Help has been pouring for this auto-rickshaw driver from Mumbai whose heartbreaking story was shared by Humans of Bombay.
In the interview, the man, Mr. Desraj, reveals that after he lost his two sons, he became responsible for his grandkids and daughters-in-law and that they’ve been his strength to keep going ever since.
Mr. Desraj Experienced the Worst in Life, but Kept Going for the Family
He explained that six years ago, his oldest son disappeared. He left home for work as he did every day, but that day, he never came back.
The body was found a week later. He was only 40. His dad said that a part of him died with his son and added to his responsibilities. He didn’t even have time to mourn him properly.
The tragedy became even bigger two years later when he lost his other son to suicide. It was a shock for everyone, especially for Mr. Desraj who suddenly had four grandkids and two daughters-in-law to care for.
One of his granddaughters who was in Class 9 wanted to know if she will have to quit school, but her grandpa assured her that she can study as much as she wants to because he’s there for her.
Mr. Desraj had to earn for his family and worked long hours. He left home at 6 am and drove his auto until midnight. He used the salary to pay for the education of his grandkids and the other money was used for food and other basic necessities.
Unfortunately, he explains that on most days, they would barely have food. It was all worth it, he added because his granddaughter got an 80 percent score in the Class 12 Board Exams. To celebrate her achievements, he gave free rides to customers that whole day.
Mr. Desraj Decides to Sell Their Home to Pay for His Granddaughters’ Education
One day, one of his granddaughters told Mr. Desraj that she would like to go to Delhi so that she can attend a B.Ed course. Unfortunately, he knew that he wouldn’t be able to afford this, but he wanted to fulfill her education dreams no matter the cost.
At this point, he decided to sell the house and paid the necessary fees for the course. His wife, the daughters-in-law, and the other grandkids went to live in a relative’s home in the village and Mr. Desraj continued working as a taxi driver in Mumbai.
For a year, he ate and slept in his car and drove passengers during the day.
He’s the proudest grandfather and said that his pain goes away when his granddaughter calls him and tells him she’s doing well in school. He’s looking forward to the day that she becomes a teacher.
He adds that she’ll be the first graduate in their family.
People on the Internet Were Deeply Moved by Mr. Desraj’s Story so They Open Up a Fundraiser
The story of Mr. Desraj touched people’s hearts and many individuals were asking how they can help him out.
They wanted to reward his responsibility and devotion to his family and his amazing generosity when he gave free rides to customers, despite his hard economic situation.
Gunjan Ratti, a Facebook user, launched a fundraiser for Mr. Desraj and they’ve currently raised more than 5.3 lakh from amazing 276 donors. Moreover, his inspiring story was shared on Twitter by Congress’s Archana Dalmia and retweeted by Milind Deora.
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