Recently I received a letter from a friend. The letter had a profound effect on me and I must thank my friend for sharing an inspirational encounter with a rickshaw driver in Mumbai. I think it will be a good idea if a lot many people can read about it.
He tells me that one Sunday, he and his wife and kid, had to travel to Andheri from Bandra. When he waved at a passing auto rickshaw, little did he expect that this ride would be any different? However he was in for a shock as he looked inside and in front found there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. His wife and he looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. In front of them was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol and some medicines. In addition his eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver's back rest. This was enough for him to realize that he was traveling in a special vehicle.
Then he looked round again, and discovered more – there was a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures and symbols of all faiths- From Islam and Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. There were also pictures of the heroes of 26 / 11- the police men Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan who had been shot by the terrorists. He realized that not only the vehicle, but also the driver was special.
He started chatting with the driver him and the initial sense of ridicule and disbelief gradually diminished. He gathered that the driver had been driving an auto rickshaw for the past 8-9 years; he had lost his job when his employer's plastic company was shut down. He had two school-going children, and he drove from 8 in the morning till 10 at night. No break unless he was unwell. The riksha driver mentioned that it was better to earn 2 rupees working than to sit at home and watch TV "
My friend soon realized that he had come across a man who represents Mumbai – the spirit of work, the spirit of travel and the spirit of excelling in life. He asked him whether he does anything else as he figured that the driver may not have too much spare time.
He was surprised when the driver mentioned 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 friend and his wife were struck with awe. HERO!
A hero who deserves all our respect !!! For my part I hope, one day, I too have a chance to meet Mr. Sanded Bachhe in his auto rickshaw: MH-02-Z-8508. That was the number noted down by my friend. Life is wonderful and great made memorable by such people as this auto rickshaw driver.
