I live in Pune – the city where the Peshwas have left an immense legacy of bravery, patriotism and pride for the country. Pune is the “Oxford Of The East”, where students from all over the world come to learn, live, absorb and get enriched. Pune is also the city where the quintessential “Puneri Abhimaan” (Pune’s Pride) is found in abundance and anyone can get a piece of this Abhimaan at every traffic signal, galli, katta and road.
We are Punekars – and proud ones at that. And every problem on the face of this earth can be dealt with with one swift dose of Puneri Abhimaan. And I guess it’s the same Abhimaan which does not let us Punekars put anything on our heads – even if it’s the helmet meant for guarding our precious little Puneri heads and lives.
Now, before I go into dissecting the subject at hand, let me first put down certain astounding facts:
- Pune has the highest number of two-wheelers in the country. As of April 2018, the total number of two-wheelers in Pune stand at 27.03 lakh, and that too is increasing every year.
- Pune sees 350 deaths per year on an average in road accidents, out of which 170 deaths involve two-wheeler riders. In 99% of these mishaps, the deceased do not have helmets.
- A study conducted by an NGO called Parisar in May 2017 has revealed that only 16% two-wheeler riders and 8% women riders in Pune wear helmets.
- Also, only 2% pillion riders follow the helmet rule.
From January 1, 2019, the Pune City Traffic Police has once again launched the compulsory helmet rule for two- wheeler riders in the city after several failed attempts of doing so in the past. However, instead of welcoming the drive and adhering to the rule, there was more news in the media about how some sections of the population are vehemently rejecting the rule. Seems that there are also some political outfits involved in refusing the enforcement. Due to this, the traffic police also seem doubtful in enforcing the rule strictly.
As a Punekar and also a law abiding Indian citizen, I find this callous attitude by the Pune people extremely shocking. It is difficult to comprehend why people do not think about their own safety when they oppose the helmet rule. Even today, after two weeks after the start of the rule, there are almost 50% people driving their bikes and moped on the highly crowded roads of Pune city without the helmet. The Pune Traffic police are trying their best to nab the defaulters. However, with such a huge number of people not following the rule, it’s extremely difficult for them as well to increase the success percentage.
Apart from the proper shops and dealers who sell original ISI marked helmets, one can see that there are numerous helmet sellers on the sidelines of all the major roads of the city. Many of the businesses, NGOs, government authorities and civilians who want the drive to be successful are doing their bit. There are numerous posters, billboards, advertisements, video displays across the city emphasizing the importance of the helmet. Despite all these attempts, the progress has been really abysmal. And it’s extremely sad.
“Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj wore his iron helmet and so did Peshwe Bajirao I before going to war. Driving today on Pune roads is nothing less than a daily war.”
Confidence is good by all means. But it is more important to understand where to exert it.
So, as a concerned citizen of my beloved Pune city, I want all my dear Punekars to read my 10-point agenda below. I hope it makes sense and encourages Punekars to get that helmet once and for all:
- Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj wore his iron helmet and so did Peshwe Bajirao I before going to war. Driving today on Pune roads is nothing less than a daily war.
- Puneri Abhimaan is epic. But even that can’t survive if you don’t have a head. Be smart. Save your head and the Abhimaan in it with the helmet.
- It’s a once in a life investment. And it’s really cheap when compared to a one-day trip to Sinhgad fort or Mulshi dam.
- Helmet is a multi-utility gadget. It can be used to save yourself from various other things, like a shield against people trying to harm you physically.
- Helmet is cool. And if anybody tries to convince you otherwise look at John Abraham’s picture driving a trendy bike in Dhoom.
- It also saves you from heat, dust and pollution.
A woman wearing a helmet. - For women, helmets are a great protection to the hair from the sunlight and pollution. The hair sets so well under the thick cover.
- You present a great example in front of your children to follow. If you don’t follow the helmet rule, your children won’t either and you will be half dead worrying about their safety in the future.
- It does not create any problem with the back, neck, waist, eyesight or any other part of the body. And even if it does, there are doctors and experts to help.
- It is your safety for God’s sake. And there isn’t any substitute for it. Talyatalya Ganpatichi shapath*.
*Talyatala Ganpati is a famous Ganesh temple in Saras Baug Pune. And “Talyatalya Ganpatichi shapath” is a way to promise something in a Puneri lingo. It means – I take an oath of Talyatala Ganpati.