In a heartwarming tale that captures the spirit of determination and lifelong learning, Nidhi Agarwal, a resident of Bengaluru, recently shared the inspiring journey of Baskar, an auto-rickshaw driver, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Baskar, who had set aside his schooling in 1985, made a remarkable decision this year to appear for his English paper as part of his Pre-University Course (PUC) exams. A testament to his unwavering dedication, Baskar, despite being a father of two, is resolute in his pursuit of higher education.
Nidhi Agarwal’s heartfelt post introduced the world to Baskar ji, her fellow traveler in an Ola cab. Baskar’s indomitable spirit shone through as he faced his English paper, a significant step on his educational journey. Having cleared his 10th grade in 1985, this decision to return to education resonates with his determination to bridge a 28-year hiatus. His perseverance is all the more commendable given his role as a father to two children, one in the 3rd grade and the other in the 6th grade. Nidhi’s post, accompanied by a photograph of Baskar sporting a radiant smile, exudes inspiration and admiration for his pursuit.
This narrative gains particular significance in light of a viral video that recently captured a Bengaluru auto driver’s emotional breakdown due to meager earnings. Shared by a user named Zavier on Twitter, the video highlighted the impact of free bus rides offered by the Karnataka government, which affected the auto driver’s earnings. Such instances underscore the challenges faced by auto drivers in the city.
The vibrant city of Bengaluru has witnessed auto drivers becoming newsmakers on multiple occasions. Notably, a distinct auto driver gained attention for embracing technology by accepting payments through a QR code on his smartwatch. These anecdotes often stimulate discussions and reflections across social media platforms, symbolizing the evolving role of auto drivers within the city’s narrative.
In an era where continuous learning and education are championed, Baskar’s journey rekindles the belief in the transformative power of education. His determination serves as a beacon of inspiration for individuals of all walks of life, emphasizing that the pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries and is open to anyone willing to take the step towards progress.