SAY PLEASE
Shivani Mehra | TNN ..TIMES OF INDIA
Amritsar: The ripple effect of Union ministry's endeavour to tap the country's full potential of tourism by introducing ‘Atithi Devo Bhava' campaign, is causing quite a stir in the city. Keeping in mind the hordes of visitors thronging the Golden Temple, the CM had earlier this year launched Amritsar Tourism Police (ATP) to provide security to tourists. Taking the initiative further, ATP has begun holding gratitude exercises for "ambassadors" of hospitality industry.
In one such programme conducted last week, it taught cyclerickshaw-pullers, taxi and autorickshaw drivers and dhabha owners some basic social etiquettes.
With a majority of the audience being illiter ate or nearilliterate, the initiative caused much amusement all around. Nevertheless, even as most admitted to the importance of polite address and maintaining good personal hygiene, not many were hopeful of effecting a changeover. "It is a good initiative. But I doubt that all can learn this kind of hospitality," said taxi driver Balkar Singh.
"I'm sure it would leave a good impression on visitors if a rickshawpuller were to say ‘excuse me' after a sneeze," claimed Ramneesh Ku mar Chaudhary, in charge ATP. Explaining the importance of "such small gestures going a long way", Surjit Singh Mattu, nodal officer, Amritsar police, said: "We don't want rickshaw-pullers to fleece the tourists or mislead them just to make some extra money.” And to keep up the good show, he promised cash awards to "good samaritans" in the field. However, Balkar said some rickshaw-puller and taxi drivers charge commission from shopkeepers and hoteliers by taking tourists to them.
Subash Uppal, of Upp al Tour and Travel, rued the fact that they were denied a chance to air their grievances. SSP Kunwar Vijay Partap Singh termed it as a step forward in community oriented policing. Among others present on the occasion was DC Kahan Singh Pannu.
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