Driven by Charity

But what makes him golden-hearted is his way of doing his bit to serve people. Shah doesn’t take any fare from senior citizens,pregnant women or handicapped people. Not only that,he adds he insists on ferrying such people whenever he sees them on the street to wherever they want,free of cost.

With a self-deprecating smile,the 50-year-old recounts his own journey. “I was not always a rickshaw driver but had a garment business which ran into losses in 2002,compelling me to sell everything in order to pay my debts. At the time,I owned a rickshaw which I would hire out for extra income. However,after the driver turned out to be irregular at work,a friend suggested I try my hand at it. As I believe in dignity of labour,I started driving my own rickshaw in 2006.”

Asked why he does not take any fare from senior citizens and the handicapped,Shah says,“As a businessman,I did a lot of charity but now I am just a rickshaw driver. I see no reason why I should not do charity even now and this is my only way to help people. I remember an incident some years ago when a pregnant woman about to deliver wanted to go to the hospital but no rickshaw driver at the stand was ready to ferry her. I saw her and took her to hospital free of cost. The blessings she gave me is more important than the fare I would have received from her.”

Another incident he remembers is about an accident victim. The injured person had to be taken to hospital but no rickshaw driver was ready fearing they would have to answer police queries. Shah again came as the the good samartitan,and took the victim to the nearest hospital.

What does Shah’s two grown-up sons and a daughter feel about their businessman father turning a rickshaw driver?

Shah replies with a shrug,“They know their father works hard and does honest work and support me all the way.”

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