How Social Media Helped a Mumbai Auto Driver & His Paralysed Wife After Their Story Went Viral

When Vinod Kapri, a National Award winning documentary filmmaker met a young rickshaw driver named Mohammad Saeed, he knew he had to help. After all, Saeed was cradling his two-year-old son on his lap while also driving his rickshaw.

Saeed juggles household chores with his full-time occupation, and it’s not a choice but an unfortunate compulsion.

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The 26-year-old father of two suddenly found himself the sole caretaker of his family when his wife suffered a stroke that left her paralysed. Since then, he has been bringing his son to work while his three-month-old daughter is left in the care of a neighbour.

Vinod tweeted a picture of the rickshaw driver  and solicited the public’s help to donate money for Saeed and his family.

Ths is heartbreaking.met Md.Saeed(9702098346) 2day in mumbai.Wife paralysed.Nobody to take care of his son.still fighting & driving auto. pic.twitter.com/2XIJ4uces4

— Vinod Kapri (@vinodkapri) May 14, 2017

The public delivered, as hundreds came together in order to donate money as well as resources for the struggling family. Saeed spoke about his family’s living conditions to Hindustan Times noting, “This has been a difficult phase for us. Several times, potential customers have taken another autorickshaw after seeing my son on my lap. We have slept with our stomachs empty because I have either come home empty-handed or did not have enough money to sustain my family.”

Since the tweet went viral on social media, several NGOs have also contacted Saeed. He has even received calls from doctors who have promised to treat his wife for free. In spite of the incredibly tough months he has had to endure, Saeed is filled with gratitude towards everyone who reached out to him, and the city of Mumbai that showed up to help one of its own.

Saeed can be contacted through this number: 9702098346

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