Dancing Cop's Way-Out Amidst Whistle And Honks
Bhubaneswar : Benudhar Sahu, a 45-year-old traffic cop, swinging his arm swiftly, whistling non-stop and making dance moves at one of the busiest intersections of the capital city compels one to stop, stare and smile at this fragile but ever cheerful cop who has become the most famous cop of the town with his unique way of controlling the crowd.
"I perform this 'high speed signal' to make people happy. Moving hands at a fast pace with a cheerful face make the commuters around me smile and I am happy to serve the people," according to Benudhar.
Aspiring to be constable, he ended up being a home guard due to his short height. But he made his mark in this profession by his innovative and unique style.
"I make my dance moves according to the amount of traffic and vehicles around me, and transcribe rules accordingly," revealed the flexible traffic policeman.
Garnering attention by his spontaneity and tactful essence, Sahu has been recognised and awarded many a times and has earned the nickname of 'the dancing cop' of the city.
Deployed as a home guard for the last 19 years, Benudhar earns around Rs. 7,000 as a monthly salary and has a family of five to look after. But financial constraints fail to deter the ever-smiling cop. His liveliness and energy has mesmerized commuters.
"To be tired at one's workplace is not my style of working," informed the dancing cop.
Benudhar married the girl of his dreams and is now a father of three college going students, two daughters and a son. Hailing from a remote village near Dumduma, living in an old, dilapidated house, this flexible man with amazing body movements is a dedicated and hard-working cop.
"For the last 19 years, my husband has been doing his job with the same rhythm braving all the seasons, be it scorching heat of the summers, the heavy showers of rainy season or the chilling cold of the winters. And the best part about him is he never ever complains about his ordeal," informed Chinmayee Sahu, his wife.
"Though it is very difficult to make ends meet with his meagre wages, though he comes back totally exhausted after work, still he puts up a brave, smiling face all the time. His positive attitude is his best attribute. I am proud of recognition and awards he has garnered though he is stationed at such a low post," she added.
"There are a thousand lives depending on me, and I do it by trying to bring a smile on their faces by putting a smile on my face and dancing the job," says the cop amidst the bustling traffic.
Benudhar, having a curious claim to fame, is a very friendly cop. The regular commuters often stop to inquire about his health and some even offer him gifts.
"I have been travelling in this route for the last 4-5 years. To watch this cop's beautiful style of controlling traffic is a treat to the eyes of any passerby," revealed Pradip, a resident of this city.
"I have been observing this cop for the last 3-4 months and have been attracted by his unique style of controlling the traffic. Giving his service in scorching heat in his own unique style is worth watching. I want to capture his moves and upload it on my photography page, so that lots of people know about him," informed Bhavani Shankar, a passerby.
"His style, actions and control of traffic make the commuters happy," said Bibhudutta Routray, an onlooker.
Benudhar's movements and finesse have not only attracted the people but also earned him awards and recognition. He is an inspiration to all who dances his way up amidst the honking and crowd.
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