Kulwant Singh: The man who helped everyone, is now in need of our help! 

I have personally known Kulwant Uncle ever since I was a little kid. He is an uncommon common man. But to tell this story, I will not focus on what makes him common, but rather what makes him uncommon. 


Kulwant Singh belongs to the village of Baghpur. A small village in the state of Punjab, India. He grew up in a world where resources were scarce, perhaps non-existent. I can say this confidently because my dad grew up in the same environment. Unlike my dad, Kulwant was not able to mine the same kinds of opportunities. However, against all odds, no high school or college education, little to no money or help from anyone he made his way to New Delhi in 1983. He took the leap of faith and showed the courage and wandered into uncharted territories to make a living for himself. We all know how hard this can be! In fact, many of us wouldn't dare to take such a step in our lifetime. 


As you would expect, Delhi was not easy on him. The 80s was high time and the city was busier and meaner than ever. Knowing nothing but the life in the village, this was a new world for him. Friends, relationships, heck getting a foot in the door, all came at a price. Things were not easy, but Kulwant remained resilient. But even his resilience was tested when some of his own family members backed off from help. At this point, help was more than just money, and he needed it. However, the world helps those who help themselves. He chugged along, and through his own rigor and help from my dad, got a license to drive a taxi. Eventually, things got going and he was happy. While not much, this was a major leap for him. He conquered, he persevered and earned an honest wage to get things working. Well in other words, just enough!  


I was born in 1985. And, all my memories of him are those I cherish. He would always go above and beyond to show his gratitude towards me and my family. Given his relationship with my dad, roots from the same village and a bond strengthened again in Delhi as my dad helped him get on his feet, I guess he took pride in taking any opportunity he could get to serve us. He was like an uncle for me! Someone who came through on every occasion. I remember him as an honest, reliable, trustworthy, risk it all for friends and family kind of guy. 

Honest - His integrity was never in doubt. 

Reliable - Dad would often get him contracts with driving high profile officials. At times, putting his own name on the line. Kulwant always came through and got the job done. Day and day out. He rarely said no and took on the opportunity while fulfilling his services reliably. I do not remember a single occasion where he fell short.

Trustworthy - His customers (families and otherwise) would often leave all their belongings in his car. Sometimes valuable belongings like money and jewelry. Many times, those customers were our extended family. There was not a single occasion where anything went missing for anyone. In fact, people would come up to my dad, and ask for Kulwant again when they traveled or needed a driver. They trusted him!

Risk it all for Friends and Family - He was once tasked with driving my uncle's car, containing valuable luggage, to Jammu from Delhi. It had to be delivered unharmed and on time. Unfortunately, at some point during the journey, the car's gearbox got messed up, and it got stuck in reverse gear. Yes! that is the only gear that worked. Well, Kulwant being the man he is, risked it all and drove the last leg of the journey 5 miles in the mountain roads of India, in reverse gear to get the job done. True story! He risked it all to meet a commitment, and I for one can admire that. 

Above all, I remember him as a hardworking and happy man. I never saw him sad or asking for something he did not earn. Throughout his life, he earned an honest wage and helped others in capacity, that in my opinion was more than he could afford. As a taxi driver and living in a tent throughout his tenure in Delhi, arguably, he would be a man who needed charity. Instead, he gave charity by going above and beyond for everyone he knew. 

Sadly, today he is in need! Life dealt him a hand that even he was not ready for. 

Kulwant got severe Diabetes some years ago. When his health got rough, and he could not afford to live in Delhi anymore, he decided to move back to Baghpur, Punjab (his village) and drive a tempo to help drive the produce and luggage from one place to another. He was barely making ends meet for himself and his family. To make matters worse, the local hospitals got expensive and could not provide the treatment he needed. After spending lakhs of rupees at the local hospitals (government and private), things continued to not improve.

Eventually, a week ago, the doctors decided to amputate one of his feet. As a result, he cannot walk anymore, let alone drive. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. A bad situation that became the worst. And yet, as of today, Kulwant and his family have not reached out for help from anyone. Please note that he is the only breadwinner for his family. 

In a situation like this, I can only remember him for the man he is. Honest, reliable, trustworthy, and the one who used to risk it all for his friends, family, and customers. This is the moment, where we cannot turn our backs on him. If you find him and his story inspiring, or better yet, if you know him personally, I invite you to help him in any capacity you can. Please donate so this uncommon common man can get the help that he deserves! 

Last but not least, I personally believe honesty is the best policy. He proved to be honest throughout his life. Even in the toughest of times! Let's get together and help an honest man. He deserves it.