You made us proud, says autodriver who refused fare from ISRO scientist

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The News Minute| September 24, 2014| 8.20 pm IST It was a truly memorable day for Vivek P Nambiar, a scientist at ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) in Bangalore. His day became even more gratifying and he explains why in this Facebook post. "It was late in the evening today (24th September 2014). It was raining heavily and I was not having umbrella. My usual walk to quarters was not possible. I tried for an auto. " Ellige", driver asked." fly over"He asked, " Sixty"I said, " Meter". It is my regular route for the past 8 years. The distance is less than 1.5 km. The meter charge will be Rs 25." Fifty"It was raining heavily. Usually I insist for charge as per meter.Finally we agreed for forty. I got in to the auto. Rain was splashing into the auto from all sides. I was getting drenched. We might have reached Manipal signal. "Neevu ISRO alli kelasa madtheera? " (Do you work for ISRO?) He had seen me crossing the road at ISRO signal. "Havathu" (Yes), I answered. He was following every moment of MOM, like any other Indian. I was surprised to listen to him and he was very much excited. "Neevu hatthu thingalumele MOM engine start maadidheeri, alva?" (You’ve started the MOM engine 10 months after the last time, haven’t you?)He was asking me many questions. I tried to answer those in my own Kannada. He was very curious. We reached the stop. The rain had reduced. "Sir, nanna gaadi naale belege start aagilla ... " .. we both laughed. (Sir my auto wont start tomorrow) I got down and gave him Fifty rupees. He gave back the money. "Paravakilla .. beda sir.. 'You people made us proud' Aamele nodonna" (It’s all right sir, I don’t want your money. You people made us proud, we’ll see about it later) I insisted, he refused and disappeared in the traffic". (The News Minute thanks Vivek P Nambiar for this positive snippet from life. We also extend our congratulations to him and everyone at ISRO).

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