Cheerful ride

Autorickshaw drivers do not usually figure in the good books of the people but there are exceptions and Kailash Mali from Pune is one of them.

Mali offers free rides to senior citizens, differently-abled and pregnant women in his autorickshaw. The autorickshaw driver, who is now 53 years old and is a resident of Dehu Road, has been offering such free rides since eleven years. After a hard day's work when Mali would be returning home, he would offer free rides to the senior citizens, differently-abled and pregnant women en route.

It is the blessing more than the money which drives Mali to continue with this work. At first, fellow autorickshaw drivers used to snigger at Mali but, eventually, a few like-minded autorickshaw drivers joined hands with him and offer the same kind of service in other parts of the city.

This small group's altruism provides succour to the senior citizens, differently-abled and pregnant women who otherwise would have to struggle to board the over-crowded public transport buses.

Mali has now become a known face in Dehu Road. He provides his contact number to his passengers so that they can contact him for their commuting needs.

The group, Mali says, also tries to help people in other ways - helping the unemployed find work, arrange weddings, and collect clothes and food for the needy.

Mali has two sons - 29 and 31 years old - who are employed and provide financial support to the good cause. The entire family is very supportive of his work.

(Source: The Indian Express)