Baripada, June 11: In a world where selfless service is becoming increasingly rare, a 38-year-old auto-rickshaw driver from Baripada in Odisha has emerged as a shining example of humanity and compassion. Vinod Lohar, a resident of Takatpur under Baripada Municipality, has dedicated a significant part of his life to serving the disabled, elderly, and needy free of cost.
Forced to discontinue his studies while pursuing his graduation due to financial hardships, Vinod now earns his livelihood by driving an auto-rickshaw. However, what sets him apart is his commitment to providing free transportation services to differently-abled people and hospital-bound patients during the day. He sustains his family through the income he earns from commercial rides at night.
A large message displayed on his auto-rickshaw reads, “Completely Free Service for the Differently-Abled.” Stationed near Satyasai Square close to the Baripada bus stand, Vinod often invites patients and their attendants to board his auto and travel to the hospital without paying a single rupee.
“For me, service is a sacred mission. Whether I eat or not, helping others gives me satisfaction,” Vinod says. His auto-rickshaw is equipped with an LCD screen and maintained in excellent condition to ensure a comfortable ride for passengers. Interestingly, many people initially hesitate to board his vehicle, assuming he might charge a higher fare because of its appearance. When he informs them that the service is entirely free, they often find it hard to believe. Eventually, after some persuasion, they accept the ride.
According to Vinod, the blessings and gratitude he receives from passengers are his greatest earnings. “Every passenger leaves with heartfelt blessings, and that means more to me than money,” he says.
While he devotes his daytime hours to social service, Vinod operates regular paid rides at night to support his family, which includes his wife, a daughter studying in Class IX, and a son in Class III. He says that many passengers, after learning about his humanitarian work, voluntarily pay more than the agreed fare, allowing him to continue offering free services and even provide water bottles and food to those in need.
Vinod revealed that the inspiration behind his mission came from a personal experience. When his father fell seriously ill, he faced immense difficulties in arranging transportation to the hospital. The incident left a lasting impact on him. After purchasing his own auto-rickshaw, he resolved to help others facing similar challenges. For several years now, he has been providing free transport daily between 11 am and 1 pm for patients and their family members travelling between the Baripada bus stand and the hospital.
His contribution to society extends beyond free transportation. Social worker Dr. Niroj Pothal says Vinod is also a regular blood donor and actively helps homeless, missing, and mentally challenged individuals reconnect with their families. His dedication to social welfare has earned him recognition from several organisations. He was first honoured by Narayan Seva Institution and has since received accolades from numerous groups, establishing himself as a respected social worker in the region.
Through his unwavering commitment to helping others, Vinod Lohar continues to prove that genuine service to humanity remains one of the noblest forms of worship.
