Auto-Mate

Plying his autorickshaw in one of city’s busiest stretches,from Khar to Bandra,Shewale is a complete surprise package. Not only is his three-wheeler done up in psychedelic colours,it is dotted with messages,some to make you smile,others to make you think. “No Bhaigiri,Only Gandhigiri,” says one. “Give Respect,Get Respect,” and “Pay With A Smile” are others. The best one: “Don’t Put Your Beautiful Legs Up.”

The rickshaw offers a taste of some other amenities: A dinky television set in one corner,a newspaper box with an English,Hindi and Marathi newspaper as well as a couple of magazines,a first aid box,chocolates for children— all this at no extra cost. Interestingly,the idea of building such a rickshaw came to Shewale a few days after the 26/11 terror attacks. “I understood the true meaning of emergency after the terror attacks. Anything can happen to my clients while travelling,this is my small bit to minimise damages,” says Shewale. “Also the idea is to give passengers a feeling of being at home while travelling on the jam-packed roads of the city.”

But the most welcoming aspect is the man himself,who believes passengers are kings.

Where else will you find a rickshaw with emergency numbers neatly chalked on a board,a small clock and even knick-knacks like a tissue paper holder and a small wall calendar? “The TV in the rickshaw only offers Doordarshan. The idea is to be posted during any kind of emergency. I have also kept all the emergency numbers with me so that I can immediately take my passengers to the nearest hospital in case of any unforeseen event,” says Shewale.

Soon after the terror attack last year,Shewale felt a new kind of fear and panic,alongside fresh rumours floating around. “Since autos are one of the most common modes of transport in the city,I thought I should do my bit with my auto,” says Shewale. He has also adorned the front of his rickshaw with the photographs of officers who died in the attacks: Hemant Karkare,Sandeep Unnikrishnan,Ashok Kamte and Vijay Salaskar. “Needless,to say these guys were the true heroes who saved the day and because of which we are here. This re-designed auto is a tribute to them.”

The photographs also serve the purpose of inspiring him to never lose his cool in times of adversity,” he adds.

There is more: Shewale offers a 25 per cent discount to all disabled customers. The gesture might burn a small hole in his pocket,but that does not deter him. He quotes from his rickshaw: “Amiri ho ya garibi,sab ko paise ki bimaari hai,” (Rich or poor,everyone suffers from the quest for wealth).

For Shewale,the biggest inspiration is passengers’ goodwill. “Passengers’ respect has definitely increased. Prior to this re-designing,there used to be some scuffles with the passengers. But call it a stroke of luck or sheer genius,after the re-designing there has been no such case. In fact,some passengers even call back and ask for long distance services too. But the biggest motivation factor is when strangers see the rickshaw and give me a thumbs up sign. Trust me,some things money really can’t buy,” says Shewale.

Deepak Shewale from Khar-Danda can be contacted at 9819948287