By Col Jagdish Sindhwani (Retd)
We, the residents on Dehradun are lucky to have this caption “Sunder Doon-Saakshar Doon”, which some of our Vikram Three Wheelers once had prominently written behind them, taking shape. The former in the form of the Smart City Project, and the latter in the form of three Literature Festivals that have taken place in our city in quick succession in the last one month. It’s a different and amusing observation that most of these Vikrams (blue three wheeled taxis) let out the most obnoxious black smoke from their exhaust pipes just below the caption!
However, here I would like to focus on the three Literature Festivals, the Saakshar (educational) aspect. The first one was held in Doon International School which was so well organised by the Chairman of the institution, DS Mann and his team of staff and students. One got to attend discussions on a variety of subjects by the authors themselves and moderated by well informed and creative moderators. Amongst the attendees were students from various schools, interested citizens, a number of prominent dignitaries from different fields, including the film fraternity and, of course, the press to cover the events. They pass it on in print for larger circulation and enable readers to enjoy in work from home mode.
Next was the regular annual festival held at Madhuban Hotel. A very well attended festival, where again one gets to learn firsthand from the distinguished writers on a whole variety of subjects, which cover National Security, Military Campaigns, Historical Events, adventures of all kinds, Political Developments around the World, talks on personal experiences of writers and teachers. One cannot do full justice to what is being laid out in different rooms at the same time. One has to pick some, miss some. But, on the whole, you end up a much wiser individual at the end of the day. Of course, there is a place allotted for snacks and refreshments to fill you up and keep your interest intact throughout the day.
The more recent was the Crime Literature Festival held at the Hyatt Centric Hotel, which ended on Sunday. Here, too, one got to see and meet a variety of intellectual writers, some from the film industry and some from the fraternity in Uniform, our ever on duty Police force. We have a number of retired senior police officers with a whole lot of experience in Law and Order matters, which they have put down in a number of editions in books. A rich Festival of Experiences of crimes and offences, and the humanitarian approach to such problems, shared with the audiences with expert moderation. The film fraternity has made many feature films on some interesting cases. Hence their participation in the festival.
One particular discussion which I wish to highlight here was that conducted by Satish Sharma, Editor of Garhwal Post, with the SSP, Ajai Pratap Singh, and Dr Anoop Nautiyal, on the subject of Road Safety and Remedial measures needed to be put in place or augmented to ensure that road users feel safe. This was discussed at length, as a recent accident in which six young lives were lost, and which got wide coverage in media, necessitated a thorough relook. Both, Dr Anoop Nautiyal and Satish Sharma underscored points which needed strict implementation to avoid road accidents. To recapitulate some, like checks on speeding, wearing of helmets, non-use of mobiles while driving, not overtaking dangerously, etc., by the road users. At nighttime, the use of dippers, no high beams on headlights in city roads was particularly suggested and also the re-introduction of top half black painted head lights, use of luminous paint on road dividers, speed breakers and road- end markers. Also wearing of luminous jackets and sleeves/gloves by traffic police, were suggested. A check on mischievous dangerous two wheel drivers in circus like moods to be challenged. And, lastly, the need to provide safe roads to the users was emphasised. Damaged roads, unfilled potholes, uneven manhole covers (both jutting out or sinking below road level), invite zigzag driving and cause accidents. Building material like sand and bricks on roads due to lack of space too are hazardous. In some areas overhanging tree branches from houses onto the road space, also need attention of the city administration.
The SSP was particularly requested to put across suggestions at appropriate meetings with the administration for action as he gets to participate in them. After all, the onus of Road Safety finally rests with him and his department.
A final word to all citizens, young, middle aged and elders, please be educated on our own responsibilities as good, considerate citizens to share our responsibilities to contribute towards the efforts of the Police and City Administration.
May we continue to benefit from Cultural and Literature Festivals in full measure.
