Union Road Transport and National Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said that India being ranked first in road accidents is a matter of concern and not pride. He was addressing the closing ceremony of the Global Conclave of IISSM in Dwarka.
He said that every year lakhs of people die in road accidents. We lose many talented doctors , engineers , scientists and intellectuals. Gadkari expressed surprise that it is very difficult to change human behaviour. There is a need to train people on a large scale. People do not stop talking on mobile phones while driving. They do not want to wear helmets and invite accidents. The Union Minister said that safety is related to many areas , but we should pay more attention to road safety. We have to make the country self-reliant , prepare skilled engineers.
He said that management , training and research should never stop. Shri Gadkari said that the biggest problem of India is the increasing population. We have to make people aware through education. From the security point of view, both internal and external security are important. Along with this, we have to follow the rules for safety as well.
The Union Minister praised former MP and IISSM Executive Chairman Dr R K Sinha for his contribution in various fields . He said that the way Sinha works is exemplary for others. On this occasion, Dr. R.K. Sinha assured them that in his Indian Public School, students will be made aware by giving them training on traffic rules from school level and this will be started from the next session itself.
Many people were honoured for their remarkable work in the conclave. These included GM Shrivastava , DC Pathak and SK Sharma who were given the Life Time Award. The fellowship included General Prem Sagar , GB Singh , Manjeet , GS Chauhan , Prof Chris Pillai , Renu Mattoo , former IPS Manjari Jaruhar , AK Pathak , Colonel MP Sen.
Expressing concern, Executive Chairman of IISSM, Dr. R.K. Sinha said that indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers is harming our health.
He said that if climate change becomes severe, we will not be able to return to traditional methods of food. Dr Sinha also raised the issue of water consumption in growing some crops. In today’s conclave, the intellectuals seriously discussed issues related to the public like disaster management , climate change , women’s safety etc. Apart from experts from different parts of the country, a large number of foreign experts were also present in the program.