When I opened Mumbai Mirror of January 4, 2017 and saw the photograph of the rather unusual "No Entry” signboard which the paper’s editors felt they just had to print in the "space usually reserved to showcase people and their stories,” I burst out laughing.
The novel manner in which it dealt with a most vexatious problem was conceived by Mehroo Kharegat, one of Parsiana’s staunchest supporters and contributors of letters. Her in-laws, the Kharegats, have lived in Oomer Park — a spacious, quiet enclave with lovely houses, bungalows and gardens overlooking the sea — since 1952. "In the early years people understood the difference between ‘Entry’ and ‘No Entry,’” states Mehroo. "But now Oomer Park is more like a thoroughfare with cars and scooters entering from both directions and our watchmen seem unable to stop them.”
When the nuisance took on gigantic proportions Kharegat decided she had to do something to stop the menace. So, adding a dash of humor and a dollop of sarcasm, she created this "No Entry” sign:
No Entry
If you have difficulty in reading:
There is an optician on the other side of the road.
If you have a problem reading English there are two Montessori Schools in Oomer Park.
Please register
The young Muchhad Paanwalla at the entrance to the lane, who can read English, heartily approved of Kharegat’s action and helped her put up the sign near the exit gate of Oomer Park. Many a motorist and passerby stops to read it, bringing a smile to their faces. My physiotherapist, while subjecting my recalcitrant wrist to painful twists, told me the picture had brightened her day! It had been a long while since she had laughed so much.
And wonder of wonders, the sign has actually made some difference. Fewer motorists are breaking the rule. "But the two-wheelers are still incorrigible,” laments Kharegat. "Can you please find me a solution?”