They are a common sight on Delhi’s roads but the next time you see someone from the transgendered community at a traffic light, be sure to stop and listen.
In Delhi, a group of 26 transgenders, associated with Noida-based NGO Basera, have come up with a unique way to impart lessons on road safety from today. Together with law students from JNU and Jamia Millia Islamia these transgenders have teamed up with the Delhi Traffic Police to teach motorists the importance of wearing helmets and other road safety instructions.
The ‘Road To Safety’ campaign will launch a 3 month long pilot project at the Kashmiri Gate, Shastri Park and near Indraprastha College, Civil Lines areas of Delhi. The teams will work in two shifts from 10 AM to noon and 2 to 4 PM starting today. The agenda of the campaign is to counsel motorists and pedestrians about road safety.
“We will hold banners, distribute pamphlets to motorists, interact with them and will perform our ‘customary’ dance in order to teach motorists about road safety,” says Ram Kali, head of Basera and who will also be seen participating in this activity.
This initiative, the brainchild of Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA), is a huge step forward in helping integrate the transgender community into the mainstream.
Each volunteer participating in this project will be paid a stipend of Rs. 1,000 per day.
This is a reminder to the simple yet life-saving act of wearing a helmet – Delhi, you should better get this road safety message across!