In a move that could be termed as reverse advertising, a teenager who nearly died while hanging out of a running local recently will feature in railway warnings to other youngsters about the dangers of train stunts
In a move that could be termed as reverse advertising, a teenager who nearly died while hanging out of a running local recently will feature in railway warnings to other youngsters about the dangers of train stunts.
In a novel, though welcome, punishment declared by a court for juveniles, the 16-year-old will have to spend five hours every Sunday making anti-stunt announcements at the Mira Road and Bhayander stations.
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Hopefully, the surprise aspect will resonate with Mumbaikars, especially youngsters, who are the target demographic when it comes to stunts on trains. The Railways must now ensure that the boy has a good, clear script to read from when he undertakes this community service. The message must be simple, straightforward, hard hitting and, most importantly, straight from the heart.
It is important that the teen speaks clearly and lucidly for his words to be truly efficacious. One must remember that on Sundays, trains are crowded due to mega blocks. The commuter has a small attention span; it is vital that this community service is succinct and spot on, if it has to work towards dissuading persons to do stunts on trains.
The service must be a two-pronged effort. The Railways must ensure that the announcement system is in perfect order when the boy speaks. The words must be clear and easily understood. Our announcement systems are often found wanting. Commuters have to strain to hear what is being said and if words are lost here, it makes the entire initiative an exercise in futility.
We welcome the novelty and trail-blazing nature of this move. Let there be careful thought, effective framing of words and technological support to make this a worthy punishment, in every sense of the word.
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