In order to achieve increased safety on roads and emission control in vehicles, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has incorporated an independent body, the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), a CSR initiative. The noble cause was conceived and founded by Mr. R. Ramakrishnan, the then Executive Director of Ashok Leyland, in 1999.
In an informal chat with Mr. R. Natarajan, Motorindia, Mr. Suderson SV, President, SAFE, spoke about the various CSR initiatives taken
by the association and its target audience. He says, “With nearly 28 members from the automobile and component industry, government, testing agencies and NGOs, SAFE works to create awareness among the general public regarding inspection and certification of vehicles and on-road safety which would lead to public safety, safer vehicles and cleaner environment. As a part of its initiative, the association organizes driver training courses for public and personal safety and conducts training workshops for pollution checking technicians, through transport authorities and STU’s across the country. These programmes are aimed to create awareness in them on road safety and the importance of regular maintenance of their vehicles. In addition, SAFE also organizes seminars and campaigns largely attended by government officials and other stakeholders.”
The association conducts campaigns on road safety education for students and public at large. Through such programs, SAFE tries to inculcate correct and responsible attitude, on the road, in the minds of students and general public. From 2005, in order to consolidate its activities, SAFE has been conducting annual conventions and campaigns attended by people who are closely involved in its initiatives, added Mr. Suderson who has involved himself in this noble cause purely out of passion.
Mr. Suderson, who is the eighth President of SAFE, has rich experience in the road transport sector and has worked with leading automobile manufacturers such as Tata Motors and Volvo and is currently with Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. as the General Manager (Product Engineering Services).