At one point or another, most of us have been rejected during job interviews or when we’ve asked someone out on a date. But the maximum number of rejection we’ve faced is probably at the hands of Mumbai autorickshaw drivers. On a more serious note though, we should always be compassionate towards them because everyone is fighting a battle we know nothing about.
Recently, journalist Sagar Pillai encountered an auto driver who seemed rude, but instead of snapping, he was polite to him. This made way for a heartwarming exchange between the two which is a lesson for us all.
A long thread I didnt intend to bore you with:
Around 3.30 in the night, I finally found a rickshaw to get home while it was raining heavily. This gentleman of a person was irritated in the start as I took him through roads that were knee-deep submerged in water. pic.twitter.com/gJhKHya41l
— Sagar Pillai (@sagaronic) September 23, 2020
I kept calm, and spoke softly than usual. He abruptly went quiet and waded through waters with a straight face. As soon as we reached a better surface, he apologised saying, "Sorry bhaiya, subah se gaadi chala rahe hai aur ab ye baarish. Toh pareshan hogaye hai."
— Sagar Pillai (@sagaronic) September 23, 2020
The auto driver got candid about his circumstances and how the pandemic had affected his sole source of income.
He starts from 10-11 am in the morning and shuts around 4am in the night with just a two-hour break. "Lockdown ke baad se income aadhi hogayi hai. Humare sath vale gaon chale gaye hai. Hume ghar paise bhejne hote hai toh hum kaam band nahi kar sakte," he says.
— Sagar Pillai (@sagaronic) September 23, 2020
He used to earn Rs 500 on a daily basis and with very few rides, he now earns Rs 150-250 a day. Still manages to send some money home while making adjustments to his own expenses daily.
— Sagar Pillai (@sagaronic) September 23, 2020
It was inspiring to see how hard-working this man is and how determined he is to take care of his responsibilities. As I got down from the rickshaw, i asked him if he'd mind being clicked. After I took this picture, he says,"Isi bahane pure din ke baad ab jaakar muskurane milgaya
— Sagar Pillai (@sagaronic) September 23, 2020
While on my way back home, I kept thinking to myself. Had I snapped at him for his rudeness in the start, this would have been a very different conversation or no conversation, if I may.
I am glad I didn't.
— Sagar Pillai (@sagaronic) September 23, 2020
There is always a better way to react to anger and frustration. There is always a conversation that ends up with a heartwarming exchange when you least expect it. There will always be a choice to stand tougher to the toughest of situations, similar to how this gentleman does.
— Sagar Pillai (@sagaronic) September 23, 2020
Twitter thought the story was quite wholesome and pledged to show kindness not just to auto drivers but also to delivery agents who deliver all our online orders.
Worth a share. I pledge to give 10 bucks extra for each auto ride I take during the pandemic. https://t.co/JytwclWHFi
— Kesar kahinki (@infiniteobsrver) September 24, 2020
This made me so happy. Same goes for food delivery boys in this pandemic. I literally witnessed someone scream at a boy because he was late. The reason he was late – his bike was not in a good condition and he doesn't have money. The person complained for late delivery🙂
— Ayushi Rakshit Dey (@ShutUpAyu) September 24, 2020
It means a lot when you understand the opposite person in their tough situations, and you are just an example of it..
Good one 💪— Shivam (@shivam16_) September 23, 2020
With all the negativity going around, a story like this is always welcome. It lifts up the spirit.
— MindySil (@MindySil1) September 24, 2020
In a world full of negativity, this post made me teary eyed! 🌈
— fangirl (@btownbuff1) September 24, 2020
Earlier, Varun Grover had made a similar case for vegetable vendors and urged people not to haggle with them.