Syed Mohsina Andrabi
“Our technologies have advanced, but our minds are still coated in rust. We have yet to understand when and how to use something as simple as a vehicle horn.”
Ever since human beings came into existence, they have always had one problem or another to deal with. As the world continued to advance, newer technologies emerged to address these problems.
Undoubtedly, people in ancient times also faced numerous difficulties. However,Almighty Allah had blessed them with a certain level of wisdom and understanding that enabled them to exercise immense patience. They would deal with their problems with patience and perseverance and find ways to resolve them.
We can understand the extent of their patience from the fact that they lived in times when there was hardly any technological advancement or modern convenience. Yet, they managed their problems with patience and tranquillity.
As the world progressed, technologies continued to develop, but along with this progress, several new problems also emerged, such as water pollution, air pollution, soil pollution, etc.
Undoubtedly, it may not be entirely within human control to eliminate these forms of pollution completely, but we can certainly take numerous measures to control them to a considerable extent.
However, the problem that has caught my attention today is one form of pollution that is entirely dependent on human behaviour. In fact, human beings alone have the power to eliminate it completely. And that is unnecessary honking and the noise pollution it creates.
Have we ever stopped to think about how difficult it has become to walk along roads and through markets these days? Much of this difficulty is caused by the constant honking of vehicles.
The invention of automobiles has undoubtedly been one of humanity’s greatest achievements and conveniences. Today, it is hard to find a household that does not own a vehicle. But when it comes to using these vehicles, we often witness how carelessly people misuse the very horns installed in them, honking unnecessarily in public places without giving a second thought to the people around them.
Undoubtedly, a vehicle provides immense comfort to human beings. Journeys that once took hours can now be completed in minutes. The invention of automobiles has transformed human life in countless ways.
It is also absolutely true that honking is sometimes necessary, particularly in emergency situations. But when it is overused, it becomes nothing less than a menace to the human mind.
On one hand, human life has evolved tremendously with the introduction of innovative technologies. On the other hand, our levels of patience seem to have declined just as significantly.
A traffic jam occurs, and people cannot even wait for two minutes. They immediately start honking repeatedly, creating an unbearable noise that not only adversely affects people’s ears but also disturbs their mental peace.
The moment a person hears constant honking, their peace of mind is disrupted, their concentration is affected, and their mind becomes restless. Prolonged exposure to such noise can have serious consequences for human health, including stress, reduced concentration, and even hearing impairment.
We have become so ignorant in the name of being civilised that we have forgotten a very basic principle: A civilized driver should never cause unnecessary discomfort to pedestrians or anyone else sharing the road.
If following traffic rules is an obligation, walking on footpaths is an ethical responsibility, and not throwing garbage on roads is a moral responsibility, then why isn’t the unnecessary and excessive use of horns considered equally unethical and unacceptable?
Why don’t people raise their voices against it? Why isn’t this behaviour collectively boycotted?
People make pledges that they will not harm one another, that they will be kind to nature, and that they will contribute towards protecting the environment. But why doesn’t anyone take a pledge that we will not cause unnecessary discomfort to one another through excessive honking?
Why can’t we promise that we will not subject others to noise that affects their ears and disturbs their mental peace to such an extent that their entire morning is ruined by pointless honking on the roads?
A morning that they might have wanted to begin peacefully, with the intention of making their day productive, ends up being filled with unnecessary noise and frustration.
Our technologies have advanced, but our minds are still coated in rust. We have yet to understand when and how to use something as simple as a vehicle horn.
This drama of unnecessary honking unfolds almost everywhere, except in Aizawal, Mizoram, where a people-driven no-honking culture has become a remarkable example of civic responsibility.
People there consider unnecessary honking disruptive and disrespectful. Aizawl is widely recognised as India’s first horn-free city.
The people of Mizoram truly understand and demonstrate what genuine patience looks like. It is such a peaceful city that the silence on its roads almost makes you feel as though you are walking through a remote landscape or a dense forest, far away from the chaos of urban life.
There are also several other states that have taken commendable steps in this direction.
Kerala became the first state to announce at least one no-honking road in every district.
Uttar Pradesh/Noida has established silent zones around schools and hospitals, where unnecessary honking is prohibited and violations can attract penalties.
Maharashtra;Under Section 20 of the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles framework, unnecessary honking in designated silent zones can attract a fine of ₹2,000.
There is an urgent need to introduce a similar initiative in Jammu and Kashmir as well.
Kashmir is globally celebrated as a paradise on earth. But shouldn’t its markets and roads reflect the same beauty, tranquillity, and serenity for which the Valley is so famous?
If Kashmir is to truly live up to its identity as a paradise, then its roads and marketplaces should also become places of peace rather than spaces filled with unnecessary noise.
Let us make our roads as peaceful as our Valley. Let us understand that patience is also a form of civilisation, and that sometimes, the most responsible thing a driver can do is simply refrain from honking.
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