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Journalism of Courage
Incidents like the recent public urination by a drunken BMW driver and the Porsche car crash in 2023 that claimed two lives in Pune, and a fatal Volkswagen Virtus collision in Vadodara in March have sparked conversations among youths in Pune about personal responsibility, road safety, and the importance of making conscious choices against drink-drive.
“The tragic events of the Pune Porsche accident were a profound wake-up call for me. Witnessing how a momentary lapse in judgment, especially under the influence of alcohol, can lead to irreversible consequences made me question my own choices,” says 27-year-old Pratik Bhalerao who has decided to quit alcohol.
Bhalerao says his decision stemmed from the desire to ensure his own safety and that of others around him.
“This introspection led me to prioritise my responsibilities and the well-being of those around me over temporary pleasures. By choosing to abstain from alcohol, I ensure that I remain in control, make sound decisions, and uphold the values I cherish,” he explains.
The number of youngsters in Pune who echo the sentiments of Bhalerao is increasing in the wake of the high-profile accidents involving alcohol.
Varun Deshmukh, a 24-year-old marketing professional, reflected on how the BMW crash altered his perspective on alcohol consumption.
“The media coverage of the luxury car BMW incident in Pune was both shocking and enlightening. It highlighted the devastating consequences of impaired judgment due to alcohol consumption,” he says.
He points out how societal norms often glorify drinking.
Deshmukh says by choosing sobriety he found himself more involved in social interactions and started focusing on his personal and professional growth.
“I began to question the societal norms that glorify drinking, especially in social and professional settings. Realising that consuming alcohol wasn’t worth the potential risks, I chose to embrace sobriety. This decision has allowed me to engage more authentically in social interactions, build genuine connections, and focus on my personal and professional growth without any hindrances,” Deshmukh adds.
For entrepreneur Rohan Kulkarni, 26, who was also deeply impacted by the recent accidents, the decision to quit drinking was about maintaining sharpness in his decision-making.
“As an entrepreneur, making sound decisions is crucial for the success of my ventures. The incidents in Pune served as stark reminders of how alcohol can cloud judgment and lead to catastrophic outcomes,” he remarks.
Kulkarni believes that staying away from alcohol ensures he remains responsible and committed to his business goals. “By giving up alcohol, I ensure that I remain sharp, responsible, and fully committed to my goals. This choice has enhanced my productivity and allowed me to set a positive example for my peers and employees,” he asserts.
Meera Joshi, a 25-year-old medical student, views the tragedies through the lens of her future career in healthcare. “Studying medicine has made me acutely aware of the fragility of life and the importance of health. The accidents in Pune and Vadodara underscored the dangers associated with impaired driving and alcohol consumption,” she says.
According to Joshi, choosing to abstain from alcohol reinforces her commitment to providing the best care to patients in the future. “I felt a deep responsibility to align my lifestyle with the principles of health and safety that I advocate for as a future healthcare professional,” she says.
Graphic designer Siddharth Nair, 28, views accidents as a reminder of how social status and material possessions can influence reckless behaviour.
“The luxury car incidents in Pune were a wakeup call for me. They made me realise how societal pressures and the allure of status symbols can lead to reckless behaviour,” he observes.
By choosing sobriety, Nair broke away from these pressures, and started focusing on his personal growth and creative passions. “I chose to distance myself from alcohol to break away from these superficial expectations and focus on what truly matters—personal growth, creativity, and meaningful relationships. Sobriety has allowed me to rediscover my passions and pursue them with renewed vigour, without the distractions and potential pitfalls associated with drinking,” he states.
By working closely with communities affected by road accidents, social worker Shubham Jadhav, 23, decided to stop consuming alcohol as a personal commitment to road safety. “I have seen firsthand pain and loss that families endure. I wish to set an example for others,” says Jadhav who believes his choice will inspire others to prioritise safety and make responsible decisions.
