By Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
Bengaluru, July 6: Auto Dayees is a term coined to describe the silent message carriers to the general masses on their wheels. Some of the three-wheeler autorickshaws in Bengaluru and many other cities and towns in Karnataka showcase fliers and folders in multiple languages with fine print on glazed paper neatly placed in different cabinets in a rack behind the driver’s seat. Hardly any passenger will miss to notice these attractive broachers and books.
Around 60 such auto drivers assembled here on Friday to share their experiences and obtain further guidance and material.
The first and foremost impact of this mission is felt by the foot soldiers themselves. A tremendous change is noticeable in their lives enabling them to be more meaningful to their families and to the society. Honesty, humility, patience and smile have shaped them subtly.
Some passengers are delighted to see the literature and keep reading throughout the journey. With folded hands, they express their gratitude when they are asked to carry home these books free of cost. Some others remain indifferent and don’t bother to look at it. A few passengers even get irritated and express their displeasure, say these Auto Dayees.
They are impressed that these are all the signposts of Dawah mission which is an all-time common phenomenon. Here we see the footprints of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions on this path and it is a matter of pleasure and blessing to tread this path. Steadfastness is more than a miracle, consistency will fetch a better yield both here and the hereafter, they are advised upon.
Around 200 books and folders are picked up by the passengers every day, which are replaced immediately, it was told.
The managers of this mission are taking care of the welfare of the Dayees in specific areas. Those who intend to own an autorickshaw are helped with loans to procure vehicles. A microfinance scheme is also in practice, the needy drivers avail this facility and the repayment rate is cent percent, said Rahim Khan, the in-charge of the mission.
These Dayees are advised to take care of their families, and bring up the children with good education. Over a period of 13 years since the mission was launched, many of their children have come up well. These children are provided with scholarships and career guidance. Engineering, chartered accountancy, business management, dentistry and information technology are some of the disciplines in which their children are pursuing. A few of them have already completed and are into jobs now.
The mission managers hold a family get-to-gather of these Dayees annually, over dinner. Men, women and children assemble and enjoy social togetherness. Strengthening of bonds and alliances are bonus they take home every time.
