there is empathy for the rickshaw wallah coming from the most unexpected quarters.there is a frenchman pedalling in bihar these days.he wants to understand the problems of the rickshaw wallahs.he is doing a research on their lives.he is doing a reality check by pedalling a well-decorated rickshaw on the dusty roads of sasaram,an nondescript town in western bihar.
john lui,40,a technical designer, has ideas for the welfare of the rickshaw pullers.he wants to provide them with social and emotional security after completing his research. something that they lack. he plans to visit varanasi,agra,delhi and a few other cities and towns before completing his research. the rickshaws don't pollute. but the rickshaw pullers are the victims of pollution on the roads, says john.
12 comments:
Thanks for posting this story GS.
I'm very interested to hear more about the Rickshaw Walahs and John Lui. Have you met John Lui or was this a story you heard about?
I think the plight of the Rickshaw Walahs and their future survival and prosperity will be an important indicator for the future of our broader society.
I am very keen to hear anything more about John Lui's plan or ideas.
hello David J
i couldn't agree more with you.their plight is miserable which i see when i travel to kolkata. i have not met john lui. i read about this story a few days back in the newspapers.i am keeping a track of his movements and will keep you informed if i come to know more about his project.
Dear gs,
Thank you so much for this blog. I have been observing these Rikshaw wallas in and around Kolkata.I have written one or two articles in Sadhana, a weekly from Pune. Their plight has no end. Isn't it amazing that one Frenchman comes to their rescue? I would like to know where did you get to read this news? Please keep me posted on this. Thanks again.
Nikheel
Dear gs,
Your blog on rickshaw pullers is very heartening. But it's very short and without any details such as how this John Lui is planning to put his ideas to help them. Is he staying with them? Please reply.
Mangesh
During my last visit to Chennai, I found a rickshaw in front of Mylapore station and was looking at it for a long time and the rickshaw man, asked me why I was staring at it. I told him that I havent seen a Rickshaw in ages for which he replied, nowadays no one travels in a Rickshaw and all the rickshaw wallah are now riding autos in chennai.
I always feel pity for the Rickshawallahs especially in Kolkata where the humans pull it. Glad some one is atleast taking the effort.
Mangesh, I found this in my search when I was trying to find what he was doing http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-72823.html
Kavya
hello nikheel
i read a news item some days back in one of the english dailies. the news was brief. i am trying to get more information on the frenchman who is taking so much pains to understand the problems of the rickshawallahs and to help them to live a decent life.
dear mangesh
i haven't been able to get more information on john lui though i am trying.i am glad this post has generated some interest for the cause of the poor rickshaw wallahs. i will be in kolkata next thursday when i will try to obtain more information.
hello kavya
hand pulled rickshaws are officially banned in kolkata,though one can still see many on the roads.their plight is indeed terrible.it is a shame for us that a frenchman undertakes a study of thier problems and living conditions to find some solution to their misery.
Dear gs,
I was surprised to read your blog that some one from foreign land comes to India to solve the plight of these rickshaw Wallas. But I am curious to know what the WB Govt or any other Govt in Bihar is doing for them. I remember there has been some order given by Communist Govt in WB about welfare of them. What happened to that? I am sorry that I am questioning you simply because you wrote this blog. But I want to know the full details as an Indian.
Waman Karnik
Dear gs,
Please convey my thanks to Kavya for providing me the info on this kind hearted Fench man who has come to India to help Rickshaw Pullers. But I still will find more info as when he alongwith our people's Govt. help them.
Mangesh
Dear gs,
I have been reading your blogs, but this is the first time, I wish to express myself. Obviously, it's because of poor Rickshaw pullers in India's cities such Kolkata. I observed that you were to visit Kolkata and give feedback. Also what is the status of this French man's effort? Please reply or give your extensive report in your next blog soon
Sharad
the world needs more people like him.
thanks for sharing this inspiring story.
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