Bokaro: A head constable with Delhi Police, Sandeep Sahi, celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday by distributing helmets and charts carrying road signage among commuters at the Ram Mandir roundabout in Bokaro. He was assisted by DSP traffic Poonam Minz and other officers on the occasion.
Sahi, who originally hails from Bokaro town, said he wanted to celebrate his birthday in a different way and so he chose to spread awareness among people on road safety measures, including the use of helmet. He said he has also come to Bokaro after 23 years this time to celebrate his birthday in his home town with childhood friends.
During Wednesday’s drive, he gifted helmets to many commuters and asked them to promise not to ride a two-wheeler without a helmet again.
Interestingly, when he showed commuters some signs, the latter could easily recognise the logos of Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter, but most of them failed to correctly identify the traffic signs displayed on the placard. Sahi then patiently explained them the traffic signs.
Asked why he chose to reach out to the commuters on his birthday, he said, “Two separate incidents changed my approach towards life. The first incident occurred six years ago when my wife Pinki Kumari was riding pillion on a two-wheeler. She fell on the road and sustained head and leg injuries. Five years ago, I was hit by a truck and fell from my two-wheeler. Although my head hit the divider, I survived due to the helmet. Hence, I chose to create awareness towards use of helmet.”
He added,“For the past five years, I have been celebrating all my birthdays, marriage anniversary and festivals organising road safety activities and distributing free helmets to commuters. I save a small amount of money from my salary every month with which I purchase helmets.”
Sahi said after completing his Xth board exam from Sector-1 High School, he shifted to Delhi and at present is deployed in Police Control Room. Sahi was honoured in 2018 by the ministry of road and transport for his efforts to promote road safety. In Delhi, people know him as ‘Helmet Man’. He also pens rap songs to promote road safety. “I have developed a passion to create awareness on road safety. I feel if I can save the life of any person, it will be the greatest achievement,” he said.