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Sunday 21 January 2018

81) Everyday Heroes: From driving Auto-rickshaws to driving change - Sri Aurobindo's Action- July 2015 Issue

A little upset at being over-charged, I ranted to a friend that all auto rickshaw drivers in Pondicherry are the same. He very politely cut me off and told me that all are not the same. He then went on further to tell me of the story of one man- that not only left me misty eyed but also taught me a very valuable life lesson- to never make stereotypical generalizations. And it is this wonderful man’s life’s story that I wish to proudly share with the readers.
I am thankful to the editors of Sri Aurobindo’s Action for the opportunity to write about him as I feel that even though he himself doesn’t seek any name or recognition, his work demands to be recognized by the society.

Mr.Mohan, an ordinary auto rickshaw driver who being true to his profession-regularly ferried all his customers with the love and respect that they deserved. His customers came from all walks of life and ranged from little school children and youngsters to adults and senior citizens. Every customer who boarded his auto rickshaw, boarded in with a mini-world of his own. To put in his own words he learnt a thousand different things about life from his interactions with the customers.
It was during his observations that he understood that the most neglected section of the society was that of the aged, especially in the lower income households. He used to come across a lot of destitute lying on the streets badly in need for medical assistance and it was then that he firmly resolved to look after at least one elderly person in his life.

In 2002, despite his financial limitations, he founded the Sharon Society of Pondicherry to further his cause and in 2008 – with ten inmates he started the Pushapagandhi home for the aged and the destitute by acquiring a rented home for addressing their food, accommodation, clothing and medical needs free of cost. He did not receive any government aid for his service and later on was forced to leave his profession as an auto driver so that he may be able to focus towards his social calling.
Apart from these ventures, he also organizes blood camps, de-addiction counseling for druggists and smokers, reconciliation of families through counseling, tailoring and embroidery training for women etc. and also has recently started a centre for special children. He has also received many awards for his work but he likes to work silently.

Today despite being 55 and suffering a heart-attack in 2011 owing to an unexpected demise of a beloved friend, Mr.Mohan, along with his wife and their lovely three year old daughter- dedicates his time performing service- life’s greatest purpose and continues to work towards his dream of setting up a self-sufficient home for Sharon Society. A generous benefactor recently gave Sharon Society a land of 4250 sq.ft to realize the dream!

Will you not visit him sometime to see and support the wonderful work he is doing?
For those in Pondicherry who wish to visit him,
PushpaGandhi Home for the Aged. No. 41, 3rd Cross, Kurinji Nagar, Lawspet, Puducherry – 605008. E-mail : sharonmohan.org@gmail.com
“Love has no need to destroy in order to transform. It has the direct power of transformation”
-          The Mother



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