Conversation with an Auto-driver

I had to go to Koramangala to pick up some stuff. So in the usual manner, I called for an auto and got into it telling him to take me to my destination. After a minute, the guy struck a conversation with me. What ensued during the commute time was awe inspiring to me. I have managed to recollect most of the conversation and am posting it here.

AD: Where are you working?
Me: In a computer based company out here.
AD: Hardware or software?
ME: (Surprised!) Software.
AD: Which company and where is it?
Me: There is this company called Sun and it is there in...
AD: (Interjects)Oh! Sun Microsystems, Divyasree Chambers?
Me: (Surprised again). Aaah. Yes.
AD: How long have you been working here?
Me: 3 years
AD: Where did you do your college?
Me: Hmm..In the north, in a place called Pilani. There is an engineering college called...
AD: (Interjects again) And says, Bits-Pilani aa?
Me: I showed no attempts to conceal my surprise and said, Yes, that is the college.
AD: You must've got through campus interview right?
Me: Yes I did. It is surprising and also interesting to know that you are aware of all these facts. How come you know all this?
AD: Well, I have two sons. The eldest son finished his engineering in Computer Science and is currently working in ITPL in a start up company.
AD: My younger son is in the 2nd year and is also doing his Computer Science.
AD: My first son scored high marks, but since we did not have the money to send him to good colleges, he ended up studying here in Bangalore university.
AD: He is very intelligent and today he has made all of us proud by getting a job.
AD: My second son is also studying well and we are doing everything to provide him good education.

There was a sense of pride in him when he made those statements. He was happy and proud of his eldest son's achievements and younger son's progress. I was quite taken aback and was joyously surprised to hear about this man and his family. My curiousity go the better of me and I asked him;

Me: So why are you still driving the auto? Don't you want to quit and enjoy the rest of your life?
AD: (Indignantly)Who says I am not enjoying now? I am very much enjoying my life now. But I don't want to put additional burden on my son right away.
AD: He has come a long way to this position now. He deserves to have a tension free life for some time to come.I will earn to take care of me and my wife. The money he earns is for himself and his future. But, he has already taken the responsibility of providing financial help to his brother.
AD: My father was a day wage labourer who started working from 12 and worked till he was 70. He had saved some money and helped me buy this auto. He felt it was his duty to do that. But after getting the auto, he still worked as a watchman to take care of his expenses till he died. I want to follow his ideals and do the same to my children.

I was zapped. I couldn't say more. I felt elated. It was awesome to see such high and strong principles in this person. He started his questions again..

AD: So are you from Chennai?
ME: No, from Coimbatore.
AD: Where is your family?
ME: All in Coimbatore

And before he could ask his next question, my destination had come. I got down from the auto and told him that it was such an excellent experience talking to him and if there is anything I can do for his sons, I would be very glad to do so. I left my card with him after paying him the fare and bidding him good-bye.

It is quite an exhilarating experience to meet some people in our daily life who radiate so much of motivation. Achieving success is no walk in the park and all over the world there are people doing their best to overcome stymies reach the success milestones. This auto driver is one who has just reached one such milestone. My wishes and prayers for him and his family to see more and everlasting success.