For organisations today, employee well being goes beyond office spaces. It extends to everyday realities, including road safety. Project Dhurandhar is emerging as a transformational initiative that aligns public safety with organisational responsibility.
Led by Dr Saurabh Talekar, an accomplished orthopaedic surgeon, the initiative is rooted in a deep understanding of trauma care. Years of clinical experience revealed a troubling insight. A majority of road accidents are preventable, yet continue to occur due to behavioural lapses.
This led to the creation of a behaviour driven road safety model that focuses on awareness, accountability, and action.
For corporates, this approach offers significant value. Road accidents not only impact individuals but also affect productivity, employee morale, and organisational continuity. By partnering with Project Dhurandhar, companies can actively contribute to employee safety initiatives while reinforcing a culture of responsibility.
The workshops conducted by the initiative are designed to engage and educate. Unlike traditional sessions, these are interactive and insight driven. Employees are exposed to real world scenarios, helping them understand the consequences of unsafe driving practices.
The emphasis is on behavioural change, encouraging individuals to reflect on their habits and make conscious choices.
Participants take a Road Safety Pledge and are recognised as Road Safety Champions, creating a sense of ownership and pride. This not only impacts individual behaviour but also fosters a collective commitment within teams.
Technology integration further strengthens the initiative. By promoting the Maharashtra Traffic Police App, employees are encouraged to actively participate in maintaining road discipline. This transforms them from passive users to active contributors.
The leadership team behind Project Dhurandhar reflects a blend of expertise and vision. Alongside Dr Talekar are professionals like Dr Sagar Patel, Dr Virendra Koli, and Dr Sachin Pisal, who bring diverse perspectives from medicine and business.
Dr Chinmay Kulkarni, a psychiatrist, adds a crucial behavioural dimension, helping decode the psychology behind risky driving. Meanwhile, Prof Atul Pawar bridges the gap between academia and real world application.
Adding to the initiative’s outreach is Eshika Dey, whose presence amplifies the message across wider audiences, making road safety awareness more relatable and impactful. Strengthening the initiative’s grassroots connect is Mr Ghanshyam Parab, a dedicated social worker who plays a key role in community engagement and public participation.
Supporting this team is Shobhana Talekar, whose decades of experience in physical education contribute to discipline oriented training and outreach.
From a leadership perspective, Project Dhurandhar represents a shift from compliance to culture. It encourages organisations to go beyond policies and actively shape behaviour.
The impact is already visible. With multiple workshops conducted and growing participation, the initiative is building a network of responsible individuals committed to safer roads.
For CXOs, the message is clear. Investing in road safety is not just a social responsibility, it is a strategic decision. It protects employees, enhances organisational reputation, and contributes to a safer society.
As India continues to navigate rapid growth, initiatives like Project Dhurandhar offer a sustainable model for change. One that combines leadership, technology, and human responsibility.
The road ahead requires collective effort. And it begins with a simple commitment.
Drive Responsible. Prevent Trauma.