People make a difference
I got this email forward from a most-unexpected source - The daily digest of a Technical Analysis Yahoo Group!
I was so surprised that such human beings continue to exist in otherwise busy cities, that I was happy and smiling for the rest of the day.
Thought that it is worth sharing with you folks - Have a nice smile as well!
Regards,
N
OT: People make the difference
Posted by: "BK"
Tue Jun 21, 2011 9:55 am (PDT)
Sorry! This can't wait till the weekend.......! A forwarded message
>
>
>People make the difference
>
>Exact Narration by Suvendu Roy of Titan Industries, who 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 Doordarshan channel.
>
>
>
>My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. 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 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- 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 hisemployer'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 T.V dekh kar
>kya faida? Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega."
>
>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 metered fare for the handicapped.
>Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs. 50.
>
>
>
>My wife and I were struck with awe. The man was a HERO!
>
>A hero who deserves all our respect!!!
>
>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.
Regards,
N