“Be the change you wish to see”

Perhaps one of the most popular saying and in equal measure one of the most abused. Its popularity stems from its universal appeal and contrarily its abuse from its need for change in human nature at the most fundamental level. It’s not impossible but has proven to be difficult to follow.

Picture this; over a small stretch of road on the hills which is a two-way transport, it takes just common-sense from the drivers to maneuver their vehicles so that they do not create a clog. In their bid to outdo one another and get their way out of the clog what results is chaos and ultimately a terrible traffic jam which ultimately plays havoc on the entire route. Seems like a scene out of everyday India.

What would most do? Adjust and wait; Complain and curse; Wish that it clears up somehow and wait.

How many would put their hands up and get down the road and bring a sense of order to the vehicular anarchy? S. Sriramakrishnan, an ex-military man, working for IFMR and part of the transformation team off-site was one of the few who did just that.

During the descent from the hills of Yelagiri and the utter traffic which the bus had to encounter, Sriramakrishnan got down from the bus and assumed self-imposed responsibility for clearing the traffic. His initiative in passing instructions to the vehicles coming in the opposite direction had a ripple-effect on not just the traffic which seemed to instantly obey a sense of order amongst the chaos, but it also brought the policemen to be more proactive in clearing the mess.

Clearing the Traffic – Video

Be the change you wish to see from IFMR

The act was simple yet daring which had a profound effect on hundreds of people – saving hours of time and energy.