Experiences in a troika: A tribute to the Biharis

When it happened twice i just kept it to myself and pondered but when it happened the third time, i decided to blog. These experiences are worth mentioning as they move you in a way. You feel sad and proud at the same time about that one state of india- Bihar.

I have traveled many times in the great troikas of Mumbai. More amusing than the rides has been the experience chatting with the drivers. Mumbai is full of Biharis. Low levels of income, education and infrastructure has driven many of them to come to mumbai to earn a living....in short to meet the two ends meet, barely.

Everytime i have travelled in the auto, its a Bihari babu who rides me to my destination and its fun talking to them. But then when they go into the details of their lives (which they always do) u think for a moment about how lucky u have been.

Three instances, and its like the same story is being narrated by three different people. Believe it or not, all the auto drivers from Bihar that i have met have been graduates (Hum BA kiya hoon sirji....thats what they say). All of them have been forced to pursue a career which they never ever wanted.

Ask them the reason for doing so....

1. Ab kaa batayen aapko. BA hindi kiya hoon lekin bihar mein kahan job milta hai humko. Meri do badi behen hai. Dono ki shaadi nahi hui. Pichle 4 saal se auto chala ke paise bhejta hoon. Ab jaake ek behen ka dahej de paoonga.

2. Metric paas hoon sirji. Aaap belieb nahin karenge par sach bolte hain hum. Apni iskool ke topper reh chuke hai. 87% aaya hai humko metric mein. Hamare bapu nahi padhne diye humein. aana padha idhar. shaadi kar liye abhi. aur aaga kya padhenge

3. Graduate hoon main sirji. LIC agent tha. Paise hai hi nahi usme. Bihar mein paisa deke job milta hai. Haraam ki kamai hai woh. Hum nahi kar sakte. Usse achha tho auto hai sirji.

I am always taken aback by these comments. I manage to mumble a few words like... aage padhna hai bhaiyya....important hai (not knowing what was the hindi word for important). They smile and nod.

I have always respected every state for what it is. But the saddest part is this: I can understand if a state is short of funds and cannot provide higher education, but i cannot somehow accept a state not respecting a citizens graduate degree by not providing him the encouragement and forcing him to take up a job less that what his calibre can match.

I salute the Bihari of india today who is true in what he does and what he says and believes in dignity of labour. They think beyond themselves and that is true spirit.