A signboard asking commuters to give priority to people with disabilities and senior citizens was clearly visible, but it did little to change their behaviour, as a Delhi-based content creator showed several people rushing into a metro station life without making space for him, who was waiting in his wheelchair.

Tej Beniwal, who documents his everyday experiences on Instagram through The Wheelchair Vlogs, shared the incident. In the video, he was seen waiting outside a metro station lift with many others standing in front of him. As soon as the doors opened, commuters quickly stepped inside, leaving little room for him to manoeuvre his wheelchair into the lift.

People Rush Inside The Lift

Despite seeing him at the entrance, people continued to gather near the entrance, seemingly waiting to get inside the lift first. None of them appeared to make an effort to give him space or allow him to enter first. Once the door opened, everyone stepped inside and did not make a way for him, which prompted him to tell his companion to let it be and let them go first, adding sarcastically that they need the lift more.

Beniwal then turned the camera towards a signboard above the lift. The notice clearly stated that people with physical disabilities and senior citizens should be given priority. Sharing the video, Beniwal wrote, “Ab Batao, Disability Kismein Hai (Now tell me, who is actually disabled)?"

Internet Calls Out The Lack Of Empathy And Civic Sense

The video prompted viewers to discuss the lack of civic sense, empathy and consideration for others in India, especially towards people with disabilities.

An individual commented, “When empathy was being distributed, it looks like the stock ran out somewhere while passing through our country."

“The thing is not that they should go with stairs, but the main problem is that if any disabled or old person is there waiting for the lift, give them priority and let them move first. Lack of civic sense," a user wrote.

Another mentioned, “Bro, they are disabled. I was in a metro, and I asked a woman to get up from the PwD seat to let me sit, and she asked me for my PwD certificate. I showed it to her, and she said,’ You don’t look disabled!’ People these days have no empathy."