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One dayI had to travel to Andheri from Bandra,
in Mumbai. When I waved at a passing auto rickshaw, I did not expect
that this ride would be different.
.
I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief
and amusement. In front of me, there was a small first-aid box with
cotton, dettol and some medicines. This was enough for me to realize
that I was in a special vehicle.
.
Then I looked round again and discovered more. There was a radio,
a fire extinguisher, a wall clock, a calendar and pictures and symbols
of all faiths such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and
Sikhism.
.
I realized that not only the vehicle, but also the driver was special.
I started talking with him. He told me that he had been driving an
auto rickshaw for the past 8-9 years. He had lost his job when the
company, in which he worked,, was shut down.
.
He had two school-going children, and he drove from 8 AM to 10 PM.
No break unless he was unwell. "Sahab, ghar mein baith ke T.V dekh
kar kya faida? Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega."
(Sir, there is no profit by sitting at home and watching. If we get some
money, it will be useful in future")
.
We realized that we had met a man who represents Mumbai –
the spirit of work, the spirit of travel and the spirit of excelling in life.
.
I asked him whether he does anything else.
He said that he goes to an old age home for women in Andheri, once
a week or whenever he has some extra income, where he donates
tooth brushes, toothpastes, soap, hair oil, and other items of daily use.
.
He pointed out to a painted message below the meter that read:
" --25 per cent discount on metered fare for the handicapped.
----Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs. 50.
.
My wife and I were struck with surprise. I liked this auto driver a lot.
Our journey came to an end. I learned a 45 minutes of lesson about
humanity and selflessness from that auto driver of Mumbai.
.
in Mumbai. When I waved at a passing auto rickshaw, I did not expect
that this ride would be different.
.
I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief
and amusement. In front of me, there was a small first-aid box with
cotton, dettol and some medicines. This was enough for me to realize
that I was in a special vehicle.
.
Then I looked round again and discovered more. There was a radio,
a fire extinguisher, a wall clock, a calendar and pictures and symbols
of all faiths such as Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and
Sikhism.
.
I realized that not only the vehicle, but also the driver was special.
I started talking with him. He told me that he had been driving an
auto rickshaw for the past 8-9 years. He had lost his job when the
company, in which he worked,, was shut down.
.
He had two school-going children, and he drove from 8 AM to 10 PM.
No break unless he was unwell. "Sahab, ghar mein baith ke T.V dekh
kar kya faida? Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega."
(Sir, there is no profit by sitting at home and watching. If we get some
money, it will be useful in future")
.
We realized that we had met a man who represents Mumbai –
the spirit of work, the spirit of travel and the spirit of excelling in life.
.
I asked him whether he does anything else.
He said that he goes to an old age home for women in Andheri, once
a week or whenever he has some extra income, where he donates
tooth brushes, toothpastes, soap, hair oil, and other items of daily use.
.
He pointed out to a painted message below the meter that read:
" --25 per cent discount on metered fare for the handicapped.
----Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs. 50.
.
My wife and I were struck with surprise. I liked this auto driver a lot.
Our journey came to an end. I learned a 45 minutes of lesson about
humanity and selflessness from that auto driver of Mumbai.
.
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