How a Humorous 1909 Railway Complaint Led to Toilets on Indian Trains – Speak Up for Change!

Railway Complaint Letter of 1909

Okhil Babu's letter to the Railway department:

"I arrived by passenger train at Ahmedpur station, and my belly was too swollen with jackfruit. I therefore went to the privy. Just as I was doing the nuisance, the guard blew the whistle for the train to go off, and I ran with a 'lotaah' in one hand and 'dhoti' in the next. I fell over and exposed all my shocking to men and women on the platform. I was left at Ahmedpur station. This is too much bad; if a passenger goes to make dung, that damn guard should wait five minutes for him. I therefore pray, your honour, to impose a big fine on that guard for the public's sake. Otherwise, I will make a big report to the papers."

Okhil Chandra Sen wrote this letter to the Sahibganj divisional railway office in 1909. It is on display at the Railway Museum in New Delhi. It was also reproduced under the caption "Travellers' Tales" in the Far Eastern Economic Review.

Any guesses why this letter is of historic value?

It led to the introduction of TOILETS in trains in India...!!!!

So please don't think any idea is stupid and discard it. Always speak up.

Regards

The letter written by Okhil Chandra Sen in 1909 to the Sahibganj divisional railway office holds historic significance as it led to the introduction of toilets in trains in India. This incident highlights the importance of addressing passenger needs and concerns promptly. In the HR context, it serves as a reminder to always consider and act upon feedback from employees or customers, no matter how trivial it may seem initially. Encouraging open communication channels and valuing feedback can lead to significant improvements and innovations within an organization.