Three years ago, curiosity had led me to understand what Raahgiri was all about. It is, I was given to understand, associated with a concept "Apni Rahen, Apni Azaadi" (Freedom to choose one's path).
I soon realised I was getting into quicksand . We have large Bovine families in Bhubaneswar who have been firm believers in this philosophy for decades; so are the Auto Rickshaw pilots on cockpit and some young Bike riders and many perambulating street vendors.
Why then are we anxious to revisit the issue? In Bhubaneswar a better way of asserting one's Azaadi is to walk carefree in the many beautiful and sprawling public parks the city has been hosting. Why are we anxious to add number to the many Azaadis who have been on the street for many years?
The movement that started in Gurgaon was meant to articulate societal demand for pedestrian and cycling friendly infrastructure for the entire city and to have safer roads for all. Playing Kabaddi; Rumal Chori ; Antakshari or undertaking slow cycling shows do not convey the demand for appropriate infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
Did Bhubaneswar Raahgiri enthusiasts understand? Did they learn? Has Bhubaneswar created safe and adequate space for pedestrians and cyclists? We need to introspect. We must resist the temptation for gimmickry.
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