"No Freebies, Employment is Key": Auto Driver in Telangana Inspires Many
In the context of elections, it has become common for political parties to announce freebies as a strategy to win votes. These promises of free benefits often drive electoral outcomes, creating a perception that offering such incentives is indispensable to securing power. However, intellectuals have expressed concerns that this culture of freebies is fostering dependency among people and may eventually push governments towards financial instability. Despite these warnings, the trend continues unabated.
Against this backdrop, an auto driver from Sircilla district has become the talk of the town for his bold statement against this culture. A message painted on the back of his auto reads, "No Freebies, Employment is Essential," sparking discussions and earning him widespread appreciation.
Rambabu, the driver behind this initiative, supports his family by operating an auto-rickshaw in Sircilla. He lives in a modest house built on a piece of land inherited from his father. Previously employed as a weaver, Rambabu had to leave the profession due to health issues. On medical advice, he switched to driving an auto-rickshaw to sustain his livelihood.
Speaking about the slogan on his auto, Rambabu shared his belief that freebies cause more harm than good. He emphasized that instead of offering free benefits, governments should focus on implementing employment generation schemes that empower the youth. Despite having no other sources of income apart from his auto earnings, Rambabu takes pride in not relying on any government freebies. With the limited income he earns, he supports his parents, wife, and children, embodying an exemplary attitude of self-reliance.
For the past decade, Rambabu has been raising awareness through the message displayed on his auto. He revealed that many people stop to take photos of his vehicle and share them on social media, helping amplify his message.
Rambabu's principled stance has made him a symbol of self-sufficiency and a voice against a culture of dependency, inspiring people in his community and beyond.
