
A Simple Gesture by a Mumbai Auto Driver Is Winning the Internet—Here's Why
A photo shared on the subreddit r/Mumbai captured the inside of an auto neatly stocked with small water bottles and packets of biscuits for passengers. What made the moment even more striking was the handwritten message in Marathi displayed inside, which translates to 'Free drinking water' in English.
Auto with a thoughtful touch
Posted under the title 'Customer travel experience at its peak,' the image quickly went viral, sparking a conversation around kindness in everyday life.
Users highlighted how such quiet actions leave a lasting impression, especially in cities where basic courtesy can sometimes feel rare.
post:
'He must be one of the happiest people on the planet'
Reddit users were quick to share their reactions, many admiring the driver's generosity. One user wrote, 'He spends a bunch of money (for what he earns), but he must be one of the happiest people on the planet.' Another commented, 'To be honest, I'd just pay whatever he asks me to without bargaining and would tip him too, which a few people won't.
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But kindness is kindness.'
'The people that he is earning are his lottery'
The post also led to reflections on how such acts leave behind more than just goodwill. According to a Reddit user, 'This is his lottery. People remember him for good, and the good karma that he will earn. A kind person really doesn't crave materialistic pleasures. The people that he is earning are his lottery.'
Another user added, 'It's so sweet that people like him exist. Meanwhile, there's this whole new wave of 'no Hindi only Marathi' going on, and this guy just stole the show.'
Someone else shared their personal experience, writing, 'I bumped into the same guy in Chembur! He says he hands out about 60 bottles and 20–30 packets of biscuits every day. He even has a small TV screen playing classic songs from the 2000s at full volume. It was a lot of fun chatting with him!'
A reminder in the middle of the rush
In a city known for its relentless pace, this simple gesture stood out– not for its scale, but for its intent. With no expectation of returns, the act has shown that sometimes, it's basic humanity that leaves the strongest impact.
Thumb image: Canva (For representative purposes only)

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