Out shopping, female home guard regulates traffic in Gajapati, earns praise

Time of India

15 hours ago

Bhubaneswar: For most professionals, their duties and responsibilities conclude with the end of their shift. However, for home guard Gubbala Ramulamma, 47, duty is not bound by time, place or attire.
Dressed in a sari and carrying a shopping bag at a local market in Paralakhemundi in Gajapati district on Sunday, she encountered a traffic jam. Without hesitation, she sprang into action, managing the traffic while still holding her bag of vegetables. The act was captured on video by a passerby and has since gone viral on social media, earning her widespread admiration for her commitment to duty beyond her working hours.
"My shift (though not traffic duty) was scheduled for the afternoon. Around 8am, I visited our local market to buy vegetables when I noticed a traffic jam near Palace Chowk. Even though I was not on duty and not in uniform, I felt it was my responsibility to regulate the traffic," Ramulamma told TOI.
Many have lauded her spontaneous act of service. "She is one of our highly dedicated personnel. Her actions reflect her unwavering dedication to public service.
It is not just about wearing a uniform; it's about the spirit of service that she embodies," SP (Gajapati), Jatindra Kumar Panda, said.
The video, which has been shared on various social media platforms, has garnered thousands of views and comments, with users applauding her initiative and calling her an inspiration. "In a world where many are quick to turn a blind eye, Ramulamma's actions remind us of the impact one person can have," a user wrote on X.
Ramulamma, who draws a monthly salary of Rs 18,360, has been in service since 2005. "I struggled a lot in my life after being deserted by my husband. I never shirked my responsibilities, be it in my profession or my family. That day also (Sunday), the situation in the daily market required my service and I discharged my duty happily," said Ramulamma, whose 25-year-old daughter got married recently.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.