Dimapur, Dec. 16: An auto-rickshaw driver’s desire to return something back to his passengers in gratitude of helping him towards earning his livelihood is something that may not occur to all and even if it occurs many will not put it into action.
Ponatiba Longchar, an auto driver by profession, proved it wrong and came up with a unique and thoughtful way of thanking his passengers of Chumukedima town for helping him earn his living.
It all started when Ponatiba, the sole bread earner of his family, initiated to give a day of free ride to his passengers in Chumukedima as part of ‘Christmas Gift’ as he felt it was the best way to thank his passengers in his capacity.
During the month of December 2015, Pona along with one of his fellow drivers started this noble initiative with the hope in mind to make it an annual event.
Pona who was working as a merchant navy posted at West Bengal had to quit his job leaving him with no other option but to choose his present profession.
During a telephonic conversation with him, Pona said he wishes to expand his ‘Free Town Trip’ initiative into a larger group with more auto-rickshaws taking part.
This year he along with his 6 other fellow drivers initiated to render the service to their town passengers on December 12 with posters pasted on their autos- ‘Christmas Offer, Free Town Trip’.
This humble initiative of the team was brought to light when some individuals posted their good deed in social media sites.
The posted status of the team gathered thousands of likes from near and far in support of the good customer service rendered by this humble team.
Pona, who is married with two children said that by doing the service, he and his friends are contented with the warmness and gratitude bestowed by their passengers.
When the rest of the world are busy shopping and buying gifts for friends and families to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ, this humble group found a better way of spreading the joy of festive season with their good deed. Pona says the best feeling is when the passengers thank them with their positive feedbacks making them feel special.
He says that for a driver making a passenger happy is something that money cannot buy and with his experience in the profession, he states that making a passengers happy is what all drivers should strive for.
