Safety, trust are as vital as language

Every few months Maharashtra returns to the same debate about the Marathi language This time the focus is on the governmentrsquos proposal that auto and taxi drivers should know basic Marathi Language is important no doubt Expecting drivers to understand basic Marathi makes sense But this conversation should not stop there it should also include regular refresher training on traffic rules road discipline and driving behaviourThis is the immediate issue But it also raises a bigger and more practical question what should we expect from public transport drivers beyond just languageLanguage matters but it is only one part of the serviceAuto and taxi drivers deal with people every day officegoers students elderly citizens and tourists Many passengers are more comfortable speaking Marathi For them language is not just about words it is about comfort and easeAs Marathi writer Kusumagraj famously observed language connects people We see this in everyday situations But communication alone is not enough Driving safely following traffic rules maintaining lane discipline not overcharging and behaving politely are just as important For most passengers safety and behaviour matter as much as being understoodThat is why this issue should not be seen only as a language debateIf drivers are expected to learn basic Marathi it is equally fair to expect them to follow proper driving rules and behaviour Both go together mdash one helps communication the other builds safety and trustThink of an elderly person trying to explain an address in Marathi That is already difficult Now imagine if the driver is also driving rashly or ignoring signals The situation becomes stressful and riskyOn the other hand a driver who understands basic Marathi and follows traffic rules makes the journey smooth and safeIt is also important to understand what is being asked No one expects drivers to become experts in Marathi just basic words and simple conversationsThe same goes for driving These are not new rules They already exist and simply need to be followed consistently So the real need is not for pressure but supportOne practical solution is short training sessions during licence renewal or permit approvals These can cover basic Marathi simple traffic rules and expected behaviour nothing long or complicatedToday learning is easier because of technology Audiovisual lessons mobile apps or simple guides can help drivers learn quickly at their own paceThe idea should not be to test or punish but to helpWhen drivers feel supported instead of forced they are more likely to accept and follow these changesIn the long run this benefits everyone Better communication reduces confusion Better driving reduces conflict Together they build trust and improve the travel experienceIt also helps drivers Good behaviour and clear communication can improve their reputation and even earnings Seen this way this is not a burden it is an improvementAcross the world people in public services adapt to local languages and systems It is part of doing the job well That is why strong opposition to this idea does not seem convincingBecause this is not about politics or identity it is about everyday lifeIf driver unions oppose this move or threaten to strike it may not send the right message In fact it could hurt their image Opposing something as basic as learning a few local words may be seen as an unwillingness to adapt A smarter approach would be to ask for time support and a practical plan to adjust Turning this into a confrontation will only make matters worse This is not a fight but a chance to improve service and build trustMaharashtra has always welcomed people from everywhere That will not change But with that comes a small responsibility to adjust to the local environmentLearning a few words of Marathi and following basic driving discipline are simple steps in that directionIn the end this is about making daily travel easier safer and more comfortable Sometimes we overcomplicate simple issues Expecting clear communication along with responsible driving is not unfair It is practical and necessaryAt its core this is about understanding people better and serving them betterAnd as we often see whether it is Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking in Mumbai or the excitement at Wankhede Stadium just a few words in Marathi like ldquoKas Kay Mumbairdquo can instantly connect with people and create warmth and energyBecause language connects and responsible behaviour strengthens that connectionSanjeev Shivadekar is political editor midday He tweets SanjeevShivadekSend your feedback to mailbagmiddaycomThe views expressed in this column are the individualrsquos and donrsquot represent those of the paper