An Uber Tale!

" There is no greatness where there is no simplicity, goodness, and truth "- Leo Tolstoy

It’s been a while since I picked up my pen to write about one of my favorite genres—life stories. I’ve always been drawn to them, whether they are short or long, because of the truth and inspiration they carry. These stories stay with me, like treasures in the memory lane of my mind. And today, I want to share one such story—the story of Mr. Tanga Durai, an Uber driver whose life touched me in a way I won’t soon forget.

I usually take Uber rides to and from the office, and over time, I've had the chance to meet some incredible people along the way. I’ve always been a firm believer that every conversation, whether with a fellow rider or the driver, has the potential to teach us something new. Knowledge and wisdom are not the monopoly of the rich or the famous. We can find gems of insight in the most unexpected places, and that’s what makes life’s stories so beautiful.

On the day I met Mr. Durai, my morning started off on a frustrating note. The traffic in front of my house was a mess, and after booking multiple rides, I faced constant cancellations. It felt like the universe was conspiring against me. I had nearly given up when, after what seemed like an eternity, I received a confirmation from Mr. Durai. Out of habit, I called the driver to make sure the ride wouldn’t be cancelled, and that’s when I first heard his voice - a warm, cheerful “Good morning!” that took me completely by surprise. In a world where most interactions are rushed and impersonal, his greeting was a breath of fresh air. He promised to come, despite the traffic being worse than usual.

It took him an hour and a half to reach me, a distance of just 4 kilometres. Yes, in Bangalore, distances are measured by Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA), not kilometres! When I finally got into his cab, Mr. Durai asked where I worked. As I started to zone out, lost in thoughts of the endless traffic ahead, he broke the ice by introducing himself: “I’ve been driving for 25 years,” he said, “I only went to school until 7th grade, but I can speak nine languages.” He also told me he was born and raised in Mumbai, and that in his younger days, he dreamed of becoming a film director. He had even written three scripts, envisioning stars like Salman Khan and Aamir Khan in mind.

As we drove through the city, the conversation flowed easily. And then, Mr. Durai did something unexpected - he recited three beautiful poems he had written in Hindi. His words were so powerful, so heartfelt, that I asked him if I could record one of the poems. It was about cities - about the noise, the chaos, the dreams, and the struggles that are all part of life in a bustling metropolis. His poetry was raw and beautiful, and I couldn’t help but be moved by the depth of emotion in his voice.

I couldn’t help but think of the hardships he must have endured to reach this point. There was so much about his life that had not gone as planned, yet there he was - still kind, still content, and still giving to the world in his own quiet way. He had every reason to feel defeated, but instead, he was sharing his wisdom, his kindness, and his art with a stranger. It was a reminder that the goodness of the world is not extinct - it lives on in people like Mr. Durai, who refuse to let life’s challenges steal their joy or their generosity.

As I sat there listening to him, I realized that there are some people who, even without fame or recognition, have so much to offer. Mr. Durai’s story is one of resilience, of finding beauty and joy despite the odds. He may not have made it to Bollywood, but in that moment, I saw a star in him. His kindness, his authenticity, and his spirit were a shining light in a world that often feels dark and disconnected.

Before I got out of the cab, I promised Mr. Durai that I would share his story with the world. His life deserves to be told. He deserves to be heard. And I can’t wait for the day when the world recognizes the talent and goodness that he holds. So, why wait for “someday” when I can share his story today?

This is for you, Mr. Durai. A man who never gave up on his dreams, who found joy in the smallest moments, and who shared his light with a stranger on a busy morning in Bangalore. Your story is a reminder to us all that goodness is alive in the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the most valuable lessons come from the people we least expect. Thank you for touching my life in ways you may never know.

-Sree

Copyrighted 2018??

#SreeWrites