‘Yamraj’ Promotes Road Safety Awareness In Odisha’s Cuttack

Cuttack: An unusual dramatic scene unfolded near Chhapolia on busy Cuttack-Chandbali road in Odisha’s Cuttack district on Sunday as a man attired like ‘Yamraj’ (Lord of Death) and wielding a mace standing in the middle of the road and stopping bikers and cars.

He was cautioning the drivers against violation of the road safety rules and convincing them the importance of wearing helmets, using seat belts, controlling vehicle speed, against drunken driving and using earphones during driving.

“Life is valuable. If you drive carefully and follow the safety measures, life will be saved. Violating traffic rules always leads to dangerous consequences. If you are safe, your families will be safe,” he told the bikers and car drivers while a group of local people, volunteers and children were holding placards highlighting traffic rules.

The Yamraj gave away roses to those wearing helmets to the amusement of the bikers. There were several other Yamrajs at the spot creating awareness too. All of them were a part of an awareness drive organised by a local outfit, Jagannath Charitable Trust.

“At Chhapolia Chhak, as many as nine people have lost their lives due to accidents in the past. People need to follow traffic rules. That is why, we organised an awareness drive. People should know the risk of rash and drunken driving,” said a young activist.

The outfit also performed a Hanuman Jajna as part of the awareness drive for safety of the people.