This story may sound very ordinary to you, though it is an true and fascinating story. It was about a rickshaw puller who dropped me off at my destination, not far from my home. But in those 10-15 minutes, I witnessed and learned from this 63-year-old man, if someone is evident with their dreams, how they can grow up and reach their goals.
The story was that I was waiting for a rickshaw to go to the nearest place for an interview. And I was not getting any rickshaws even after waiting. Finally, I saw a rickshaw and stopped him. When I asked him if he could drop me off at my destination, he quickly agreed. I gave him the proper location, which was when our conversation started, but it was mostly one-sided.
I was the first to start the conversation, saying why rickshaw fellows say 'no' every time. Are they lazy? Or do they have a lot of money and do not need any more money. His immediate reaction was in English, "Sir, this is why I hate rickshaw fellows" These guys are not educated, and so they don't value time, nor do they want to help passengers. When he spoke English, I wondered how this old man could speak English so fluently despite being a rickshaw puller? It's astonishing. When I was thinking about it and was surprised to see his English skills, he started conversing with me again, which inspired me.
'I am a BSC graduate and completed my graduation in 1977. By profession, I was a government school teacher. I worked in that school for many years. I struggled a lot in those days because I was a member of an impoverished family, but it didn't stop my dreams from growing. I somehow managed to finish my studies, to give my family a better life. Today I am retired, and I am driving a rickshaw; it is not just for money, to keep myself going and keep fit so that I do not feel the burden of getting old doing nothing.' I have educated my children, even amid hundreds of hardships, because I know the importance of education. I taught them the importance of education, which helped them choose their field and go their own way. My son is now a magistrate, and my daughter is a professor at a reputed college.
I listened intently. He kept talking about him. I was also trying to find out about him out of curiosity. Then he says, "I only ride a rickshaw for 3-4 hours in the morning or the afternoon, and the rest of the time, I teach children and young students.
My main focus is to teach them how important education is, to be a good person, respect everyone, help others, and do good deeds; all this will come through education. Listening to him, my destination came in a few minutes, and I got down and gave his money goodbye.
True story
