There are doctors and nurses who are working day in and out to fight the pandemic. Then there are the unsung heroes, who are not making headlines but are no less. MUSBA HASHMI speaks with cab drivers who are doing their bit in the time of crisis
None of us would have ever imagined that staying indoors would be the last thing that the human race would do to save themselves from a lethal pandemic that has gripped the world. Masks, sanitisers, gloves and a mandatory six-feet distance has become the new normal. More often than not people are talking about the post-pandemic world and how to deal with it but to reach there seems a milestone that the human race has to achieve.
The ones who definitely needs a salute during this hard time is all the frontline workers — doctors, nurses and police officers — who are risking their lives to keep us safe. But then there are the unsung heroes, who are no less. Meet a 24-year-old woman cab driver, Pooja Kumari who is all happy to have been able to give back to the nation in a way or two.
Kumari, joined Uber two years back and is a proud woman driver partner for the company. “Before taking up driving, I used to work for a company. There one of my friend who was learning how to drive encouraged me to try hands at the wheel. The idea fascinated me and I agreed. After completing my training, I was looking for a job. Not many companies were hiring woman drivers back then. Then I started working with one of the leading cab service companies then I got to know that Uber too was open to hire women drivers with better facilities, so I decided to switch. Since then it has been an amazing experience,” she says.
Kumari leaves home at 8 in the morning and return by 9 pm. “I am working with the Uber Medic Team. With the partnership between NHA and Uber, I am helping cancer patients commute from their houses to the hospitals for treatment. Currently there are very less ambulance services functioning for non-Covid patients but it is important not to forget those who are suffering because of deadly diseases like Cancer. They too are in need of immediate help,” Kumari, who lives with her sister and brother-in-law in Jasola Vihar, New Delhi, says.
Riding with a woman at the driver’s seat came as a surprise to many riders, she says. “I didn’t have to face too many challenges. I am fortunate that my experience with the riders has been great. Whenever, I rider got to know that I am a girl, they appreciated my spirit. Some of them even took time to realise that they are riding with a woman driver,” she tells you.
Kumari is one of those warriors that are out in the battlefield with a smile. “These are difficult times for everyone. To be out there on the road amidst such a pandemic is threatening. I too have certain fears. I want to be safe. But then if we will take a step back during such times then who will help those in need. To overcome the fear, I make sure that proper safety protocols are followed in the car. I always have my mask and gloves on. I sanitise my gloves at short intervals. Once the rider leaves the car, I santise the seat with a disinfectant spray before picking up the next rider. Adding to all that, we have a roof-to-floor plastic sheeting enclosing the driver, which acts as a protective barrier to limit contact between the driver and the rider,” she tells you.
Kumari adds that she try and avoid to get out of the car at all times. “I carry my lunch and water bottle. During my duty hours too, I avoid stepping out of the car. I feel more safe in my car than in any other place,” she says.
Unlike many others, Kumari’s family has been extremely supportive and appreciates the fact that she is doing something good. “Once I return home, my sister keeps a bucket of hot water ready at the doorstep so that I can wash my feet and hands. She then serves me tea and wash my clothes,” she tells you.
There is more. A 43-year-old medic driver, Padamnochan Malik who is living miles away from his family is too contributing to the cause. “This is the best time to serve the country in any way possible. I am fortunate that the company gave me a chance to work, it not only helped me earn a living but also feel proud of the fact that I can be of use during such a crisis,” Malik, who is the sole bread winner for a family of five along with his mother, tells you.
Malik, whose family lives in Odisha, works eight hours a day. He has been working with Medic team for about two months now. “ I help doctors from RML Hospital, Connaught Place to travel from their houses to the hospitals safely everyday. It gives me immense pleasure to help doctors commute safely. I always tell them that they should take extra care of themselves, agar woh hi beemar pad gaye toh hamara kya hoga?,” he asks.
Just like Kumari, his car too his well sanitised every day. “Gloves and masks are a must. I make sure to folow the safety protocols and talking about my riders, they are doctors themselves they all wear PPE suits and they take better precautions than anyone else,” he says.
Working on war footing is not everyone’s cup of tea these days. Malik too was apprehensive of taking the decision initially but then he decided to take a leap of faith. “When I received a call to be a part of the medic team, I was not sure. There was a fear that how safe will it be to go out and work all day. My family too resisted, they told me not to take the risk. But, then I thought to give it a chance since it was an opportunity that may not come afterwards. I took the chance. First few days went in thinking about my safety, but as time passed it became a habit and I started feeling safe. Now there are no apprehensions at all. And like I said before, I feel proud,” he says.
The only thing that Malik is missing is his family. “I am miles away from my family. I live alone here in Delhi. Once the lockdown gets lifted, the first thing I will do is to go back to my kids — two daughters and a son — though talking to them over the phone is a routine but I want to see them in person,” Malik, who takes around three trips a day, tells you.
We cannot thank these warriors enough as for what they are doing during these unprecedented times. Not only they, there are manypeople — The Other Warriors — who are doing their bit to the best of their capability to help fight the pandemic.
