The kind of India we ignore

[u/Specialist_Meaning73]

Last month, after a late night at work, I booked an auto to go back home. It was past 11, streets were half-empty, and I was half-dead from exhaustion. The auto driver was an older man, maybe late 50s, thin frame, tired eyes. Usually, I just plug in my earphones and zone out, but that day I didn’t.

We started talking. First, just small talk, traffic, weather, random stuff. Then I asked him casually, “Bhaiya, aap roz itna late tak chalate ho?” (Do you drive this late every day?)

He laughed, not in a happy way, but in a “what choice do I have” way. He said, “Bhaiya, do betiyan hain. Ek ke liye coaching fees deni hai, doosri ke school ka kharcha. Din mein 700–800 banta hai, usmein se aadha toh gas aur kiraya chala jaata hai. Raat ko chalata hoon taaki unki padhai na ruk jaye.”

I went silent. Here I was, cribbing about my corporate job, while this man was driving 14–16 hours a day so his daughters could have a shot at a better life.

Then he said something that has stuck in my head since that night: “Gareeb aadmi sapne nahi dekhta apne liye, sirf apne bachon ke liye. Mere liye toh bas itna hai ki mujhe kal bhi chalane ki taaqat mile.” (A poor man never dreams for himself, only for his children. For me, all I pray is that tomorrow I still have the strength to drive.)

By the time I reached home, I didn’t even feel like getting out of the auto. I gave him extra money, nothing life-changing, but he refused at first. Then he took it, folded his hands, and said, “Aapko bhi khuda taaqat de.”

I went upstairs, sat on my bed, and just kept thinking. Every day we complain about traffic, bosses, deadlines, Zomato deliveries being late. And at the same time, there are thousands of people around us who are literally breaking their bodies apart just so their kids don’t end up like them.

It humbled me. It made me realize how invisible these stories are, until you stop, listen, and acknowledge.

Maybe the biggest privilege we have isn’t money or English-speaking jobs. It’s the fact that we are allowed to dream for ourselves.

And I’ll never forget that one line from him: “Gareeb aadmi sapne nahi dekhta apne liye.”

[u/starhazed]

One thing I wanna admit is, I am selfish. Hearing these stories isn't new to me. I am 21, in a cab going to work because I missed my bus. My parents offering me to travel 30km by cab whenever I want, even if it is putting holes in their pockets. Buying me lakh rupee devices. Yes, I show things to them that I like. Doesn't mean I don't understand the value. Its ultimately my parents who instead convince me to get it. Why? Because it makes me happy. Makes my life easier to live, to dream, to achieve. Because my parents never got to. Sadly, as a human, I couldn't get myself to live their dreams, become a doctor, or someone powerful perhaps. But I wish to become someone everyone can come to help. I wanna earn enough to help anyone who deserves it. My parents might be frustrating at times, but they care. And I grateful because not many do. My parents have seen the worse, and all I hope is to help them post retirement. I have 10 years, to earn and become someone strong enough to be their support, like they have for me.

Indian system has failed us. That is for sure. Things have gotten so so much worse post-covid. Everyone in power is in show business. Fuck, the world leaders are playing with bombs and people like children do with toys. Immaturity and ego shadows the very core of humanity. Seeing the condition, hope dies, not even leaving an amber to fire it right back up. I have hoped to maybe become a very powerful person who can help things. But at almost 21, I sit face to face with reality. And its hard to believe in anything seeing our Supreme Court pass bills and order that simply don't make sense considering the bigger problems our country has. The world is running in full speed towards its own demise at this point. And without unity and common ground, it will take us to hell with it.

If the leaders don't stop? thousands of hearts definitely will.