Critical
Manu Joseph: Why we shouldn’t be so impressed with all the street heroism we see in the country
The author critically views India's reliance on "street heroes" for rescues as a symptom of pervasive safety neglect and systemic governance failures. He contrasts this reactive heroism, often necessitated by government inaction, with Vienna's professional, proactive safety measures. The text highlights how rampant violations and crumbling infrastructure cause avoidable tragedies. While "street heroes" seem redemptive, they reveal a "daft nation" where untrained volunteers can impede professional efforts, underscoring a societal failure to prioritize fundamental safety protocols over dramatic, disorganized interventions.
LiveMint · Manu Joseph · Jul 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM