Rickshaw Rhythm
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If you want to donate to The Rickshaw Project, hit up their crowdsourcing page here: rickshaws-by-people-with-disabilities/
He handles the rickshaw with passion and rhythm.
In tune with the sounds of the engine he smoothly switches between the gears with well-practiced, swift hand gestures almost like a dance. His driving is aggressive, yet he remains smiling and calm. He uses the horn as if it is his right to free speech and it is his contribution to the world of chaos around him.
Diligently he waits in the rickshaw for us slow foreigners to return back. Sometimes lying on his back gazing at the stars, perched on a wall nearby watching the world go by or eyes closed listening to music in his own world.
Always remaining patient and loyal. He navigates the road with ease showing that he knows these roads as well as the back of his hand. Swerving amongst traffic, amongst pot holes, pedestrians, beggars and stray dogs he chooses the smoothest route for us passengers in the back.
An unassuming man more in tune with this city than anyone else.
But, as a person with disabilities, he is considered a burden and an outcast from his society in Karachi. Deprived from his basic rights of having access to education and many job opportunities as well as basic respect from others; the rickshaw is his ticket to freedom and equality.
The Rickshaw Project helps people with disabilities in Karachi to work within their abilities as rickshaw taxi drivers. To check out their work visit https://www.facebook.com/TheRickshawProject
Hannah Sutton is a Flint contributor, based in Perth, Australia.
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