Divya Cutinho
Mangaluru, Jul 7: Road safety is still the most neglected subject in Mangaluru despite city witnessing several accidents and many people losing lives on everyday basis. The commuters do not follow appropriate road safety rules and when it comes to road safety, people show a negligent attitude.
But a unique initiative by an engineering student from Mangaluru will change the dark side and definitely inspire Mangalureans, who have love for their Tulunadu, to follow the mandatory helmet rule.
Akanksh Kuthar, an engineering student of Srinivas institute of technology Valachil, who hails from Kuthar, has come up with a unique idea of ‘tiger helmet'.
Tiger dance or the Pili Nalike is adored by people belonging to all communities irrespective of religion. Tiger dance is a part of Tulunadu culture. Without this dance, there is no Dasara in Tulunadu. It unites everyone. The traditional tiger dance (Huli Vesha) has existed for hundreds of years and has become a major attraction of the region.
Akanksh, who has completed BE in Mechanical engineering and is waiting for final semester results, has a craze for tiger dance and is inspired by his grandfather who used to perform tiger dance.
Talking about a unique helmet that has caught eyes of youth in particular and public in general, Akanksh told Daijiworld, "I planned to paint my helmet with tiger skin colour. An artist named Umesh Bolar has designed and painted this helmet. Umesh is a famous artist who has sketched and modelled the Rani Abbakka statue in Ullal. Earlier, there were no pictures of Abbakka. After reading stories of her, Umesh himself sketched and completed the model within 6 months. He has also painted tiger dancers in France. He was awarded 'Best Painter' of tiger dancers in every season of popular programme 'Pili Nalike’. I am grateful to him for such a wonderful design.”
Akanksh’s helmet has become a trendsetter and many youth are copying the same. However, he says that he does not want anyone to follow him. "Let them come up with their own ideas depending on their personal interests. Ultimately, helmets are mandatory to save our lives," he says.
When asked whether he was caught by the police or mocked by the public over tiger helmet, he says, "Initially I had a fear if the cops would catch me. Luckily no cop has caught me. Some people have mocked me thinking that I was wearing a tiger mask which was used by tiger dancers. Many of them did not know that it was a helmet and has an ISI mark on it."
"In my close circle and in my area, people know the craze I have for tiger dance. Some people have complimented me for coming up with such a unique idea and some have made fun. But now I am getting good response. My friends have liked the idea and have started sharing it on social media. Family members too are supportive,” he adds.
Talking about road safety rules, Akanksh says that while riding, safety must be the priority. "If one wants to be safe, they must follow the rules," he says.
The mandatory rule for pillion riders of two-wheelers to wear helmet came into effect on January 12, 2016 in Karnataka. One can motivate people to follow road rules using creative methods, concludes Akanksh.