A test of tolerance
For citizens wishing to test their tolerance, restraint, composure, doggedness or resoluteness there is a simple test.
Take your car out for a spin across the city streets in the evening hours. Those who do not own cars may book a cab or hitch a ride on a shared taxi.
The only two conditions are – first, you should not lose your composure at any time and second, do not utter curses during the entire duration of the journey.
If you successfully manage to reach your destination without breaking any of the two rules you may consider yourself to be one among the miniscule number of tolerant persons living in the Pine City.
Some members of the SJ team attempted the test but failed miserably. In their defence, we need to mention that they chose the worst possible day to test their patience – Saturday evening.
It took an SJ team member, who was returning from a day’s trip to Guwahati, two hours to complete a short trip of 8 km from Mawiong. While traffic is normal on the GS Road, Saturday’s congestion was freakish as serpentine queues of vehicles were seen on the roads even at 10 pm.
However, no one was sure about the reason behind the traffic mess on Saturday. Some said it was because of the love that people from Assam shower on Meghalaya – summer holidays have begun in the neighbouring state and visitors drove in hordes to their favourite spots in Sohra and elsewhere. The return traffic is what compounded the congestion, a police constable explained.
If the traffic cop’s observation is anything to go by, Shillongites are sure to get lots of opportunities to test their limits of tolerance in the coming days and weeks.
The taint of red
City roads are not just marred by potholes and puddles, another despicable aspect of these roads are the red stains, courtesy of many drivers and commuters who habitually spit from the comfort of their vehicles, casually leaning their heads out through the window. It is mostly the infamous red gob of betel nut, leaves and lime.
Although the stains disappear over a period of time, watching this take place firsthand is absolutely galling and infuriating.
Along a stretch of the road near old Assembly building during a traffic jam, a cabbie nonchalantly and irresponsibly spat on the road from the window almost on the two-wheeler of a man, who sent an enraged glare towards the driver.
Motorists have the highest chances of being sprinkled with saliva from these errant citizens. According to the day-to-day observation of the SJ team, this is unlikely to stop anytime soon, so motorists have but one option and that is to keep their eyes peeled for oncoming spittle.
Not too long ago, spitting was a punishable offence owing to the situation which had arisen due to COVID. Albeit there was no rigorous adherence to the directive then, some, nonetheless, were aware about the repercussions of such acts.
Leaving those lessons somewhere along the way, people have become lackadaisical in their approach to hygiene.
Is there any hope for change?