The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Munificence comes in a cyclerickshaw

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Wednesday, Aug 22, 2007
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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Munificence comes in a cyclerickshaw

Special Correspondent

Nijam has travelled 18,400 km, helping many

Photo: C. Ratheesh Kumar

Odyssey on wheels: P. Nijam on his cyclerickshaw.

Thiruvananthapuram: On February 12, when P. Nijam set out from his home town at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, he knew he was embarking on the most daunting challenge in his life. As the youngster boarded his cyclerickshaw to begin the adventurous nation-wide tour, the only thing he had in his mind was to set an example in serving the public.

Having covered 18,400 km in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Nijam reached Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday on his cyclerickshaw named Mother India. En route, he helped the deprived and dispossessed in every way he could, sometime s providing free transport for beggars and the needy on his trusted steed.

He is also using the journey to campaign against smoking, alcoholism and consumption of pan masala.

Head-turner

In a city where cycle rickshaws are not seen on the roads, Nijam’s vehicle attracted the attention of passers-by. Motorists and pedestrians paused to take a look at the tarpaulin-covered contraption.

The bearded youngster claims that Mother Teresa’s commitment to the poor and needy had left a deep, lasting impression on his mind.

That, he says, provided the impetus for me to undertake this journey.

He recalls how he was moved by the sight of unclaimed bodies of beggars lying by the roadside in his home town.

“I would take these bodies to the burning grounds and have them cremated,” he says. He claims to have cremated over 200 unclaimed bodies.

Nijam remembers with gratitude how the Andhra Pradesh Government under N. Chandrababu Naidu had sanctioned him Rs. 10,000 for treatment of an eye disease. “I used the money left over from treatment to buy the rickshaw,” he says.

‘Link’ with police

At every transit point, Nijam makes it a point to visit the local police station and explain his mission. His diary carries the seal of every police station he has visited.

While Nijam’s mother is from Andhra Pradesh, his father hails from Lakkidi in Palakkad district.

Entering Kerala through Palakkad on June 9, he cycled through Thrissur, Guruvayur, Kochi and Kottayam to reach the capital city.

He plans to return to Andhra Pradesh through Madurai.

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