Fire engines are not toys

Even though there are many festivals in Kerala, Onam is all the more special to Malayalis as it does not carry any religious or social pretensions. Similar to harvest festivals of any place, the concept of Onam is a mix of myth, fantasy and morals that conveys good messages to the society.

I am constrained to remind myself that during my college days at SN College in Kollam and Fathima College, our Onam celebrations were very enjoyable. These days, celebrations have ceased to be enjoyable and have turned into revelry, often at the cost of others.

The disguised celebrations of today are more capable of inflicting damages than allowing all to enjoy. Before joining the Indian Police, I was an English teacher at Tirunelveli and I remember how methodically the people there used to celebrate Pongal and other celebrations.

In spite of the unfortunate incident at Thiruvananthapuram, the student community do not seem to have imbibed any lessons from it. The happenings at Adoor prove it - that is what makes me apprehensive.

Another matter of concern is that liquor and narcotics invariably find their way into venues where students celebrate for various reasons. Some campus films justify such behaviour with reasons that might seem legitimate at first glance. The failing interaction between teachers and students and lack of reading habits could all be the cause of such behaviour. Perhaps the lack of efficacy of principals or they being too permissive could also be the reason. Those principals who are strict do not get the support from administrators and this too could contribute to deviant behaviour from students.

KSRTC buses and Fire engines may be hired for private use. Many films use Fire engines to shoot rain scenes. However, it must be ensured that the control of such vehicles rests with officials when they are hired. It seems that was not the case in Adoor.

Even as Fire engines are in short supply, what would happen if the remaining ones are rented out? Can a vehicle which is engaged in such revelry reach a spot where there is an emergency? What if such a late arrival leads to loss of life?

Can anyone be so unprincipled that they can ignore their responsibility and subsequently be responsible for death?

(The author is a former DGP and former head of the Fire Force)