Method in Madness: G Nagaraj’s traffic story

G Nagaraj, 66, has been voluntarily directing traffic at a busy junction in Bangalore for nearly a decade. He tells Vishaka Srinath what keeps him going.

Most people try to keep away from Bangalore’s dreadful traffic. G Nagaraj actually travels 20 kms from his home everyday to get right in the thick of it. And he has been doing it for nearly a decade.

Everyday, Nagaraj manages the traffic for six hours at the City market Junction, one of the busiest stretches in Bangalore. Even the traffic cops are surprised by his interest and dedication to his work.” “That one man does the work of five! And he is 66 years old!” says a traffic cop, after watching Nagaraj manage the traffic. The reaction is same on many commuters’ faces when they see Nagaraj diligently working at the traffic junction.

Nagaraj, a 66-year-old resident of Kengeri in Bangalore is a retired editorial assistant who worked with one of the major publications in the city. Post retirement, he has been managing the chaotic traffic in the busiest of Bangalore markets. He says he finds his peace in chaos. He dislikes traffic jams though he has never driven a car in his life. His mode of transport was a cycle when he was younger.

Nagaraj studied only up to Standard 10. He wished to study further but had to discontinue due to domestic difficulties. The lack of education did not deter him from his interest in social work. During his teenage years, he volunteered for a number of health camps organized in rural Bangalore. His work at a traffic junction is perhaps best suited to his orderly temperament.

One April, when Nagaraj was finishing his chores in the City Market, he saw a huge traffic jam – vehicles were crossing haphazardly and the pedestrians were trying their best to avoid coming under their wheels. Nagaraj abandoned his shopping and began to direct the traffic until everything was under control. It has been 9 years since that day and Nagaraj has not missed controlling traffic at that junction for a single day ever since. He proudly says that since the past 9 years there have not be any accidents in the sections he controls and that gives him a sense of satisfaction.

Nagaraj’s day begins with a cup of coffee, mandatory for him to get through the next few hours. He then has his breakfast and leaves for the City Market, which is 20 kms away from his home. An extremely meticulous and organized person, he starts his work at 9 am and wraps up by 2 pm. He enthusiastically says that he works extra hours on festivals and special days. He stands for over 6 hours on a daily basis to help organize the vehicular traffic and the pedestrians crossing the road. His main aim is to guard the safety of pedestrians and spread awareness of traffic rules. He started the work regularly after approaching the Traffic Department and volunteering to manage the traffic at the City Market junction.

The Traffic Department offered to make him a traffic warden and provide a uniform as recognition of his services. But Nagaraj, for whom this work is like a service to people and society, prefers working in civilian clothes and takes no remuneration for his dedicated work either. He wishes to stay a hidden angel and continue with his social responsibility.

Nagaraj’s advice to drivers on the roads today would be to stop underage driving. He vehemently says that driving without important documents is unacceptable. “Drinking and driving is the road to hell,” he adds. Even though he doesn’t have the authority to withhold offenders, if he sees rash driving, he does his bit to educate and uphold the traffic rules.

His four children are not so supportive of his vocation, and ask him to lead a ‘retired life’ by taking care of his health and not taking on stressful tasks. On the other hand, His grandchildren encourage him by waving at him when they pass by the junction Nagaraj volunteers at, proudly telling their friends about their granddad’s work. Nagaraj narrates that when he was featured on local TV channels in Karnataka, his daughters and sons were extremely thrilled and as a family gathered to watch the television interview. “They silently approve of my social service but fear for my safety,” he says.

City market sees at least 5,000 people passing through it on a single day. Most of the people, who see him regularly, are surprised that he manages traffic for no monetary gain. They ask him why he does it.

Nagaraj’s answer is simple: When I help people, it helps me too.” On a daily basis, Nagaraj helps numerous people cross the commotion ridden City Market road. When he helps school children cross the busy street and they thank him back, he says these small acts of encouragement touch his heart and reinforce his sincerity in his work.

Nagaraj clearly likes conversation with people he comes across. When he sees very old people crossing the road, he asks them why they need to visit busy areas with bad traffic. More often than not the answer is that they like to do their own work and not be dependent on others.

The same applies to Nagaraj too. He was detected with a heart problem about three years back. His work has also taken a toll on his health, making him prone to eye problems and giving him a repeated cough. But he adds that if he were to lead an idle and sedentary life, his health would deteriorate further. “After retirement, one must aim to stay physically active, mentally peaceful and engage in an activity that motivates,” is the mantra he lives by.

Nagaraj has no plans of stopping. He will complete 10 years of his voluntary traffic management service next year and plans to keep at it for a very long time. We wish him the very best.

Photographs: Vishaka Srinath

Silver Talkies is trying to put together stories of ordinary senior citizens with extraordinary lives. People who go that extra mile to serve society or do something special. If you come across someone over 60 who fits the bill, do write to us on

G Nagaraj, 66, has been voluntarily directing traffic at a busy junction in Bangalore for nearly a decade. He tells Vishaka Srinath what keeps him going.

Most people try to keep away from Bangalore’s dreadful traffic. G Nagaraj actually travels 20 kms from his home everyday to get right in the thick of it. And he has been doing it for nearly a decade.

Everyday, Nagaraj manages the traffic for six hours at the City market Junction, one of the busiest stretches in Bangalore. Even the traffic cops are surprised by his interest and dedication to his work.” “That one man does the work of five! And he is 66 years old!” says a traffic cop, after watching Nagaraj manage the traffic. The reaction is same on many commuters’ faces when they see Nagaraj diligently working at the traffic junction.

Nagaraj, a 66-year-old resident of Kengeri in Bangalore is a retired editorial assistant who worked with one of the major publications in the city. Post retirement, he has been managing the chaotic traffic in the busiest of Bangalore markets. He says he finds his peace in chaos. He dislikes traffic jams though he has never driven a car in his life. His mode of transport was a cycle when he was younger.

Nagaraj studied only up to Standard 10. He wished to study further but had to discontinue due to domestic difficulties. The lack of education did not deter him from his interest in social work. During his teenage years, he volunteered for a number of health camps organized in rural Bangalore. His work at a traffic junction is perhaps best suited to his orderly temperament.

One April, when Nagaraj was finishing his chores in the City Market, he saw a huge traffic jam – vehicles were crossing haphazardly and the pedestrians were trying their best to avoid coming under their wheels. Nagaraj abandoned his shopping and began to direct the traffic until everything was under control. It has been 9 years since that day and Nagaraj has not missed controlling traffic at that junction for a single day ever since. He proudly says that since the past 9 years there have not be any accidents in the sections he controls and that gives him a sense of satisfaction.

Nagaraj’s day begins with a cup of coffee, mandatory for him to get through the next few hours. He then has his breakfast and leaves for the City Market, which is 20 kms away from his home. An extremely meticulous and organized person, he starts his work at 9 am and wraps up by 2 pm. He enthusiastically says that he works extra hours on festivals and special days. He stands for over 6 hours on a daily basis to help organize the vehicular traffic and the pedestrians crossing the road. His main aim is to guard the safety of pedestrians and spread awareness of traffic rules. He started the work regularly after approaching the Traffic Department and volunteering to manage the traffic at the City Market junction.

The Traffic Department offered to make him a traffic warden and provide a uniform as recognition of his services. But Nagaraj, for whom this work is like a service to people and society, prefers working in civilian clothes and takes no remuneration for his dedicated work either. He wishes to stay a hidden angel and continue with his social responsibility.

Nagaraj’s advice to drivers on the roads today would be to stop underage driving. He vehemently says that driving without important documents is unacceptable. “Drinking and driving is the road to hell,” he adds. Even though he doesn’t have the authority to withhold offenders, if he sees rash driving, he does his bit to educate and uphold the traffic rules.

His four children are not so supportive of his vocation, and ask him to lead a ‘retired life’ by taking care of his health and not taking on stressful tasks. On the other hand, His grandchildren encourage him by waving at him when they pass by the junction Nagaraj volunteers at, proudly telling their friends about their granddad’s work. Nagaraj narrates that when he was featured on local TV channels in Karnataka, his daughters and sons were extremely thrilled and as a family gathered to watch the television interview. “They silently approve of my social service but fear for my safety,” he says.

City market sees at least 5,000 people passing through it on a single day. Most of the people, who see him regularly, are surprised that he manages traffic for no monetary gain. They ask him why he does it.

Nagaraj’s answer is simple: When I help people, it helps me too.” On a daily basis, Nagaraj helps numerous people cross the commotion ridden City Market road. When he helps school children cross the busy street and they thank him back, he says these small acts of encouragement touch his heart and reinforce his sincerity in his work.

Nagaraj clearly likes conversation with people he comes across. When he sees very old people crossing the road, he asks them why they need to visit busy areas with bad traffic. More often than not the answer is that they like to do their own work and not be dependent on others.

The same applies to Nagaraj too. He was detected with a heart problem about three years back. His work has also taken a toll on his health, making him prone to eye problems and giving him a repeated cough. But he adds that if he were to lead an idle and sedentary life, his health would deteriorate further. “After retirement, one must aim to stay physically active, mentally peaceful and engage in an activity that motivates,” is the mantra he lives by.

Nagaraj has no plans of stopping. He will complete 10 years of his voluntary traffic management service next year and plans to keep at it for a very long time. We wish him the very best.

Photographs: Vishaka Srinath

Silver Talkies is trying to put together stories of ordinary senior citizens with extraordinary lives. People who go that extra mile to serve society or do something special. If you come across someone over 60 who fits the bill, do write to us on connect@silvertalkies.com