73-year-old spends two hours a day managing traffic in Mumbai

Mumbai: At a time when motorists and pedestrians are exhibiting zero tolerance for traffic rules and regulations, 73-year-old Matunga resident is doing his bit to improve the scenario. P S Subramanium believes that his small contribution would sooner or later bring about a major change in the society.

Mr Subramanium, who frequents Maheshwari Udyan for evening walks, decided to create awareness among pedestrians about their rights after he saw how children and senior citizens struggled to cross the road during peak hours. "We can't expect traffic police officials to be omnipresent.

So instead of blaming them, one should be educated enough to know what's right and wrong. People end up blaming authorities instead of improving their knowledge."

The senior citizen spends two hours - 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm - on a daily basis, including weekends, managing traffic and asking pedestrians and motorists to follow the traffic norms. Mr Subramanium believes that over a period of time pedestrians and motorists would get used to his teachings, and following traffic norms would become their second nature.

Sharing his bitter experiences, Mr Subramanium said that there are times when motorists pay no heed to his request and abuse him. "Such reactions haven't dampened my spirit and I would continue to do my work," he said.

Just like Mr Subramanium, 76-year-old Nandalal Popat educates motorists and people about the traffic norms by standing at the Shoppers Stop signal in Andheri (west). "Some people give a disgusted look and are rude at times. But my aim is to helping people have a hassle-free and a safe journey, as the area has no traffic police official. People have to understand that it is their responsibility to abide by the traffic rules and regulations."