A Bhopal auto-driver has turned his three-wheeler into an ambulance. That too, free of cost. Javed Khan from Bhopal has put his livelihood on hold, but the lives of many on an oxygen cylinder. Before he was earning around 600 rupees every day from his auto rides. Now he spends more than that providing Corona affected people with emergency oxygen. What made him take this step?
“I saw on social media, WhatsApp and News channels that several people were forced to carry their relatives on their shoulder, or pull them on carts due to the unavailability of ambulances. That was when I thought I could do something for humanity,” says Javed Khan, speaking to ANI. His auto rickshaw is equipped with essential items like an oxygen cylinder, a PPE kit, sanitizer and an oximeter. He had been driving the auto for 18 years. Though no one has been infected in his family, he felt disturbed by the deaths he saw every day and wanted to do something about it with the resources he had. He told the Times of India, “I sold my wife’s gold necklace for Rs. 5000, and bought an oxygen cylinder to turn this auto into an ambulance. I refuel the auto with my money.” In a factory at Govindpura, he gets oxygen refilled although it is a tedious task, as he has to stand in the line for hours.
Sharing his mobile number on social media platforms (7999909494), Mr Khan says, “Whoever is in trouble and is not able to get an ambulance, can call me. I am ready to help people all 24 hours.” When asked how long he will continue this service, he says, “I will not hesitate even if I have to borrow money, as people are desperate for help. My priority is to save the people.”In fact, he lost his livelihood, but gives life to so many.
The author is a former Director of Goa Institute of Management (GIM) and currently Director of St Joseph’s Institute of Management (JIM), Trichy.
