A train journey became the setting for an unexpected celebration when a group of women was seen taking part in a ‘mahila sangeet’ inside a coach. The video has since caught attention online, not just for the singing, but for the conversation that followed about how people should behave in shared spaces.The clip shows a brief interaction between the passengers and a railway staff member, followed by sharply different reactions from social media users.
Women hold ‘mahila sangeet’ inside train
The video shared on X shows several women seated together and singing and clapping as part of the celebration. They are also heard chatting among themselves.A railway staff member later approaches them and says that other passengers are being disturbed. He asks them to stop making noise.During the exchange, one woman jokes that the railways may not issue tickets to them. Another jokingly suggests that they could be deboarded at the next station.The staff member then asks them to remain polite and leaves. The women agree to his request.
Video gets mixed reactions online
The person who shared the clip, named Siddharth, criticized the passengers and praised the railway staff member for intervening.“This dehati behaviour ‘We paid money so we can do even a little mahila sangeet here’, just does not go away. No sensitivity. This mindset is so toxic & if you complain, you are the villain. Dehatis support dehatis,” he wrote in the post. “Kudos to Railway staff that he at least came to stop them.”The post led to a wider argument over noise and personal behaviour in public places.
‘Silence is a foreign concept’
Some users agreed with the criticism and said passengers should be mindful of those around them.“Silence is a foreign concept,” one user quipped.Another person wrote, “I feel like Indians don’t understand the concept of a public place. They don’t understand respecting other people’s space and what behaviour could cause disruption and disturbance to others when they are in public places. It’s for all. So you have to respect everyone’s space.”One commenter pointed out that passengers may have very different reasons for travelling:“Not everyone is on public transport or on leisurely trips. Some are going to work. Some are having their normal day. Some would go to see someone they have lost. Some just want to have a peaceful journey. Some may not know our language. So STFU is decent. Don’t behave like juveniles,” the user commented.Another said, “This is plain disturbance. Okay, you can eat your food, play cards, but just maintain decorum. That’s all.”
Others defend the passengers
Not everyone agreed with the criticism. Some users felt the women were simply enjoying themselves and that the incident was being made into a bigger issue than necessary.One person wrote, “What’s wrong with this? They are enjoying the trip. Unnecessarily, you guys are blowing this out of proportion!”Disclaimer: The Times of India has not independently verified the video. This report is based on the video and comments shared on social media.Thumb image: X