ARE we -- the Nagpurians -- the people of a fine culture, or more precisely, a fine civic culture ? This question haunts not just the loosefooter but also everybody with a good sense of public conduct -- in Nagpur. And there are countless dimensions to this haunting question -- of the sense of personal responsibility towards others in the society, of the sense of dignity of one’s own and of others, of the importance of smoothness and polish in collective conduct ...! In almost every social conversation in town -- at homes, in restaurants, in clubs, among friends, in any and every social circle -- this question is discussed with varying intensities whether we have a decent social culture in Nagpur or not ... ! The loosefooter has written on this issue every now and then. This time, thus, may not be much different -- as some may tend to think. The loosefooter doesn’t mind. For, he has often taken upon himself the role of asking questions -- which is integral to his profession of journalism. In fact, asking questions is the only tool a journalist has -- anywhere in the world, in any geography, in any culture. So this question, too: Are we -- the Nagpurians -- the people of a fine culture, or more precisely, a fine civic culture ? If we say “Yes, we are”, then the loosefooter has another quickie to shoot: Where is the evidence ? Let us undertake an exercise -- of standing in one corner of a busy intersection -- say, Shankar Nagar Square, or the Chhatrapati Nagar Square, or the Jaripatka Square, or the Rahate Colony Square, or the Laxmi Bhavan Square -- and watch the people cross the spot in different vehicles (four-wheelers, two-wheelers, or three-wheelers).

 

Only one Green signal is on so that the traffic on one road can flow smoothly. Naturally, the traffic on other roads is expected to stop respecting the Red signal. But does that really happen ? How many violations take place at every Red signal ? And how shameless are most of those violations ? And, so of course how much shameful !!!? Such violations take place at every intersection by thousands every day -- causing so much nuisance to others, creating so much disturbance to the traffic that is flowing under Green signal, and hurting the sense of dignity of others who choose to follow rules diligently !!! On account of those skunks who indulge in brazen violations day in and day out, many minor -- and some pretty serious -- accidents take place in the city.

 

The numbers of such accidents can be counted in thousands every day. Who is responsible for such a state of affairs ? “Police”, will be the answer. The loosefooter does not think so. For, when thousands of violations are taking place -- at the intersections, or even on roads where countless people travel by wrong side of the road, how can we expect the Traffic Police to work miracles of controlling massive numbers of violators day in and day out ? And, what is the profile of those who violate traffic regulations with impunity ? They include rich and poor, in four-wheelers and two-wheelers, and also on foot !! And to be frank, even woman do not lag behind when it comes to violating every possible traffic regulation ! And when all this is happening, can the young people be absent from the show? Not in the least. Their numbers are possibly the biggest, if one may assert ! What do we have to say about all this ? Is this not a question of our culture, then ???!!! -- or lack of a fine culture !!! n