Bhiwandi girls teach citizens road rules

Call it a social change. Muslim girls in Bhiwandi are working for the traffic police. A group of young girls and boys who call themselves ‘Little good cops’ is lending a helping hand to the police by educating people on road rules.

Mobashree Banu, an eleven-year-old, talks into the microphone before a gathering: “By not wearing a helmet, you are not only risking your life but also bringing worries to your family. If you are irresponsible, you will live like a vegetable being a burden on your family and India’s economy.”

Banu is a resident of the slums just behind the Bhiwandi traffic police station. “I cannot get out of my house before noon. I have to sweep, clean and help ammi cook food. I don’t know where I learnt to speak, but

it seems I can. Every night I look in the mirror and practise,”
says Banu. 

Around 300 students began the project last week by reaching out to corporates and banks. They did a lot of research before going to the places where most people drove their own vehicles to. “Prior to this, I was just one among the rest. Now I am being given importance. People listen to me and I have become lot more confident,” says Ansari, a little good cop. 

The project has not only helped the girls hone their individual skills, but also gain acceptance in their community and homes.

“My family was staunchly opposed to the idea of me going out to the city and talking to strangers. Earlier, when I returned home late, I had to answer questions. But now there is a difference: if I am late, I am offered a glass of water,” said Taslima Shaikh.

All the girls in the group are students of GM Momin Women’s College.

The police are more than happy with the results. “There had been a misconception about police earlier. The girls have built a good foundation with the police. We hope to see an impact,” said Rashmi Karandikar, assistant commissioner of police (traffic), Bhiwandi.

The fathers of the girls say that they have come to terms with their daughters’ late hours of work. “I was hesitant initially. But then I thought her going out to teach others will teach her social responsibility; she will better educated and become a better human being. And that is all I want from her,” said Ansari’s father.