Article and Image : From the Facebook wall of Lal Babu Lalit

While returning home after my morning walk yesterday, I saw this gentleman sitting inside his rickshaw, lost in deep study with a book in his hands. I was curious and decided to say hello.

His name was Sunil, and he was a rickshaw-puller originally from Lakhimpur Khiri. He told me that he was a graduate and he was studying for his upcoming UPPSC exams. That came as a very pleasant surprise. I also noticed some general knowledge books in his rickshaw. He told me that he plied his rickshaw in nearby areas, and that he did not have a house to live in, but in fact slept in his rickshaw itself. I asked him how he managed to survive outside during the winters. He told me that he manages somehow.

I asked him why he did not rent a room somewhere, to which he replied, “my fellow rickshaw-pullers live in noisy neighborhoods. They drink liquor in the nights and have regular fights and arguments in their localities. How will I manage to study at peace with all the chaos?”. I could only nod.

Soon after, two people came and asked to be dropped to the Lakshmi Nagar Metro Station. Sunil agreed and bade me goodbye.

I have decided to help him in whatever way I can. I am planning to buy him the Competition Success magazine every month, and a few notebooks too.

I do not know whether he will clear his exams or not, but his determination and dedication deserve our respect and salute.

– Lal Babu Lalit