Many times during my travels, I try to have a conversation with the Uber/Ola/Rapido cab/auto/bike drivers. In that brief time period, I try to get a slice of their lives. Mostly my curiosity is about how they seem to be doing.
I have realised that the freedom of choosing what occupation to pursue is a privilege available to very few. The Indian Economist Amartya Sen in his capability development approach, explains that true development is not just an increase in income but rather an expansion of choices available to people.
Here is a snapshot of the life of Ramesh - A rapido driver I interacted with. [The driver’s name has been altered for confidentiality]
Me: From how long have you been with Rapido?
Ramesh: It has been two months
Me: How is it working out for you?
Ramesh: It is very bad. Yesterday, I only made about Rs 300/- after deducting the petrol costs. The fuel costs are very high.
Me: That must be quite hard. Is there a shortage of demand?
Ramesh: It is the commissions charged. It is very high.
Me: how much is the commission?
Ramesh: If I earn Rs 20/- on a ride. Rs 5.5/- goes as a commission to the company.
We stop at a signal point. Ramesh sees another bike driver wearing a Rapido T-shirt. He asks, “Is there a way to reduce the commission?” The other driver informs him, “I am using Ola. It is better.” Ramesh immediately asks for a referral and shares his number. The other driver gives him a missed call and informs him that he will give a referral for Ola. The signal turns green and we continue our conversation.
Me: What were you doing before this?
Ramesh: I was a railway contractor. The manager I worked with got transferred from Hyderabad to Mysore. Later I worked with Sweet Magic as a supervisor.
Me: Why did you leave that?
Ramesh: The salary was too low and they did not give me any hike even though I worked for 7 years.
Me: How much were they paying you?
Ramesh: Rs 18,000 per month
Me: Was there no incentive or hike for more sales?
Ramesh: No it was a fixed payment job. I have only studied up to the 10th class.
But I have travelled to many places. I have even been to Maharashtra. (He says this with a sense of pride)
Me: Was it during your work as a railway contractor?
Ramesh: Yes. My manager would call me whenever there was work in different places.
Me: Why don’t you go to Mysore now?
Ramesh: They have changed the system. I cannot get work there.
Me: Where is your native place?
Ramesh: I am from Vijayawada.
Me: Won't you get a railway contractor job here?
Ramesh: No. There won't be such jobs here.
Me: What about your family? Where do they stay?
Ramesh: They stay in Vijayawada. I am staying here only. (Pointing to a place that we cross on the bike) I have one son.
Me: Which class is he in?
Ramesh: He is currently in UKG. The school people did not allow him to take the final year exam because I couldn't pay the fees.
Me: How much are the school fees?
Ramesh: It is Rs 3,500/- But I have not been able to earn this small amount.
Me: If you pay the fees, will they allow him to write?
Ramesh: Yes. I am trying for that only. But these commissions are so high. It is quite difficult.
Ramesh: Even this bike is not mine.
Me: Then whose did you take?
Ramesh: I borrowed from my neighbour. He understood my difficult situation and gave me his bike.
Me: Have you not applied for any government scheme?
Ramesh: I am not eligible for any. I stay with my mom who is a handicapped person. I tried to apply for a Government house Scheme in her name. Three times it got rejected. They have given someone else a house in the name of my mother.
Me: ( I become silent. I am not sure what to say. Also we reach the drop location)
Ramesh: my bike was very nice. It was Bajaj Platina.
Me: Where is it now?
Ramesh: “finance vaalu teesuko poyaru” (Finance people have taken my bike.)
Me: Oh! Is it because of the loan instalment?
He nods sadly.
I check the amount on the app. It shows Rs 49/-. I pay him Rs 60/- via phonepe.
As the conversation drew to a close, I was left reflecting on the hardships Ramesh faced daily. It reminded me of a quote attributed to Plato:
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about.”
This encounter was a reminder of the unseen struggles many face and the importance of kindness in our daily interactions.
Have you had any such experiences?
Great reportage with a powerful message. Nicely done.
Simple yet deep.