India’s business capital Mumbai struggled for breath in waist-deep water, lashed by what weathermen believe could be the worst rain since July 2005, when the city was devastated by floods. Mumbai has been experiencing incessant heavy rainfall since Saturday morning, with the Regional Meteorological Centre, Colaba.
Vehicles are half dipped in water and people are finding it difficult to walk on roads. When it’s Mumbai and rains, local train services are the first ones to get hampered. As expected, railways are paralyzed and tracks are filled with water.
When it’s Mumbai and rains, local train services are the first ones to get hampered. As expected, railways are paralyzed and tracks are filled with water. People were advised to avoid beaches and promenades, which will impact the ritual immersion of Ganesha idols, an annual event.
In such a horrible situation, the rains brought to the forefront many examples of kindnesses Mumbaikars went out of their way to help those in need. One such incident happened on August 29. Many were forced to spend an entire night trapped inside their offices or homes.
As Mumbai battled a natural disaster, there were many who shone through as symbols of humanity. Sikander Khan, an Ola cab driver whose kindness ensured that his passenger, Puja Vaish, came to no harm. It so happened that Puja Vaish, a Mumbai resident, had to travel to some place during the rains. She booked an Ola cab, whose driver was Sikander Khan.
As she was traveling back to her home, the cab got stuck on a flyover at Parel at about 10 am. From that moment on, Vaish had to spend 10 hours in that cab. During that 10 hours of time, she saw the greatness of a human being which moved her so much that she has asked Ola to reward the driver.
Ms. Vaish shared her experience in a Facebook post. In her post, written on August 30, she thanked Mr. Sikander Khan for ‘his humanity and his help during the flood situation in Mumbai.’ She goes on to describe how Mr. Sikander Khan helped her in that helpless situation.
“He gave me his umbrella when I decided to leave the cab and walk, and when I didn’t get anywhere due to the chest deep water, he called me to come back and sit in the cab. He assured me he would get me home safe once the flood receded and the traffic would move no matter how long it would take,” writes Ms. Vaish in her post.
She goes on to describe how Mr. Sikander Khan also waded through high water – first to buy food and then to drop her to a hotel. He also refused to take the money she offered and accepted only when pressed.
“I was just doing my duty! When I realized that the water level is rising and the passenger would not be in a position to reach her desired destination, my first concern was her safety. I assured her that she will be safe and I would drop her at her desired location,” says Mr. Sikander Khan. Mr. Sikander Khan was felicitated by cab company Ola for the courage and humanity he displayed.
Commentators praised the action of the driver and joined their voices to demand a reward for him.
However, the cab driver has been rewarded what he deserves.
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