Steering the wheels |
Courtesy: The Sangai Express 13th January, 2007 |
We bring this subject up today for some introspection because another Drivers' Day is upon us and while a good number of eminent personalities may sing paeans to the service rendered by those behind the wheels, the fact remains that their contributions to the very existence of the people remain unacknowledged. In other words they remain a neglected lot and this is where we need to open our eyes and accept their invaluable service to the people of Manipur. Being a driver, especially the ones who ply their trade on the National Highways, is definitely not an easy job. It entails spending days on the road. It means encountering engine breakdowns and being stranded in the middle of a highway far from human habitation. It also means being exposed to the physical danger of getting hurt during times of agitation such as bandhs and blockades, which are regular features in a State like Manipur. Like any other profession, being the pilot of a commercial vehicle on the highway will come along with its baggage of professional hazards. However the point is not the hazards that we are worried about. What we are more concerned about is the attitude and outlook of the people and the Government machinery towards this tribe of men, who earn a living and feed their family members by bringing the goods and other items necessary for human survival to the State. It is not only the lack of respect shown towards this profession that we are concerned about. We are also very much concerned about the manner in which drivers are harassed by greedy, corrupt and unscrupulous policemen who man the check posts and go around enforcing traffic rules and regulations. It is definitely beyond human conduct to squeeze the drivers of their hard earned money by some corrupt cops who do not hesitate to throw their weights around and bully the men behind the wheels. Judging from the huge responsibility that drivers shoulder to deliver the necessary goods to the people, society need to reciprocate accordingly and the first step is to acknowledge the service of drivers. We take this opportunity to wish all the men behind the wheels of the trucks and buses and tankers and their helpers or handymen as they are known as very happy Drivers' Day. |
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