Meet Mr. Vinod Abhang, an auto-rikshaw driver who

offers free water and biscuits to anyone who needs it, passenger or not.

The Chembur Story
August 20, 2025

Meet a neighbour:

Vinod Abhang, an auto-rikshaw driver known for accepting 100% of the passengers, offering 50% discount to the specially abled and free water and biscuits to anyone who needs it, passenger or not.

Mr. Vinod Abhang. Pic credits: Badri Nath

Mr. Vinod Abhang’s story in his own words:

I, started driving auto-rikshaw in 1994 after losing my job as a welder and moulder. The company where I worked, moved from Govandi to Silvasa. To keep my job, I had to leave my family and move to Silvasa, which I wasn't ready to do. So, I decided to drive rickshaw for living and stayed back.

Over the years, few passengers in my rickshaw suffered sudden episodes of low blood sugar and dizziness, and in those moments I was caught off guard and felt helpless.

Since then, I've been keeping 50 water bottles and 20 packets of biscuit in my rikshaw everyday for the past 14 years. Passanger or not, anyone can have them without asking because water being such a basic necessity, is required by everyone, be it rich or poor.

Mr. Vinod Abhang’s auto-rickshaw. Pic credits: Badri Nath

It (biscuits and water bottle) costs roughly ₹250-300. I have to drive additional 1-2 hours to make up for the additional cost, but that's okay.

Apnse se jitna hota hai apan karta hai.

You can say I've inherited the SEVA BHAV from my parents and I'm trying to take the legacy forward. We, (especially my wife) distribute Prasad on almost every Mondays at Shree Narmadeshwar Mahadev Temple, BARC. On Fridays, we distribute it at Santoshi Mata Temple, near Inlaks Hospital Chembur Camp and on Saturdays at Shani Temple.

My wife, along with managing the chores of the house, prepares around 1-2 kgs of Kheer, Sheera, Sabudana Khichdi, etc. and distributes it as Prasad on these days.

THIS IS MY SEVA (selfless service) and I do the sewa because I believe, Jan Seva He Ishwar Hai. Neither do I expect any reward for my service, nor do I think I'm doing any noble work. Rather, I consider myself fortunate to be chosen by God for this work.

Ultimately, one thing is certain: whatever good or evil one does, it's guaranteed to return.

Apan kisika accha karengey to accha he hoega.

Mr. Vinod Abhang's auto-rickshaw. Pic credits: VideoVolunteers's YouTube video

If you wish to donate for a day's supply of water or biscuits, or if you want to be his passenger, you can reach out to Mr. Vinod at 093212 25070

Meet Mr. Vinod Abhang, an auto-rikshaw driver who

Meet a neighbour:

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