Harjinder Singh, a 76-year-old man in Delhi had made all heads turn from immense pride as he inspires the world in restoring the lost humanity. Singh, an auto driver, runs an “auto ambulance”, providing road accident victims with a free ride to hospitals. Behind his autorickshaw is a sign which says, “free ambulance for those injured in road accidents”.
In fact, the septuagenarian works extra hours to save money for the ambulance runs. His “auto-ambulance” has been in service since 1978. Singh who has been an auto driver since 1964, always stocks a first-aid kit in his vehicle containing basic items like bandages, antiseptic lotion and cream and paracetamol.
He says, “Whenever I come across a road accident, I immediately stop and see if anybody needs urgent medical attention. Then, I take the injured to the nearest hospital.” “I started this service in 1978. I will continue to do it as long as I have strength in my body”, he adds.
A former traffic warden, Singh says that he first started helping out people during the 1978 deluge which inundated Delhi. “I was deputed to serve the people at that time and I have been serving them relentlessly,” says Singh.
Harjinder is often asked by his family to stop driving his auto and rest at home but he says working every day is a liberating experience for him. He is of the opinion that the more he works, the more he will feel healthy otherwise he would feel useless.
Harjinder has been recognised by Delhi Traffic police for his social service. He was made traffic police warden and has been issued multiple certificates of commendations by Delhi Traffic Police. It is clear that with people such as Harjinder Singh plying in the city of Delhi, lesser lives will be lost to delayed emergency time following a road accident.
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