Kozhikode: Throwing its weight behind the State government’s road safety initiatives, a Mahallu committee in Kozhikode district on Friday distributed free helmets to 100 motorcyclists.
The Noor Mahallu Juma Masjid at Kulangara near Mukkom came out with the project — My Village, Safe Village — prompted by the shocking increase in road accident deaths in the State. M.I. Shanawaz, MP, launched the initiative and distributed helmets.
Abdul Salam Saqafi, general secretary of the Mahallu committee, said the project was one of the several socially relevant schemes introduced in the village. “As many as 150 applicants had sought helmets under the scheme, and we chose 100 who produced their driving licences,” he told The Hindu .
According to him, the Mahallu committee members are convinced of the impact of such a creative campaign taken up by religious bodies to effect a positive change. “Our village falls within the limits of Kodiyathur panchayat, and we are sure that the attempt will communicate well with all community members,” he added.
To mark the project launch, a session on road safety and a motorbike rally were also organised in the region with the participation of youths from Mukkom. Motor Vehicles Department officials from Koduvally led the awareness sessions. Koduvally Circle Inspector N. Biswas flagged off the rally. A.K. Ismail, secretary of the Kerala Muslim Jamaat, and Mehroof Manalodi, chairman of G-Tec Education, were present.
The Juma Masjid near Mukkom town was in the limelight recently for its efforts to popularise Information Technology training among the underprivileged sections, irrespective of their educational background and religion. Not less than 50 persons had registered with the committee to benefit from the training programmes.
