Episode 11 : Will Buses lead the way for Humanity?

mariajoseph012345
Sep 20
2 min read

If you’ve boarded a Chennai bus lately, you may have noticed something new: the message "Be Kind to Animal" displayed on the vehicle. This isn’t just decoration - it’s part of a wider initiative inspired by a Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) advisory that encourages all public transport vehicles across India to display the slogan as a reminder of compassion in daily life.

What the Advisory Says

The central government recommended that all buses, taxis, and other transport vehicles display the message:

In English, Hindi, or the regional language.
In clear, bold letters (minimum 150 mm height).
Contrasting with the background colour of the vehicle for visibility.

While the advisory formally takes effect nationwide from April 1, 2025, Chennai’s Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and TNSTC buses have already begun adopting it.

The Chennai Context

The appearance of “Be Kind to Animals” on buses across the city is significant. Chennai is a city where public transport moves millions daily, and these rolling messages reach every corner from bustling Anna Salai to suburban routes.

Tamil Nadu has long had a strong animal welfare culture, with organisations like the Blue Cross of India, as well as grassroots efforts like Bowls of Hope that provide food and water to strays. The government’s message now makes this culture visible to every commuter.

Why It Matters

A simple reminder on a bus panel can do more than catch the eye. It can:

Spark conversations about kindness and empathy.
Encourage drivers and pedestrians to be more cautious around animals.
Inspire small acts of care, like offering water to strays in the heat or supporting adoption drives.

What to Watch For

Wider Rollout: How quickly will the slogan appear on every bus in Chennai?
Language Versions: The current displays feature Tamil and English - will bilingual signage become the norm?
Public Engagement: Will passengers and citizens take the slogan beyond the sticker, turning it into real action?

Final Thoughts

Chennai’s buses are more than just a means of transport - they are now carriers of a compassionate message. The “Be Kind to Animals” slogan is a reminder that empathy can be as routine as a morning commute. If this initiative succeeds, Chennai could become a model city for integrating welfare messages into everyday public life.