Great way to be inspired in the morning... Read on - there is a lot to
be humble about and learn in life - from unlikely quarters...
Great Ride
You need not be a Rich man to help others, the drive has to come from
within! Please Read the story below.
Suvendu Roy of Titan Industries shares his inspirational encounter
with a rickshaw driver in Mumbai
Last Sunday, my wife, kid and I had to travel to Andheri from Bandra.
When I waved at a passing auto rickshaw, little did I expect that this
ride would be any different.
As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft
style pouch) behind the driver's back rest. I looked in front and
there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshanchannel.
My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief andamusement. In
front of me was a small first-aid box with cotton, dettol and some
medicines. This was enough for me to realise that I was in a special
vehicle. Then I looked around 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-
Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan. I realised that not only my
vehicle, but also my driver was special.
I started chatting with him and the initial sense of ridicule and
disbelief gradually diminished. I gathered that he 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.
"Sahab, ghar mein baith ke TV dekh kar kya faida?
Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega."
(Sir, what's the use of simply sitting at home and watching TV? If I
earn some income, then it will be useful in the future.)
We realised that we had come across 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 as I figured that he
did not have too much spare time. 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 meteredfare for
the handicapped. Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs50".
He also said that his auto was mentioned on Radio Mirchi twice by the
station RJs. The Marathi press in Mumbai know about him and have
written a few pieces on him and his vehicle.
My wife and I were struck with awe. The man was a HERO! A hero who
deserves all our respect. I know that my son, once he grows up, will
realise that we have met a genuine hero. He has put questions to me
such as why should we help other people? I will try to keep
thisincident alive in his memory.
Our journey came to an end; 45 minutes of a lesson in humility,
selflessness and of a hero-worshipping Mumbai - my temporary home. We
disembarked, and all I could do was to pay him a tip that would hardly
cover a free ride for a blind man.
I hope, one day, you too have a chance to meet Mr Sandeep Bachhe in
his auto rickshaw - MH-02-Z-8508.
CAclubindia
