First “Kartavyadharma Nishtha” Award Presented in Pune to Road Safety Hero’s Family
Pune, 2nd December 2025: To honour individuals and families who show extraordinary responsibility during road incidents, the newly instituted “Kartavyadharma Nishtha” award was presented for the first time in Pune.
The award, launched by Ashok Mehendale Mitra Parivar, aims to spread awareness on road safety, support financially vulnerable victims of accidents, and recognise those who act responsibly in emergencies.
The inaugural ceremony was held at Raheja Reserve Society hall in Mohammadwadi, where the family of dumper driver Shankar Nagargoje was felicitated posthumously. Nagargoje died due to a sudden heart attack on June 15, 2025, while driving on the busy Karve Road. Despite intense pain, he safely parked his vehicle to prevent a major accident, ultimately saving many lives.
Recalling the driver’s dedication, social worker and organiser Ashok Mehendale said, “Nagargoje set an example of duty and presence of mind. With this award, we want society to remember such unsung heroes who prioritise public safety even in their final moments.”
Mehendale added that the initiative includes support for families suffering due to road tragedies. “Road accidents often push economically weaker families into deeper crises. Our assistance aims to provide immediate relief and motivate citizens to act responsibly on the road,” he said.
During the event, assistance was also extended to the family of late Sunny Misal, a milk delivery worker who was killed after being hit allegedly by a speeding vehicle driven by four drunk youths on Lakshmi Pujan morning, October 21, 2025, in Mohammadwadi. His mother, Urmila Misal, and sister Pooja received ₹25,000 in cash along with food grains and clothing.
Senior Police Inspector Mansingh Patil of Kalepadal Police Station and Senior Traffic Police Inspector Maruti Patil attended the ceremony along with Rajiv Agarwal from Shapoorji Pallonji Company. The officers appreciated the concept of the award and appealed to citizens to cooperate with police for smoother traffic enforcement.
Mehendale thanked the citizens who supported the programme, highlighting its strong social message. The event was anchored by Sameer Chaudhary, while social activist Vinita Sukhrani expressed gratitude to contributors.
Organisers said they plan to continue this initiative annually to encourage responsible behaviour and prevent road accidents in Pune.
