Small Story 522.

Small Story 522. A Good Encounter with an RTO Stalwart Basavaraj had recently been transferred from Mysore to Bengaluru, and he had just one year of service left before retirement. One Sunday morning, he decided to walk from his house to his favorite old restaurant for breakfast. As he relished a crispy masala dosa, he suddenly heard someone call his name. To his surprise, it was his old friend Ram. Basavaraj knew Ram well—a sincere journalist who always took a keen interest in the problems of the common man. Ram worked selflessly and never expected anything in return for his service to society. “Hey Ram! How are you? How is your wife? And your daughter Aparna?” Basavaraj asked warmly. “All are fine,” Ram replied with a smile. “Yesterday, our friend Manjunath told me that you have been transferred to the Bengaluru RTO office. I’m glad to hear that.” After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Ram grew serious. “In fact, I was thinking of writing about an issue that affects senior citizens. Whenever they walk on platforms or roads in areas like JP Nagar, they are disturbed by the harsh and confusing horn sounds of vehicles. It is difficult to recognize whether the sound comes from a scooter or a four-wheeler. The noise creates fear and confusion, especially for elderly people.” He continued, “Since you are an excellent officer in the Regional Transport Office with a good track record, could you suggest to your higher officials that vehicle horns should have distinct sounds according to the size and type of vehicle? That way, people—especially senior citizens—can easily identify them and feel safer.” Basavaraj nodded thoughtfully. “Thank you for your valuable suggestion, Ram. Before I retire, I will certainly do my best to propose this idea to the authorities. If implemented, it could make our roads safer and more comfortable for everyone.” After ten minutes, Ram took leave, feeling confident that his good friend Basavaraj would take the matter seriously. Both friends parted with hope—one with a sense of responsibility, and the other with faith that positive change was possible when dedicated officers and concerned citizens worked together. K.Ragavan 15-2-26