Journalism of Courage
Puneri patyaa,an age-old tradition in the city,makes the inevitable transition to Facebook.
Everyday,Balasaheb Runwal zips around Market Yard on a blue motorbike. What makes his ordinary two-wheeler extraordinary is the message it carries. Apart from taking Runwal to different places,the bike is also a moving patyaa or a signboard,carrying humorous messages about various issues,from water shortage to corruption. Fondly referred to as Puneri patyaa,quirky signboards plastered all over the city comment on social issues with a dash of humour. For instance,a board in the Deccan area says that anyone who spits paan will have his cheek reddened (with a slap). Puneri patyaa has been part of our heritage even before independence. The city has educated people who understand and appreciate the subtle humour. When you pinch somebody,he really feels it. When people read these taunts,they understand the message, says Runwal.
There are several pages on Facebook dedicated to the Puneri patyaa,as well as a community with over 10,000 likes. Chandan Suratwala,member of one such group,regularly posts patyaa on the page. I have posted patyaa about illegal parking,helmet awareness and lots of other topics. People always respond well to jokes and wit,and Facebook helps us reach even more people, he says.
A post by Suratwala reads: Melo tari harkat nahi helmet ghalnar nahi,danda bharnar nahi,which translates to: Its okay even if I die,I wont wear a helmet and wont pay the fine either. And Runwals latest signboard,which will be out on Monday,is timely in its choice of topic: water shortage. Saat peedhiya purel avaidhi jamauta maya,matra dho dho pani jhaluta waya,niyojana abhavi dushkal padel velo veli,mag yayil kagadane pushaichi paali,it says,which warns people that if they waste water without any attempts at conservation,there will come a day when they will have to use paper instead of water.
Several of my signs go on Facebook these days. Others who like the messages take pictures and put them up online, says Runwal.
It is an old tradition in Pune,but patyaa are becoming modern with the use of Facebook,and reaching to even more people than before. Even if you live in Pimpri,you can see a board put up in Camp or anywhere else, says Suratwala.
