Sep 4, 2010
Very infrequently we come across people who can be termed true Samaritans today. Greed and selfish acts prevail all over and humble help and care has almost lost its meaning. However, still there are people like T S Aboobakker who stand as an exception.
The selfless service this man renders at Kadiyali, a place on the way to Udupi is highly commendable. During the peak hours one can find him at the Kadiyali junction directing traffic and helping the school children cross road.
One might wonder what’s so great about it? Every traffic police does it. But Aboobakker is no traffic police. Neither is he paid for the work he does so regularly without being told. Every morning he makes it a point to reach the junction at sharp 8.15 am when the children rush to schools and waits there till 10.00. His job doesn’t end there. Again during the lunch break and in the evening when the school leaves he is present at the spot to discharge the same task.
An incident which took place almost 30 years ago prompted Aboobakker to do the job. He owns a seat cushion shop for two-wheelers nearby. One fine day while he was at work he saw a young school boy being knocked down by a bus. In a fraction of a second he rushed to the spot and carried the boy to the hospital. He didn’t even care when the lungi he was wearing slipped off on the way. Timely help saved the boy’s life. Since that day he has taken up the task of ensuring the safety of children while crossing the road at Kadiyali junction. Most of the children belong to Kamala Bai School and other schools nearby.
The children fondly call him Sahib uncle and now there is hardly anyone in the area who is not familiar with Aboobaker. After all he has been manning the traffic for over 30 long years.
Now this service has become an integral part of his life. He doesn’t go on a holiday or any of his personal functions unless and until the school children are on leave. “I do it as it gives me immense satisfaction. The manner in which the little ones wish me and flash their smile is so touching and simply priceless”, expresses Aboobakkar.
Aboobakar hails from Honnale near Brahmavar. He has the experience of working in places such as Darjeeling, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Nasik. He has two daughters, both married and a son. My family members have always been very supportive. They don’t question me when I spend most of my time on the roads than in my shop”, says he.
Several NGOs and social service organizations have recognized his service and honoured him. Home minster V S Acharya has presented him a traffic warden’s uniform. He also possesses a traffic warden badge given to him by Udupi former superintendent of police Murugan. Recently, he was honoured by the district Independence Day Celebrations Committee in recognition of his social service.
He even gives the credit of prosperity in business to the prayers of children. “It is because of God’s grace and the prayers of little ones I am leading a contented life today. I wish to render my service as long as I have physical strength, says Aboobakar with a very amiable smile.
T S Aboobakkar can be contacted at - +91 99646 83140
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