One group of people whom I hate the most in Trivandrum are autorickshaw drivers. I have never seen such kind of rude people anywhere else in Kerala. As a person who travels frequently in autos (everyday, to and from office), I have had many bad encounters with them. But yesterday it was a little bit surprising. I called an autorickshaw from Jagathy junction in the morning and there was total traffic chaos since there was no policeman present at that time. Then the driver began talking. And I listened with much interest. He talked about how he is being alienated amongst the other auto drivers.

"The other auto drivers say I'm different. Perhaps I am. They accuse me of trying to be different. I follow the traffic signals everywhere which the others don't care about even a bit. I used to work in a Gulf country and returned an year ago. The traffic rules out there is very strict and people are made to pay a fine if they ignored the signals. Here our laws are very loose and nobody cares. I also don't charge anyone other than the regular charge and do not confuse people who are new to city with taking them on long rides and charge them high."

I looked at him and I could spot an old gold plated Rado watch on his wrist which used to symbolize every Gulf-returned person in Kerala. He must be in his 40's and was well groomed and neatly dressed. He spoke Malayalam in pucca Trivandrum accent, but used print media language in between.

"Did you understand what I just said?"

"Yes, I did." I smiled.

"Many people these days do not understand good Malayalam, you know. They say they know very little Malayalam and are proud to say that. I was shocked to see this after coming back to the country."

"You know," He continued to speak, "I used to work with an MNC out there in Gulf. I can speak 7 languages! English, Hindi, Tamil, Arabic etc etc. And when I speak Malayalam, I speak in good Malayalam. Isn't that how it should be?"

"You are right about that."

Then we reached my office and I was wondering if he was just playing all this to ask for more than what I have to pay. But he was not. He asked for the regular charge and we told each other "it's a pleasure meeting you." He made my morning good.

PS: In the evening on the very same day, I called an auto and he asked for more than what I have to pay. I said I wouldn't pay a penny more. Then he said in a threatening voice, "Do as I say"!!! I was really angry and I gave him what I really owed him and just turned back. I could hear him on the back showering me with all the words that you wouldn't find in shabda thaaraavali.

(Image courtesy)