An inspiring rickshaw driver

Got this email about an inspiring rickshaw driver (Mr. Sandeep Bachhe) in Mumbai - he has equipped his rickshaw very well and also does some meaningful charity in his capacity.

Here goes..

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
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 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."

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-worshiping 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.