HYDERABAD: Thanks to a bunch of volunteers from Ismaili community, a drive through the Chirag Ali Lane has become relatively easier for motorists this Numaish season.
At least 10 volunteers can be seen helping pedestrians cross the road and directing motorists every evening. The volunteers’ main objective however is to facilitate movement of the community members when they arrive at the Jamaat Khana or prayer house on Fridays and Sundays. On these days around 25 to 30 volunteers, who call themselves ‘Rovers’ are seen working in Scout uniform.
Bilawar Virani, who has been overseeing the work of volunteers for the past 10 years, said that the initiative is associated with Bharat Scouts and Guides. “The service is purely voluntary and has been taking place for the past 50 years. We also assist the Abids police on the day of Ganesh Nimajjan,” he said. Abids and surrounding areas like Chirag Ali are home to about 5,000 Ismaili Muslims.
At present there are 65 volunteers spanning all ages with some as young as 18 and others nearly 55 years. They arrive on the scene at 5.30 pm and work till 8.30 pm. Businessmen, students and private sector employees comprise the Rovers and offer their services whenever their routine is over.
“Volunteers are motivated by the desire to serve the community. We stop vehicles, allow people to cross and provide a safe passage for people on the road. The presence of volunteers prevents incidents like chain or purse snatching,” said Rafeeq Pirani, a student who has been volunteering for over a year.
The service of the volunteers is handier during Numaish. With a good chunk of traffic coming towards Nampally from the Siddi Amber Bazaar, Jambagh and Goshamahal taking a diversion through Chirag Ali Road and the ever-growing sea of parked vehicles at Jagdish market, managing traffic on the Chirag Ali Road becomes difficult. But the volunteers work to ensure that traffic does not come to a standstill.
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-21/hyderabad/36461985_1_volunteers-work-numaish-man-traffic
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