From Policy to Practice: Rethinking Road Safety for 2047

The Viksit Bharat Discussion Forum (VBDF) of Apeejay Stya University (ASU), Gurugram organised an intellectually enriching session titled “Road Safety and Legal Paradoxes: Imperatives for a Viksit Bharat @2047”. The programme was held as part of the University’s ongoing commitment to fostering academic dialogue aligned with the national vision of a developed India by 2047.

Dr. Vijay Kumar, Coordinator of VBDF, welcomed the gathering and underlined that contributing to Viksit Bharat is a shared national responsibility. He emphasised that universities, as centres of knowledge creation and critical inquiry, play a pivotal role in nurturing informed dialogue that leads to research, innovation, and policy-oriented insights. In line with the vision of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, the Forum has been mandated to organise sustained academic engagements on themes connected with the Viksit Bharat Abhiyan @2047, thereby contributing meaningfully to nation-building.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Adnan Irshad, Assistant Professor, School of Legal Studies, whose doctoral research focuses on road safety and law. Situating the issue within the broader framework of the Viksit Bharat Abhiyan, he examined the pressing concerns surrounding road safety in India. Mr. Irshad highlighted the legal paradoxes that often emerge between statutory provisions and their enforcement at the ground level. He drew attention to the challenges of accountability, inconsistencies in implementation, and the persistent gap between public awareness and civic compliance.

Emphasising that road safety extends beyond regulatory frameworks, Mr. Irshad described it as a moral and constitutional responsibility. He advocated for stronger legal literacy, ethical civic conduct, technological interventions in traffic management, and policy coherence. A developed India by 2047, he asserted, must be built upon disciplined public behaviour and effective enforcement of laws, supported by research-driven reforms and institutional accountability.

Adding a profound cultural dimension to the discussion, Ms. Ananya of B.A. JMC recited “Sabse Khatarnaak – सबसे ख़तरनाक” by the celebrated Punjabi poet Pash. The powerful poem, reflecting on societal numbness, moral indifference, and the death of dreams as the “most dangerous” realities, resonated deeply with the audience. Its message complemented the theme of the session by inspiring reflection on civic responsibility and moral awakening in the context of road safety and nation-building.

Further strengthening the spirit of collective commitment, an Oath of Road Safety was administered by Prof. Ananda Padhan, Dean, School of Arts & Sciences. Students, faculty members, and staff solemnly pledged to adhere to traffic rules, promote responsible driving behaviour, and serve as ambassadors of road safety in society. The oath-taking ceremony marked a significant and symbolic step towards building a safer and more disciplined India.

The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars, and students across disciplines. The interactive discussion that followed explored avenues for policy reforms, infrastructural accountability, citizen awareness, and the role of higher education institutions in generating evidence-based solutions to road safety challenges.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Manju, Assistant Professor, School of Behavioural Sciences and Nodal Officer, Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme. The event reaffirmed the University’s commitment to sustained academic engagement on nationally relevant themes and to contributing meaningfully towards the vision of a safe, conscious, and developed India.