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10 - 12 years back a young fair boy walked into my office for the job of office boy. Someone had referred him I think. I still remember him wearing brown pants and a white shirt. He came & sat. Mamad was his name. Asked him what job he did currently. 1/n
He said he was doing all sorts of jobs. Bus conductor in private buses on holidays. Washing the buses in free time for some extra cash. Driving rick if needed. Helping unload goods from trucks etc. If the work earned him the money he would do it. We talked more. 2/n
He happily said yes to all the work which was to be done in our office. Loved his attitude from the moment I had met him. Also agreed to the salary. Hired him. Asked when can u join & he says "Can start right now. Will see all that's to be done so from tomorrow it's easy." 3/n
Started to admire him as he did not think any work was small or big. Things started going on. Few years passed. No complaints. He still kept doing the bus washing and conductor jobs on weekends for extra money. He even did car/bike wash for employees in the office. 4/n
On asking him had told want to get the load off my dad's shoulders. We have too much debt & need money for sisters marriage. Years passed. One day he tells me I am getting a job in Africa. Can u help check if it's genuine? Money is good and I can earn 10X of my current salary 5/n
Verified all. Was genuine. Also in few countries in Africa, if u work @ places without electricity you get paid more than in usual cities. Everything runs on a generator and it's all dark beyond ur worksite. Mamad chooses the latter as more money. We see him off. 6/n
We were in touch all the years he was there. He learned how to call via the internet. He used to regularly call. His dad used to visit me at the office in case of any work or money transfer issues. During his 3-4 years working in Africa he got serious sick 2-3 times I think 7/n
He would come back to India. Recover in 3-4 months and again run back to work. He started as a worker and in a year was promoted to supervisor. There also he found ways to earn extra money. He cooked for all the Indian staff twice a day. Earned him some extra cash 8/n
I remember him telling me Bhai what I make for myself I will do for a few more. If that gives me money why not do it. His salary in India was 8000 Rs a month. In Africa he earned Rs. 55000 a month. But the person never changed his attitude towards life. Mamad was the same 9/n
Few years his debt was all paid off. Got dad to retire. Married off his sister. And when he fell sick again decided to not go back again. Started working as a driver back in my hometown. Sometime later bought his own three-wheeler auto-rickshaw and started his own business. 10/n
He himself got married before few years. All was good. I last met him in December 2020 after 6-7 years. He was standing at the rick stand and I was passing by and I heard him shout my name. Hugged him as we met. So much we talked. 11/n
Whenever he sees my mom in markets passing by makes sure he drops her home and also helps keep the bags till my home. Knows them well and also helps in case we needed a rick to go somewhere in the town.
Now to what happened yesterday... 12/n
Now to what happened yesterday... 12/n
Was hunting for the second dose of vaccine for papa. Finally found it available at a center 20 km from my hometown. Did not want dad to take his two-wheeler so I suggested hire rick and go. Call Mamad. Ask him if he is available and ready to come. 13/n
Papa called him & wife picked. Said Mamad is home for 3+ months. Had met with an accident. He is sleeping right now. Dad told me about this. Today I called him to inquire. Mamad as usual picked and says Jimeet Bhai kem co (How r you?) 14/n
He met with an accident 3 months ago. Crashed his rick behind a truck as it hit sudden brakes. Took crowbars to get him out of the rick. Has had 3+ operations. Discs and rods have been put in his legs + it's much worse. Not writing here without a trigger warning. 15/n
He has now started to walk a little with the support of his walker. No more operations. Was in tears as I talked to him and when he shared the pics. For the hospital costs, he has taken money from someone. Says will return when I get my claim. It will take few years 16/n
Asked him if he needs any financial help and he repeatedly denied it. Kept saying will manage etc. The boy has been through really bad times in his life. Has never ever given up. Even today says "My rick is been repaired and it will be ready in few days. I need to get ready" 17/n
Right now have no idea how I can help him, but I don't want Mamad to drive that rick again. The boy deserves much better in life. He has been through much. This was maybe the final blow to him. I know him. He won't stop. He will be back in a couple of months. Stronger. 18/n
His contacts in my phonebook summarize his life till now...
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Keeping this thread open so that few years or maybe months down I can update what's Mamad up to now...
Keep him in your prayers. Needs them so that he can recover faster...
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Keep him in your prayers. Needs them so that he can recover faster...
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