A date to remember

Subhash Satpute,founder member and president of the Bharari Group that has made these calendars,feels this was something that was long overdue. “As of today the common people have mixed reactions about the police force of the state. We came up with the idea of designing a calendar to pay homage to not only those 17 officers who laid down their lives,during the attacks,but also to the entire police department in the state that works towards keeping the citizens safe.”

The calendar which measures 15” by 20”,features an outline map of India,and has pictures of the 17 officers printed on it,with shots of Nariman Point,The Taj Hotel,CST and Oberoi Hotel-the places that were attacked by the terrorists. The base of the calendar features a pad where the months and days are printed. Speaking more,Satpute says,“As far as procuring the photographs were concerned we were helped by D R Kulkarni Deputy Editor of Loksatta. We have also put up shots of the commandoes entering the building at Taj and baby Moshe whose parents were killed during the attacks.”

The group has printed 2000 calendars,and will be distributing them free of cost across police stations,schools,and colleges,and libraries in the city and to all possible destinations across the state that they can. Vice-President of the group,Shailesh Gadge,a law student,says,“We have 280 volunteers,and 9 core committee members of the group. The most important part is the fact that since all the members are youngsters,we are able to relate to important social issues,and the involvement of the youth on a much more direct platform. We raised a total of Rs. 10,000 for the same,and received donations from sponsors,worth Rs. 20,000 for the calendar.”

The calendar is scheduled to be officially launched at the hands of state home minister RR Patil,“We haven’t got a confirmation of the launch date because of his busy schedule,but the launch will happen in the next couple of days,” says Satpute.

The group also plans to highlight other social issues through means like these. “On our agenda for this year,is working with the traffic department to raise traffic awareness amongst the youth,and also start a monthly magazine,for the youth to keep them updated about various social issues that they need to be aware of,” adds Gadge.