Bhakti Chalak
In Mumbai, where everyone seems to be in a rush, autorickshaw driver Habib Shaikh offers his passengers something they do not expect: free cold water and biscuits. But his generosity does not end with his passengers. His autorickshaw has become a mobile shelter of sorts, carrying food and medicines for injured and sick animals.
Habib shared his story with Awaz-the Voice.
Habib was once in the imitation jewellery business. The sector collapsed during the COVID-19 lockdown, leaving him broke. In desperation, he started selling bottled drinking water. But after spending four consecutive days cycling through the streets with water bottles, he could not sell even a single bottle.
One evening, he spotted a kitten crying in the darkness under a car. Its mother was nowhere to be seen. Fearing that the kitten might be crushed by passing vehicles, Habib took it home.
He lovingly fed the hungry kitten milk. Once its stomach was full, it fell asleep peacefully. The next morning, Habib left home to sell water bottles. By noon, he had sold all 20 boxes he was carrying.
Habib says, "I was wandering for four days and couldn't find a single customer, and that day I sold 20 boxes by noon itself. I understood that this was the blessing (dua) of that kitten."
His water business gradually stabilised. He bought an Activa scooter to expand his work and later considered buying a four-wheeler tempo, but found its cost prohibitive.
Instead, he bought an autorickshaw. Since his bottled-water deliveries took only about two hours a day, he was left with both a vehicle and considerable free time.
One day, while he had parked the autorickshaw outside a mall, a woman approached him and asked for a ride. Habib was unfamiliar with the routes and initially hesitated. But the woman appeared desperate and repeatedly requested his help, so he agreed. She showed him how to read the meter and use a map to find the route.
The fare was Rs 40, but the woman handed him Rs 100 as a token of appreciation for helping him on his first day.
Recalling the incident, Habib says, "Before I could even put the 100 rupees given by that madam in my pocket, another customer arrived. From that day, I swore that if I see any animal, bird, or needy person on the road, I will always rush to their help."
That promise has since become a way of life.
Passengers boarding Habib's autorickshaw are offered free cold water and biscuits. A large tricolour flag is displayed at the back, while potted plants add a touch of greenery. He also gives a ride to passengers who may have been refused by other auto drivers. Even when the fare is only Rs 25 or Rs 30, he does not turn them away.
Habib makes a particular effort to assist visually impaired people, pregnant women, mothers with infants and elderly patients travelling to hospitals. Some grateful passengers contribute money towards his work. He uses these contributions to buy supplies for the autorickshaw and to help people in need.
Habib Shaikh in his auto rickshaw
Habib’s Love for Animals
Habib's concern extends beyond human passengers. His autorickshaw is stocked with cat food, dog food and medicines for injured and sick animals. When dogs or cats are involved in accidents late at night, he takes them to veterinary hospitals at his own expense.
Moved by his dedication, a female doctor began treating the animals he brought to her free of charge.
Explaining why he helps animals, Habib says, "If a human being is in pain, he can rush to a hospital even at 1 AM in the night. But what about these voiceless animals? They just look at us with the hope that someone might give them a biscuit or milk. It is our duty to help these voiceless creatures."
Bollywood Takes Notice
Word of Habib's unusual autorickshaw and his acts of kindness has travelled beyond Mumbai's streets and reached Bollywood.
Actress Adah Sharma and Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah fame Rita Reporter, played by Priya Ahuja, are among those who have travelled in his autorickshaw and made videos about him.
Passengers too frequently record and share videos of Habib, drawing wider attention to his work. His simple gesture of providing free refreshments and his commitment to animals have made him a familiar and popular figure on Mumbai's streets.
Sheltering an Orphan
Habib's social work is not confined to animals. He also helped Nasir, an orphaned boy who had come to Mumbai from a village after losing his father and was at risk of falling into bad company.
Habib gave him a place to stay, provided him with breakfast and meals, and helped him become self-reliant by paying him Rs 200 a day for his work.
Speaking about Nasir, Habib says, "I am no great man to feed anyone; it is the Almighty who gives the strength to do all this. I am just a medium (zariya). Placing a hand over the head of a boy who does not have a father is an act of great virtue (sawab)."
Medical Service for Animals
Habib has no grand ambitions of building a large business for himself. His dream is to establish a small shelter and a 24-hour clinic for injured animals.
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For this, he plans to rent a space for Rs 15,000 and hire a doctor to provide treatment.
In a bustling city like Mumbai, where people often have little time even to notice one another, Habib has chosen to slow down for those who need help. For him, the reward is not financial.
"The blessings (dua) received from helping others is my real earning," believes Habib.
