Mark, Anthony, my words...You're Bound for Greatness

Author Raja Krishnamoorthy / Kitty - Oct 30, 2024

“Mark , Anthony, my words...You're Bound for Greatness!”-  Conversations with a cab driver:  

A role model and inspiration!  

Little did I ever think that I will meet a cab driver, who will be so inspirational that  you wish to share your experience in social media as a tribute to him?  

I had an incredible experience on October 21, last Monday, of meeting one such:  Anthony, the most inspiring cabby I have met so far!  

On that day, I was scheduled to meet a client in Uragadam, in the outskirts of  Chennai, which requires a clear travel time of about one and a half hours. A cab  was booked via their regular service provider. and the cab arrived by 11.45 am.  

Just as I got into the cab, I noticed something different and unusual about him.  

For the first time in many years, I saw a cab driver who was alert, clean-shaven  and well-groomed. Additionally, I was struck by the fact that he wore a well ironed,  crisp, white long-sleeved shirt, matching his white trousers— so unusual with  Chennai cab drivers ! 

This left me slightly curious and I engaged in a bit of small talk with him. I asked  where he had come from to pick me up, and he mentioned that he was from  Vadapalani, although originally he belonged to Chengalpet.  

As he drove very smoothly, despite my desire to catch up on some work on my  laptop, I dozed off about 15 minutes into the ride. When I woke, I realized we were  only about 10 minutes away from the plant I was visiting. 

We arrived at the plant around 1:45 p.m., and I suggested he take a break for lunch,  indicating that we would likely head back around 4:30 p.m. After I completed my  work, we set off again, and once more, I couldn’t help but admire his driving skills.  He never exceeded a speed of 35 kilometers per hour. 

As we traveled home, we encountered heavy traffic on Padappai main road.  Anthony instinctively navigated through some side streets and smaller paths with  remarkable skill, manoeuvrings through the narrow lanes! I asked if he knew these  routes well. He replied, "Sir, My complete childhood was spent in Chengalpet, so I  know these areas fairly well."  

As our conversation unfolded, he shared something that jolted me: "Sir, I am  pursuing a Master’s in Physics specializing in Forensic Science, with plans for a  further PhD." I was taken aback not because I doubted his capabilities, but  because it was so, so unlikely for someone driving a cab. 

Further, to my further surprise, Anthony revealed that he had spent nearly seven  years in France! Now I made sense of his disciplined driving style—much like that  of a European driver. He acknowledged that adjusting back to driving in India was  quite challenging after being accustomed to European standards. 

He began to share about his family and life. His father had been a prosperous  businessman in seafood exports, and although the family enjoyed good financial  standing and education, things changed unexpectedly. His father fell ill, and he  recounted a painful experience with a well-known hospital that took advantage of  his father's condition, leading them to spend a fortune.  

Eventually, they transferred him to another reputable hospital, where the chief  doctor advised them that continuing life support was futile. The doctor poignantly  advised, as Antony revealed: "If it were my father, I would have removed the life  support and let him go peacefully," a statement that helped guide Anthony and  family their decision to let dad go. 

Anthony described how this period financially crippled his family completely and his  further struggles to support them, even running a food stall in Vadapalani. "I felt a  strong urge to be in India to assist my family," he added with a smile, “ Currently  my brother is in Germany”.  

I was left admiring this young man’s resilience and positivity despite the weight  of his responsibilities; I silently wished him well.After about 15-20 minutes of  deep conversation, we both fell into silence. I think we were both lost in our  thoughts—me contemplating on the mysteries and magic of life and him  reflecting probably on his past.  

This ride was one of the most comfortable I've ever experienced, thanks to his  skilful driving; truly a witness to a disciplined, respectful, and sensitive individual— and an exceptional human being! 

When we arrived home, I did something a little different than usual. Typically,  drivers want a photo with me because I’m also an actor , reasonably well known in  the south Indian film industry.  

This time, Anthony didn’t ask for any such favours. Instead, I expressed my  desire to take a selfie with Anthony, a very distinguished youngster I had met.  He responded, "That’s so kind of you, sir," and we snapped a picture together. 

Just then, my wife, Meena, came to open the gate. I introduced Anthony to her,  confessing sincerely, "Meena, meet probably the best cabbie I’ve travelled with in  the last 20 years—Anthony."  

He blushed and accepted the compliment with a humble smile, and Meena was so  pleased. We said our goodbyes, with my suggesting that we keep in touch. 

Later, when I shared the photo with him, I received a heartfelt reply saying that  the day was gratifying and one of his most unforgettable. I replied that I felt the  same, expressing the joy of having met such a wonderful person.    

Throughout the evening and into the night, I found myself thinking about  Anthony—His demeanour reflected a remarkable blend of virtues: Aiming high  yet the humility, sacrifice yet strong determination, Professionalism of the  highest “quality” and all the while carrying his life challenges with grace and  gentleness.  

I genuinely learned a few valuable lessons from Anthony that day.  

“Mark, Anthony, my words...you're destined for greatness in your life. Wishing you  tons of love and all the best... Thank you for being not just my cabbie, but an  inspiration!” 

In Awareness and Love  

Raja Krishnamoorthy 

29-10-2024- Chennai: 10.30 pm