Now Lord Ganesh, Yama preach people about importance of helmet

Madurai, Jun 30: As the compulsory helmet rule for two-wheeler riders comes into force in Tamil Nadu from tomorrow, persons dressed like Lord Ganesh and Yama, the God of death, are out on the streets as part of a novel campaign to create awareness about importance of headgears.

A flex board put up by the Regional Transport office in Kancheepuram has invoked Lord Ganesh with a slogan which read: "You will not get a head like me, wear helmet and protect your head."A photo of the flex board has gone viral on social media sites such as Facebook and whatsapp.

As per mythology, Lord Shiva chopped of the head of his son Ganesh, angered at his refusal to allow him to meet his consort Parvathi, but later transplanted the head of an elephant. In Madurai, RTO officials are using persons, dressed like Lord Yama who are enacting one act street drama at important junctions highlighting the importance of helmets.

The government, prodded by Madras High Court which expressed concern over loss of precious lives due to absence of protective headgear, has announced that from July 1 wearing of helmets would be compulsory for two-wheeler and pillion riders. With the court asking the government to create awareness among the public about the importance of helmet, the officials have adopted eye-catching campaigns.

The campaign was being launched on a large-scale because government wanted to persuade the people to wear helmet, compulsions apart, transport officials said. Police did not insist much on wearing the helmet till the court intervened and gave a strict order on June 8.

PTI