I live in one of the residential areas of Mumbai. Walk 500 metres from my house, and you will come across a major traffic junction. A park surrounded by 7 streets. An accident prone area.
One fine fine evening, I was walking towards the library. I waited at the signal, for it to turn red. While waiting impatiently, I started moving ahead, trying my best to avoid the cars and cross the road. Suddenly I heard a blaring whistle sound. I looked up to see. I couldn't see any traffic police. I continued my failed efforts to cross the street. I heard someone shout now. "Stop! Stop there you! Move behind!" I was plain irritated. Here I was, in a hurry, trying to reach the library to grab my favourite book before it got shut, trying to dodge the traffic with a hundred thoughts in my mind, multitasking, and I was being asked to stop. For what reason! I looked up to see an old man- he must've been around 70, or more, I can't be sure. He was wearing a cap. Grandpa spectacles. Tracks, a white tee, and running shoes. Not quite a traffic police. He was still shouting- "Move behind, madam. You need to move on the foot path" I obeyed. Only because I was too amazed to do anything but follow instructions. I was on the foot path now. The signal turned red. The cars stopped. A taxi crossed the zebra crossing and moved ahead. I again heard the whistle sound. The man asked the taxi driver to move behind till he was ahead of the crossing. Then we could all cross the roads. The taxi driver was infuriated. They fought. I continued walking. And forgot about the incident.
Next day, taking the same path, I found the same man, controlling the traffic. All alone. Full of energy. Full of confidence. I was curious. I discussed this with my friends. They said they had seen the man too. I, later found out that this man liked to serve the society in this way. Every evening, during peak traffic hours, he would come out of his house, and remind traffic rules, definition of a zebra crossing to all Mumbaikars, whether drivers or pedestrians. We learn about zebra crossings in grade 1, grade 2 maybe. And then forget all about them. But today, every time I am on road, as a driver or pedestrian, I remember this man. I stop before the crossing- in car or on foot. It's a small thing. But today, because of him, I am mindful of the rules. They're important. Some people make sure we don't forget them. Thanks to such people. Respect !
