Showing the right direction

Joshi can be spotted most evenings at busy traffic intersections in Noida,educating commuters on the importance of following traffic rules and the need to be more cautious and respectful towards pedestrians. Some call him traffic baba,others suraksha baba.

“I believe in the Gandhian philosophy of telling people politely,I do not order them to follow rules,” says Joshi,who has been on this drive since 2004. A retired flight engineer with the Indian Air Force,Joshi now works as an insurance agent by day and a voluntary traffic adviser by evening.

Armed with a portable loud- speaker,a straw hat and lots of water to combat the heat,Joshi distributes pamphlets — he carries 150 at a time — with messages on road safety,both in Hindi and English. “When a car pulls over at a signal,I go up and hand over a pamphlet to the occupant or speak to him. If they are nice,they accept it,else they ignore me,” says Joshi,who says he initially faced opposition,even scorn from people. Traffic policemen were hostile as well. “People thought I had gone senile,” remembers Joshi.

But a few months later,commuters and police alike have got used to having him around. “All the policemen know me well and take it easy each time they see me. But I tell them that I am not replacing their work,I am just assisting them,” he explains.

It was a tragic incident that made him take up this cause — his neighbour’s son was killed in a road rage. “Seeing our rash traffic,I wanted to educate youngsters about adhering to safety guidelines,” explains Joshi.

Since Joshi’s on a solo mission and not affiliated with any social organisation,he has set aside Rs 1,500 every month for expenses he incurs on printing,fuel etc. Joshi says the calls of thanks he receives are reward enough. “I receive calls from parents about how grateful they are for my work and how it saved their child from a fatal accident. Even youngsters message me about how they have benefited from my advice,” says Joshi.