manch), Mr. Suryakant Pathak (President of Grahak Peth), Mr. Surendra Brahme (Director of Suma Soft) and Mr. Shrikant Acharya (Advisor, End Mile Federation).

T. Koshy, MD and CEO of ONDC shared, “ONDC aims to democratize e-commerce in India by empowering local communities. The ‘O Rickshaw app’ closely aligns with this vision and will greatly benefit the citizens of Pune. This launch is the result of ONDC’s mission of putting the control back in the hands of auto drivers and riders.  As Pune embraces this transformative journey in urban mobility, the app stands as a testament to the potential of tech in fostering positive change with inclusion and level playing field for all at its core.”

Suma Soft, a Pune-based technology service provider for the ONDC Network, has been instrumental in the successful development of the ‘O Rickshaw’ app. It is designed to empower drivers and is set to onboard an additional 35,000 drivers within the next 3 months, with plans to extend its services to other cities across Maharashtra in the next 6 months.

Surendra Brahme, Director at Suma Soft said, “Suma Soft believes in developing best-in-class solutions that ensure enduring growth and shared prosperity for all the stakeholders and the ecosystem at large. We are indeed very happy to be associated with the various components of India Stack including ONDC, AA, and ABDM, where Digital Public infrastructure is being explored to give solutions for growing India. This venture of creating value in the lives of Rickshaw Drivers is a step in that direction.”

Kedar Dhamale, Director at End Mile Connectivity Federation said, “End Mile Connectivity Federation aims to revolutionize the last-mile transportation system in India. We are trying to achieve the final stretch of travel that connects passengers to their ultimate destination. This could be a short distance between a bus or train station to a person’s home or office. We are also looking at it as a means of providing employment opportunities to the underprivileged sections of the society and welfare of the driver families.”

The launch of the O-Rickshaw app is a significant step towards achieving the goal of last-mile connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation in India. It not only improves the travel experience for passengers but also supports the government’s efforts to create a cleaner and greener nation.

One of the distinguishing features of the ‘O Rickshaw’ app is its commitment to a zero-commission model, ensuring that drivers receive their fair share. Additionally, the app adheres to government-mandated fares, making transportation affordable and transparent for users.

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The walkathon was Flagged Off by Shashikant Borate, DCP, Traffic Police Pune, Rama Shankar Pandey, CEO of Tata Green Batteries, Dr.Reji Mathai, Director, ARAI,  Shyam Singh, Plant Head, Pune – Tata Motors The Passenger Vehicle The Ltd., The Prasanna Patwardhan, President, BOCI, Pratyush Khare, Tata Motors, Dr.Parag Kalkar, VC, Savitribai Phule Pune University & Rekha Magar, Chairperson-FICCI FLO, Pune Chapter.

The campaign “India Against Road Crash, season 2024”, has a threefold objective to increase awareness about road safety, encourage responsible driving behavior, and reduce the number of road accidents. The key to achieving these goals lies in the collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community organizations, Industries, and academic institutions.

The campaign is being supported by various organizations such as ACMA, ASDC, ARAI, AISSMS, ASC, AITWA, BOCI, FICCI_FLO, CIRT, Pune City Traffic, Pune Metro, NDRF, Ranjangaon Industries Association, SAE India & ASC. The campaign is being partnered with Tata Motors, Tata Autocomp, Tata Green Batteries, and Continental India. Additionally, volunteers from schools, colleges, runners, bikers and walkers groups joined the campaign to bring the change.

One of the highlights of the event was to inspire young Indians to click selfies with Safe Bikers club members and the Helmet Man of India. This campaign aims to promote safer road behavior by committing to self-discipline, respecting other road users, being a defensive driver, following road rules, and symbolizing the commitment through a “step donation”.

More than 1350 Volunteers were inducted as Road Safety Warriors and they will start Drive Safe clubs in their organizations before the next Road Safety Month 12 months from now. The campaign aims to channel these resources to bring a positive transformation in Pune City’s civic traffic sense.

“The most recent data on road accidents in India is concerning. With one person dying every four minutes and one accident occurring every minute, the situation is critical and cannot be ignored. It is crucial to understand that road safety is the responsibility of every individual. We need to involve the community in road safety initiatives by collaborating with schools, colleges, and local organizations to raise awareness. There are many reasons for road crashes but one definite immediate solution is, Let’s Be The Change (Jab Hum Badlenge Toh Desh Badlega) ” said Rama Shankar Pandey, Chairman, Aftermarket Committee, ACMA and Chairman, Road Safety, FICCI, and Chief Executive Officer,  Tata AutoComp GY Batteries Pvt. Ltd.

“While observing Nations having some of the safest roads, Self-enforcement remains a core principle of their success. It’s well established that following Road Rules saves lives. We will be safe with self-enforcement, our society and our country will be safe’, Said Shyam Singh, Plant Head, Pune – Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.

“Road safety is an extremely important topic that affects all of us, whether we are pedestrians or drivers. Our actions on the road have a significant impact on our safety and the safety of others. We must prioritize safety over all other aspects and ensure a secure journey for everyone.” said  Dr. Reji Mathai, Director of ARAI.

Concerned citizens, civil society members, traffic police, and scores of road safety volunteers participated in this walkathon.

Club D2S – Drive Smart Drive Safe (D2S) is a Section 25 Company, an NGO that aims to educate people on road safety and reduce road accidents and deaths on Indian roads. We intend to reduce the occurrence of conditions that contribute to fatalities on roads like poor visibility, driver negligence and fatigue, negligence of safety norms, drunken driving, speeding, etc.

Through awareness rallies, safety campaigns, street plays, special events, and traditional and social media campaigns, we work towards raising awareness of road safety and connecting with citizens towards best practices in road travel.

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The program has catalyzed community ownership by creating village-level institutions to plan and oversee water conservation efforts along with decentralized drinking water units, promoting collective action toward water security in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Currently, there are 417 women VWC members leading the grassroots governance and are part of managing the solution in their villages committing towards water conservation, agri efficiency, and greywater management.

The program has appointed and trained 34 female operators who now serve as local change-makers, taking responsibility for promoting water-efficient practices in villages. Notably, 49% of these villages are situated in aspirational districts with low Human Development Index (HDI). This program also focuses on building community ownership around water resources and has appointed and empowered VWCs in these regions.

The partnership has also benefited farmers through training sessions on agri-efficiency, empowering them with efficient farming techniques, and gaining access to government schemes for agriculture-related initiatives to a tune of Rs 1.9 crore.

Karuna Bhatia, Head of Sustainability at Standard Chartered Bank, India, said, “It is heartening to see that the Bank’s flagship CSR program, WASHE (Water Sanitation Hygiene Education), in partnership with Enable Health Society and Piramal Foundation’s water initiative, is working towards creating water-secure rural communities by going beyond just providing safe drinking water.“

Sangeeta Mamgain, Lead Climate and Sustainability program at Piramal Foundation said, “We are humbled to see the ownership of the community in adopting decentralized safe drinking water solutions and behavior changes for enabling water security. We are grateful for the transformative impact our partnership with Standard Chartered Bank and Enable Health Society has achieved for half a million beneficiaries across seven states.“

Piramal Sarvajal has been at the forefront of using technology to enhance reliability and accountability in its decentralized programs. Monitoring 751 water solutions through IoT, they measure the conservation and replenishment of 2.79 crore liters of water, ensuring efficient management of storage and borewell recharge structures.

The impact study conducted by Enable Health Society reveals a 76% reduction in waterborne illness for users consuming safe water. Furthermore, the data demonstrates over 61% lower medical expenses for Sarvajal users compared to non-users during the eighteen-month period, highlighting the tangible health benefits of having access to safe drinking water.

Piramal Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Piramal Group, committed to improving the lives of marginalized communities by leveraging the power of youth and strengthening Government systems. With operations supported by 5000+ employees and spread across 27 States and 2 Union Territories, over the last 16 years, it has touched the lives of more than 11.3 crore Indians.

Piramal Sarvajal, seeded by the Piramal Foundation in 2008, is a mission-driven social enterprise that designs and deploys innovative solutions for creating affordable access to safe drinking water in underserved areas. Sarvajal is at the forefront of developing technologies and business practices in the safe drinking water sector. Currently, reaching out to approximately 7,65,000+ beneficiaries daily, through 1965+ touch-points across 20 states in India.

Enable Health Society, a Non-Profit Organization, aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities with an emphasis on disease prevention, care, and management. EHS seeks to improve the health and well-being of people by building the capacity of communities, promoting healthy practices, upholding gender equity, supporting locally adaptable technology, advocating for sound practices and policies, and inspiring people to assert their rights to better, healthier lives.

Photo by mrjn Photography on Unsplash

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