Indian Cinema rewrites 'Traffic Rules'

Everyone knows the impact the cinema has on the society. And yet, the script writers and lyricists always put decency and moral responsibility to wind as they churn out stuff that can have far reaching implications, especially on youth. If you have not seen yet, the trailer of an upcoming Punjabi flick, 'Dharti' (I thought it is perhaps a patriotic one), which does not require any explanation. Watch it to learn the 'new traffic rules' that some 'innovative' Panjabi lyricist has penned (to guide the youth or portray a growing trend?)

Since this song is in Punjabi, for  people not familiar with it, I have tried to convey the essence of this song by translating its first stanza into English.

Saade apne ne rule, Saade apne asool,

Assin jithey padhe oh taa vakhrey school,

Saanu jehda roke tokeh,

Rakh daa ge ohnu Dho ke,

Assin jithey chaawange gaddi moudange,

Fer saare de saare hi signal todange,

(Its English translation)

We have our own rules, We have our own principles,

Where we studied were different schools,

Whosoever tries to stop or restraint us,

will be thrashed,

Wherever we’ll feel like we’ll turn our cars,

And Then we’ll violate every traffic signal on the way…

'Words' are the most basic and powerful tools of communication and should be used judiciously especially when it caters to the masses at large. The mark it leaves on one's psyche is potent enough to transform into thoughts and then actions. This is not the first instance where 'rule-breaking' words or promoting 'risk-taking' and 'sensation-seeking' is used but it has to stop somewhere. India which now leads the world in road fatalities, where nearly every four minutes a life is lost due to road accidents, entertainment like this does not stand in a good taste. Moreover, this video which has already got more than 280 'likes' with only 2 'dislikes' on You Tube shows that youngsters approve of it. Its high time some kind of self-restraint is followed. Traffic violations are the last things we would like our youngsters to emulate from cinema. But can someone stop this song from airing? Or we are too complacent to simply sit and enjoy with who-cares-attitude?

Communication or Miscommunication??

Communication is a great tool. The sender of the message sends forth an intended message via a channel or a medium to the receiver or target audience. The receiver gets the message and tries to comprehend. Well, here is the catch, there is a probability of the message being misinterpreted due to variety of reasons. The information conveyed might not be understood the way it was supposed to be or the way sender wanted to either because of the language used, or the disruptions in the channel of communication.  There are n-number of case studies how even the advertising message or the public service campaign (like the famous family planning one), failed due to the message getting mis-interpreted by the recipients.

Why am I writing all this is due to the fact that on our roads too, the signages, billboards, hoardings are installed for a specific reason. They should convey some meaning, that is the very reason they are placed at a particular point or an intersection to cater to the masses at large. The information might not always be relevant as most of them are for advertisement purpose to promote their product. But recently I came across a traffic junction in my city's vicinity where the attempt has been made to promote the drink  'Pepsi' - the official partners to the World Cup - and the headline that screamed out of the bill board, "Rules are for followers".  

Well, how would that get interpreted on a traffic light where the youngsters follow their youth icon screaming at them to, ostensibly, 'break the rules'. 

Well, here probably the one composing this tag line was not aware that this will be installed at traffic intersection where 'rules are meant to be followed' but then the people who placed it here probably were oblivious about their 'moral or social responsibility'. At first instance when I saw it, it instigated me to violate, the message coupled with the enraged expression for a moment makes you think in that way. Time to ponder.