On my way back from Bangalore office today 24 July 2015, my driver was Mr Chaudhary (Meru Cabs)
His family lived in Gonda long long back. They then moved to Calcutta 2 generations back for better living opportunities. The grandfather worked on a paper mill and get his 2 sons also appointed there as laborers. The 2 sons got another generations of sons but the paper mil closed down.. So the fathers and sons moved to find a job in a jute mill. But Mr Chaudhray didn't want another generation of labors... So thinking about his marriage and future kids he decided to venture into another territory.
He learnt driving and started to work for a school as a driver.. But work was only 3 months a year. So jumped to another industry in Calcutta but didn't find enough work to keep him busy
He moved to Delhi in 1991 but got frustrated with the attitude of the persons there. So left and came back home.
He then got the opportunity to go for his sisters wedding in Gujrat where he met his aunt from Bangalore .. She brought him with her and got into cab driving. He then stayed in Bangalore .. Got married and has 3 kids... He is determined what ever happens he will educate his kids and never let them be a labourers.
His eldest daughter is in class 10th and all set to try for CA and keeps good merit in hand.
When I got down from his cab after 1.5 hours ,, i knew i met someone who made me revisit my own thinking and thus he belong to a place meant only for Strangers in my life.
A person who was born in labor family and had a tradition of working as labors,, went out of a so called family tradition to a new world and failed again and again... he knew he had no skills and no financial backup but still he wanted a better life for his better half and kids that comes in future..
He remained optimistic till date and knew he might fail again but he will not let his kids face the same in secured lifestyle. I am impressed.. a simple common man who does not know his roots.. moved from Gonda to Calcutta and then to Delhi and Gujrat and finally settled in Bangalore. He considered himself illiterate because he cannot speak English,, but can speak fluent Hindi, Bangla, Gujarati and Kanadda...
I didnt told him that his life story has actually influenced me. He is nobody in a huge world. No one knows him but knowing him for this short duration, i am impressed. He took risks and lived through odds and is a satisfied individual,,,
The question that poped in my mind while writing this blog at the airport is ' How many people I live with are as I satisfied as he is'.. maybe a couple or maybe Not so many,, but if its no.. its depressing......
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