Ahead of the Kolkata Police SDSL Half Marathon on January 18, the city police have released a road safety public service advertisement inspired by Satyajit Ray’s Hirak Rajar Deshe, using rhyme and satire to caution against speeding and traffic violations. In verse, the characters spell out the consequences of reckless driving and ignoring road safety rules. ADVERTISEMENTThe video begins with the modern-day version of Hirak Raja asking his ‘raksha mantri’ whether people still follow zebra crossing rules. The Safe Drive Save Life campaign was launched in July 2016 to promote road safety across West Bengal and has been credited with a decline in road accident fatalities. First organised in 2018, the marathon has grown into the largest half marathon event in the state.

Source: The Telegraph January 10, 2026 19:18 UTC