We at Startups.in, seldom read the typical forwarded mails that reach our inboxes. Even more rare is us forwarding them again to more of our friends.

But this particular forwarded mail stood out as an exception which deserved a special mention and hence this post. In fact, the title of the post also comes from a signature within the forwarded mail. It seemed so apt for this post that we ended up using it for the title and hopefully you’d agree after reading through.

We also believe this would be an excellent way to exemplify how one can come up with a  great customer centric product or a service irrespective of your profession/type of business. So for once, lets be humbled and draw inspiration from Mr. Sandeep Bacche, an auto rickshaw driver from India.

Last Sunday, my wife, kid and I had to travel from Bandra to Andheri (in Mumbai, India). When I waved at a passing auto rickshaw, little did I expect that this ride would be any different.

Mr. Sandeep Bacche, auto driver par excellence

As we set off, my eyes fell on a few magazines (kept in an aircraft style pouch) behind the driver’s back rest. I looked in front and there was a small TV. The driver had put on the Doordarshan channel. My wife and I looked at each other with disbelief and amusement. In front of me was a small first-aid box with cotton, Dettol and some medicines.. This was enough for me to realize that I was in a special vehicle. Then I looked around again, and discovered more -there was a radio, fire extinguisher, wall clock, calendar, and pictures and symbols of all faiths – from Islam and Christianity to Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism. There were also pictures of the heroes of 26/11- Kamte, Salaskar, Karkare and Unnikrishnan. I realized that not only my vehicle, but also my driver was special.

I started chatting with him and the initial sense of ridicule and disbelief gradually diminished. I gathered that he had been driving an auto rickshaw for the past 8-9 years; he had lost his job when his employer’s plastic company was shut down. He had two school-going children, and he drove from 8 in the morning till 10 at night. No break unless he was unwell. “Sahab, ghar mein baith ke TV dekh kar kya faida? Do paisa income karega toh future mein kaam aayega.” (Sir, what’s the use of simply sitting at home and watching TV? If I earn some income, then it will be useful in the future.)

We realized that we had come across a man who represents Mumbai – the spirit of work, the spirit of travel and the spirit of excelling in life. I asked him whether he does anything else as I figured that he did not have too much spare time. He said that he goes to an old age home for women in Andheri once a week or whenever he has some extra income, where he donates tooth brushes, toothpastes, soap, hair oil, and other items of daily use. He pointed out to a painted message below the meter that read: “25 per cent discount on metered fare for the handicapped. Free rides for blind passengers up to Rs50?. He also said that his auto was mentioned on Radio Mirchi twice by the station RJs. The Marathi press in Mumbai know about him and have written a few pieces on him and his vehicle.

My wife and I were struck with awe. The man was a HERO! A hero who deserves all our respect. I know that my son, once he grows up, will realize that we have met a genuine hero. He has put questions to me such as why should we help other people? I will try to keep this incident alive in his memory.

Our journey came to an end; 45 minutes of a lesson in humility, selflessness and of a hero-worshiping Mumbai – my temporary home. We disembarked, and all I could do was to pay him a tip that would hardly cover a free ride for a blind man.

More Pictures:

He has got a first aid box on the left and a newspaper box on right (which included economic times and magazines in several other languages)

Comfort2.0 Auto:

He has got a TV on the top with cable (I was watching Colors channel) and below that is the tissue box. On the left has devotional pictures and don’t miss the “Only gandhigiri” written there). Below that is the calendar, a notepad and pen along with a blue fan (which blows towards the passenger sitting in the seat behind the driver)

His Generosity:

25% discount for handicapped !! Now, who on this earth can expect something like this from an rickshawala!!

Its amazing there are people like him still alive in this world!

I hope, one day, you too have a chance to meet Mr Sandeep Bachhe in his auto rickshaw – MH-02-Z-8508

As summarized by Suvendu Roy about his inspirational encounter with a rickshaw driver in Mumbai.