A recent video shared by a traveller on Instagram captures a quiet yet powerful moment of responsible travel on a train journey from Guwahati to Sairang. The clip shows passengers, identified as members of the Mizo community, carefully collecting their waste in small polythene bags throughout the journey.
No Litter, No Instructions
What stands out in the video is the absence of litter scattered across the floor, food wrappers, or plastic bottles. Instead, passengers maintain an immaculate compartment without any official measures or calls for hygiene. This discipline reflects a cultural norm in Mizoram—social responsibility that requires no instructions.
A Contrast to Typical Train Rides
Train rides in India are often messy, with overflowing garbage bins and litter on the floor. In this context, the tidy compartment becomes exceptional. The video offers no dramatic act or message; it simply shows everyday life and routine, which is why it resonates deeply.
This example illustrates that change often occurs not through policy initiatives but through small daily steps, like carrying a bag for litter. It serves as a reminder that responsible travel involves not just going somewhere but behaving in ways that respect public spaces.
As the train rolls from Guwahati to Sairang, the journey becomes a moving example of how civic sense, when quietly practiced, can leave a lasting impression far beyond the tracks.
