Pune: Happy Streets returns to Kothrud with a bang

PUNE: Happy Streets returned to Kothrud on Sunday morning with a bang. From little children to senior citizens, there was something for all as they participated in activities such as Zumba, cycling, Yoga, meditation, taekwondo, kick-boxing, skating, badminton, basketball, drum circle and singing. Many children turned the road into their canvas as they drew on it with chalks or played hopscotch.
From 6.30am to 9.30am, New DP Road via Sangeetkar Shrikant Thakre Road in Kothrud transformed into a fun venue. Happy Streets will return to Kothrud for two more weeks.
Happy Streets is an initiative by The Times of India and Maharashtra Times that encourages people to use non-motorised transport. It urges citizens to come out to the streets and socialize every Sunday morning through a wide array of activities.
The road selected for Happy Streets is blocked for three to four hours in the morning to turn it into a free space where anyone can walk, jog, cycle or just stroll around with their loved ones and rediscover the simple pleasure of playing games. The event is organised in association with Pune Municipal Corporation, the police and the traffic police. It is sponsored by Vilas Javdekar Developers.
A group of students and teachers from the Dnyanda ABC Playschool have been attending the event for a few years. "The kids enjoy the activities on the road. Events like tug-of-war and skipping are in high demand," said Sandhya Panhalkar, a teacher from the school.
Teachers added that not only students, but their parents also loved Happy Streets. At least 25 students and their parents were in Kothrud to participate in the activities on Sunday morning.
"Even if we call these youngsters early in the morning... that too on Sundays, they don't complain. They love these activities," said Pradnya Keskar, anothert eacher.
Vaibhav Pasolkar, an IT professional, said it was a memorable experience as he used the cycle after a nearly 20-year gap.
Officials of the postal department used the event to create awareness about various schemes.