Mahindra Truck and Bus
What
is your idea of a normal working day?
For most
people, going to work probably means about an hour’s commute every morning to
get to the comfortable and safe confines of an air-conditioned office, followed
by another hour in the evening to get home.
For a
trucker, going to work takes on an entirely different meaning. He is away from
his home and family for days, maneuvering massive and heavy, cargo-laden
trucks, driving along roads and highways across the length and breadth of the
country, in all kinds of challenging and dangerous situations. With this, he
not only is earning for his family and himself but also catering to our daily
needs, starting with morning tea to the goodnight coil. Being a truck driver
demands an altogether different level of skill and mental toughness.
To
put the situation further in perspective – India has the highest number of road
fatalities in the world. It accounts for more than one-third of global road
accident deaths (as per global estimated
figures).
With
road safety being the biggest concern, imagine the constant anxiety of the
families of these truckers who do not get to see or even speak to their
husbands, sons, fathers for days on end.
This
is where Mahindra Truck and Bus has been attempting to bring about a positive
change in the lives of India’s truck driver community and their families
through various programs and initiatives such as Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan (Visit
our website here - https://www.mahindratruckandbus.com/aboutus/our-initiatives.aspx)
Come
Home Papa is one such initiative that is part of Mahindra Saarthi Abhiyaan, a program that aims to continuously engage with India’s trucking community and
their families, through inclusive ideas like scholarships for the daughters of
truck drivers.
In
2017, the Come Home Papa initiative was announced in collaboration with
literary partner #TellMeYourStory, as a short story contest for the
scholarship-winning girls. The theme was ‘Road Safety’. What emerged were exceptionally
inspiring and poignant stories that brought alive just what road safety means
to a truck driver’s daughter. The stories also spoke of the father-daughter
bond and underlined girl child empowerment.
A collection of the shortlisted
stories has been published and launched as a book titled ‘Come Home Papa’.
Here
are excerpts from two stories in the book. Stories that present a heartfelt personal
account of the deep-seated fears and emotions of the daughters of truck drivers;
‘My
father plans his travel in advance, based on the area he will be driving
through. This way he can pass through forest areas during the daytime,
minimising chances of road robbery, or attacks by wild animals, or getting
stuck in a lonely deserted area in case of a breakdown... unpredictable dangers
lurk in the lives of truck drivers. Father often shares experiences from his
life and the lives of his driver friends. They sometimes send a chill down my
spine.’
- ‘Lessons of the Road’ by Maganti Lavanya
‘If
my father doesn’t come back home in time, my mother’s face goes pale while
waiting for him. Many times we are unable to contact him as he would be driving
in remote areas with bad network. We spend sleepless nights waiting for him and
when he returns we heave a sigh of relief.’
- ‘My Papa’ by Bersha Kumari
From
the Government to corporate India to the film industry, this one-of-a-kind
initiative has received widespread and noteworthy appreciation. Take a look at what
these well-known personalities have to say about Come Home Papa:
‘To
have the daughters of truck drivers contribute stories and anecdotes, which carry
the message of road safety was an excellent idea and deserves full support. In
addition to road safety, it deftly weaves the issues of education of the girl
child and women’s empowerment into it, as well.’
- Nitin Gadkari, Minister for
Road Transport, Highways, Shipping, Water Resources and Ganga Rejuvenation
‘This
is a very imaginative and valuable initiative... the first-ever book of stories
on road safety by daughters of truck drivers.... A wonderful testimony to the
fears and hopes, the joys and sorrows, and above all, the deep connection
between these girls and their fathers.’
- Anand Mahindra, Chairman –
Mahindra Group
My prayers and best wishes for
more and more daughters of the truck driver’s community to make their dream a
reality and leave a stamp of class and courage, by forging ahead against all
odds.
- Amitabh Bachchan, Actor
To an initiative with such an
endearing title and such a beautiful cause, here’s wishing those strong
daughters who are making a bright future against all odds, and here’s to their
immense love for their fathers! Kudos to the father-daughter spirit! And
here’s to wishing the lovely daughters all the very best for their endeavors.
And to their papas – just to say.. come home safely to your daughters.
- Divya Dutta, Actor
The
vision and impact of Come Home Papa is so much more than just a collection of
stories. Come Home Papa is spreading a strong message about road safety, not
only to the truck drivers but also to other drivers out there, through the
voice of the daughters of the truck driver community. Drive safe and come home
safe to your families.
