All eyes were on Shaheed Suryasen Marg on 23rd April 2023 for the Raahgiri event organised in collaboration with Delhi Government, Delhi Traffic Police, Delhi Police, and Raahgiri Foundation. A stretch of about half a kilometre was closed to vehicles.
There was a range of activities, including yoga, Zumba, sports, games, music, and dance, as well as educational programs on subjects of road safety, walkability, and self-defense. The event started at 7 am with a fitting opening drill of ten Surya Namaskar by about thirty Yoga sadhaks from Greater Kailash 2, J Block CR Park, and Mandakini. A well-coordinated Surya Namaskar drill was quite the sight. This was followed by Zumba dance to some trendy Bollywood numbers.
Karate demonstration from the little children of Mandakini, followed by an incredible display of flying kick tile-breaking was met with resounding applause from a large gathering of residents of all nearby colonies and apartments. As attendees entered from the Kalka Public School t-point side, they were greeted by kids zooming past on their skates and cycles. That is the true spirit of Raahgiri – promoting sustainable mobility. Age gaps vanished as children played with and against elders. A wide range of options were available for people of all ages and interests, including chess, carom, ludo, snakes and ladders, cricket and badminton. Drawing competition and Beautiful Street chalk art by youngsters and children covering the road and were a major attraction.
The Police’s involvement added an extra level of excitement and education to the event. The Delhi Police Women’s band and dog show were delightful to watch. The Road Safety Van by Traffic Police was a real eye-opener. Road Safety was also promoted by encouraging people to leave comments at the Wish Tree and the Suggestion Board. People got a chance to share their thoughts and ideas on this important topic and both sections were fully covered in writing towards the end.
It was nice to see prominent personalities from the Delhi Government, MCD, and both the Police teams participating and interacting with the residents who in turn gave a special shoutout to the organizing teams for putting together such an unforgettable event. All participants received certificates from the organizing parties.
