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(ARCHIVE) Vol. XXI No. 4, June 16-30, 2011
a-Musing
By Ranjitha Ashok

Eye of the beholder


Did the newspaper say we have to charge for not wearing a helmet? If so, I'll have no option but to charge you!

The authorities have spoken.

‘Wear helmets... or else.’

Impressive – good rule, displaying a firm, fearless, no-nonsense attitude – just what you like to see in those in charge.

Except when it turns out that a few who’re supposed to carry out these measures are a little under-informed of all these taking-things-up-a-notch changes.

A lack that tends to cause the lackadaisical.

Something a certain reporter from a local paper proved, when he darted about on a two-wheeler a few days ago, helmet deliberately conspicuous by its absence, right under the nose of authority, without getting pulled up even once.

You’d think the guy would have got caught at traffic signals at least – stationary vehicle, stationary miscreant, etc.

But – No.

Typical of these times, photographs were promptly splashed all over the next day.

Red faces and tempers in official corridors.

However, the better-informed did pull up some ‘err-ers’, addressing them like kindly uncles, advising them to wear helmets, proving Authority doesn’t always have a stony heart.

Learning is a perpetual process.

Rule makers, take note – mere power apparently makes for brittle armour...easily broken, like something bought at a discount store that values appearance over quality.

And – the ‘eyes’ are everywhere these days.

 


In this issue

Monorail, Metro, MRTS, buses...
It's not Tamil, a sudden discovery after decades
Green prisons now educate their inmates
I have a dream, I have a story
Kelly's Drain– Where was it?
Make mine a 'Madras'
Other stories

Our Regulars

Short 'N' Snappy
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Our Readers Write
Quizzin' with Ram'nan
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