We too have a story…I don’t know how many of
you would be interested knowing about it as it is not a story of glamour, its not
even a story of an inspiring rags to riches, but it is a story of
survival…story of how a certain population is living, & majority of them
are living in a state of despair, hopelessness. Un fortunately we are a common
part of the social fabric yet we somehow remain to be neglected…..we are the
unfortunate Auto rickshahwallas
Do you know that on many days Ina week, we
have to spend close to 4 hours on the GAS Pump. Do you know out of the
estimated 10 lakh auto rickshaws plying on the roads of delhi, 80% of them are
illegally operating….Govt permissible capacity is only 50000 Rickshaws….the
balance auto rickshaws are sold illegally ……… Do you know that Auto rickshaws
are few things that get sold at 500% than the company listed price……still we
hear that govt does not make any money & the crazy thing that even while buying
we know we may not make any money…but still we buy, we buy in hope of something
better & all this is on cash…. We don’t have the luxury of EMIs &
Installments especially autos in black market….so where do we get the
cash…..Local moneylenders, hence another trap of heavy interest rates, paying
form the monthly income……again all in hope
Do you know that many a times, the
commuters , even young students don’t pay up & un away at traffic red
lights,do you know many a times , passengers who on reaching a destination, escape away on the
pretext of getting the change ? you know in certain cities we are not allowed
to commute in certain areas In our own city , own country as if we are some
untouchables or plagues in the society…..
Some of us who are deported at Places of
Public transport have to cough up bribes to the police for us to stand,,,as if
we are going to make some big kill……because of such pressures, may be most of
us resort to some unethical practices…..may be we do cheat a little….But who
doesn’t ? 2 weeks back on my kids
insistence, I took my 4 year old sun to a big hotel- McDonalds…..I was shocked
to see One small burger for Rs 60---almost half of my days earnings for 1
Burger…..what is this ? this is not cheating……Or you call it Service ……what
about Our service ? I have seen many Rich ladies with big bags, big sunglasses,
coming out of restaurants – they don’t think before spending 1000/ on a Pizza ,
or 100 Rs on Chaat, but they will
bargain for 5 Rs with us……& hurl abuses at us
Seldom I have come across a Customer who
can trust us…Most of look at us with
such suspicion that it really is shameful
for us…& THAT TOO when the scope for any malpractice is too
small….how much can an auto rickshaw loot you, in a journey fare of Rs100/==…I
am not saying that u all become philanthropist & squander your hard
earned money, but atleast show some
compassion & treat us at par. All of
us are not chores( as u call in delhi) All of us don’t slit throats of
foreigners / or take them to some shady hotel in delhi & chop them…All of
us are not,like that
I read somewhere – Be kind to others, as
everybody is fighting a secret battle
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