Other Side of Picnics

With the onset of winter, it is also time for picnics. Dictionaries have generally defined picnic as an occasion when packed meals are eaten outdoors, especially during an outing to the countryside. It is not exactly who had introduced the concept of picnics in this country. But, looking at the dictionary definitions available, one is prompted to suspect that it were the British sahibs and mem sahibs who must have brought the idea of picnics to this subcontinent. But then, the very character of picnics has undergone tremendous change in the past several decades, with picnics now becoming an activity that the majority of people have begun to dislike, despise, and avoid. And there are genuine reasons behind this. Picnics, particularly in Assam, have, over the years, become synonymous with blaring sound boxes and microphones, drunken brawls, rash driving, disturbance to the environment, and pollution. No wonder, the government has been compelled, from time to time, to issue guidelines and restrictions for picnic-goers. These include a ban on the use of loudspeakers and sound systems, a speed limit, littering picnic spots with plastic, polythene, and empty liquor bottles, and even a time schedule for picnic parties to vacate the picnic spots. It is a sad story that picnics, which were originally supposed to be for an outing to a serene and quiet place, preferably by a river or near a forest, the chaos and rowdism that a section of picnics have indulged in, have converted this once wonderful means of recreation to a highly despicable activity, particularly with drinking becoming the prime motive of many. Drinking liquor is no longer a crime in a state like Assam where liquor shops far outnumber bookshops and milk booths. But drinking in public places is definitely an unlawful act that needs to be tackled with a tough hand. Picnickers should respect nature, respect the environment, and above all, respect the peace-loving and law-abiding citizens. Picnics should be enjoyable, environmentally friendly, educational, recreational, pleasant, and memorable.