NEW DELHI: LPG delivery ‘boys’ have been instrumental in keeping kitchens running while families remain confined to their homes due to the countrywide lockdown. But unmindful of their own meagre earnings, 15 of them from Delhi’s Kirari-Aman Vihar have gone beyond the call of duty to set an example in public charity by pooling Rs 1,000 for the PM-CARES Fund.The touching deed came out during oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan ’s video interaction with 800 delivery personnel and distributors from across the country on Thursday when Balram , one of the 15 samaritans, narrated how each of them pooled in “whatever amount they could" to help the government fight the coronavirus pandemic.Sources said a visibly moved Pradhan thanked Balram, saying the gesture and commitment shown by them were worth much more than the hundreds of crores of rupees donated by leading industrialists.Balram, 42, later told TOI he delivers LPG refills for Indane agent Himmat Gas Service and earns about Rs 17,000 per month. He is married and has three kids. Asked what prompted them to donate when his own earning was modest, he said “the sight of people queuing with bags at the vegetable markets and the condition in poor households when we go to deliver LPG cylinders under the government's Ujjwala (free LPG connection) scheme.”“We realised that in spite of our small earnings, we were still better than many others and needed help. We also hear Modiji (prime minister) on TV. I’ve been thinking about what we could do. There are four LPG agencies in our neighbourhood. Incidentally, a week back all of us (15 delivery personnel) were present on-site at the same time. We got talking and came to the decision we will each give ‘sau-pachas (Rs 100-Rs 50)’ and donate to the PM-CARES fund,” he said."Someone gave Rs 100, someone Rs 50 or even less. Every one of us pooled some amount. Everyone agreed immediately and we raised Rs 1,000. It may be nothing compared to the big donors. Lekin boond-boond se hi to smandar bharta hai na (doesn’t little drops of water make a mighty ocean?),” he said.He said their meagre earnings did not came in the way as “we wanted to do our bit for those who need help more at this time". He also praised the state-run oil companies for extending insurance cover and provision of Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia to the kin in case of death in line of service.Addressing some 800 LPG delivery personnel Pradhan said the "whole nation acknowledges your contribution. You have gained special respect from society and blessings from the poor through your sincerity, hard work, courage and dedication to duty".The minister said even under the challenging situation, they are delivering up to 60 lakh cylinders daily, sometimes even putting their own lives at risk. So far 1.5 crore free cylinders have been delivered to Ujjwala connection holders. Pradhan advised them to take all precautions while delivering LPG refills.'