Delhi: In the hustle and bustle of Delhi, Harjinder Singh wakes up early in the quiet mornings to prepare himself for the service of people. He is an 80-year-old auto ambulance driver. He gets ready for work each day to help injured people to reach hospitals safely and on time. He started doing his selfless service in the year 1978.

Born before partition, Harjinder shares that he lived in the territory of Pakistan before he moved to Delhi. He completed his education in Amritsar and acquired a job as a government worker. 

Harjinder’s elder brother did not like the prospects of his government job and made him take voluntary retirement. He went to Odisha with his brother but finding a job in a place where he could not speak their local tongue was difficult. Harjinder came to Delhi and started working as a driver of an auto-rickshaw. 

Social service

Sharing the instances from his experience of floods in 1978, Harjinder rescued people and brought them to safe places. Along with his friends, he also did the relief work. He was young and energetic and always on his toes to find an opportunity to help somebody out in their time of need. 

Harjinder mentions that the happiness he received from helping people was incomparable. From then on, he decided to devote his entire life to the service of others. He has now completed 60 years as an auto driver and 45 years as a social worker. 

Auto is equipped with necessities

Before driving an injured person to the hospital safely, Harjinder makes sure to administer proper first aid to prevent any serious situations from occurring. Harjinder rechecks his first aid items every morning and adds them back to the kit if he finds anything missing. 

Helping patients with diabetes

Harjinder spends one-tenth of his earnings on the treatment of diabetes patients. His contact number is mentioned on his auto in bold colours, for people to note down and give him a call whenever they need his help. He even delivers medicines to people’s homes whenever there’s a requirement. 

Recognition

Harjinder’s years of social service have helped him make contacts with Delhi police officials. He states that he works as a bridge between the Delhi police and the public. He has never been fined as a driver and drives responsibly. The Delhi police have recognized and honoured Harjinder for his acts of social service by making him the traffic police warden and the general secretary of the Auto Rickshaw Union. 

Pride in his work

Receiving blessings from people is the only thing that Harjinder needs. It’s his noble deed that he receives his utmost satisfaction. He lives for the betterment of humanity. 

Harjinder shares that he has never asked his children for money and prides himself in being in the service of people.