Sachin Tendulkar Appointed UN Global Champion for Road Safety
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has taken on a crucial new role in public advocacy, being officially designated as a 'Global Champion for Road Safety' by the United Nations. On Tuesday, Tendulkar released a powerful video message in support of global road safety campaigns, joining an elite group of celebrities recognized by the UN for their commitment to this vital cause.
"Every Life Matters": Tendulkar's Safety Message
In his heartfelt video statement, Tendulkar emphasized the universal importance of road safety, declaring, "Every life matters." He expressed hope that his involvement with the UN initiative would significantly contribute to "creating safer roads for all" across India and beyond.
The cricketing icon drew parallels between his sporting discipline and road safety, stating, "Throughout my career, I have learned that discipline and awareness are essential not just for success but for responsibility... The same is true on our roads."
UN Official Highlights Tendulkar's Influence
Speaking at the official function, Jean Todt, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, underscored the immense impact of Tendulkar's advocacy. "If Sachin Tendulkar says 'don't use your phone when you're driving,' people will listen. If Sachin Tendulkar says 'wear a helmet,' people will listen," Todt remarked, highlighting the cricketer's unparalleled credibility and reach with the public.
Addressing India's Road Safety Crisis
Tendulkar's message included stark statistics about India's road safety challenges. He pointed out that India's road crash fatality rate is ten times higher than the volume of vehicles owned in the country, a alarming disparity that demands urgent attention.
He called for collective action, urging, "Every day, our actions affect others. Wearing a seat belt or helmet, staying alert, and respecting the rules of the road can save lives... With greater awareness and collective action, we can protect our families and communities."
UN Launches State-Specific Road Safety Program
Concurrently with Tendulkar's appointment, UN entities in India, including the World Health Organization (WHO), launched a comprehensive program to enhance road safety infrastructure. This initiative will provide financial and technical support to four Indian states: Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.
The program focuses on several critical areas:
- Improving identified blackspots (accident-prone areas)
- Creating safer school zones
- Enhancing pedestrian and cycling facilities
- Strengthening post-crash care systems
These states were specifically selected for their established institutional frameworks to effectively address road safety issues, making them ideal candidates for this targeted intervention.
Tendulkar's involvement as a UN Global Champion marks a significant step in leveraging celebrity influence for public safety, combining his iconic status with practical measures to reduce India's troubling road fatality statistics through awareness, discipline, and improved infrastructure.
