Vijayapura: 43-year-old Munnesa Managuli is an auto-driver in the city has helped over 2000 people when they gave him distress calls by providing free transport to pregnant women, recently delivered women, physically challenged, soldiers, and Kannadigas living in border areas.
BA Graduate by qualification, Munnesa took up auto-driving about 12 years ago when he failed to find a job for himself.
His auto-rickshaw has a card that details about who can avail free services on his auto-rickshaw. His mobile number that people can call on to, is also mentioned on the card.
“See here, I have clearly written to whom I am offering free service. They can contact me on these below-given numbers”, says Munnesa while humbly showing details on his auto. His free services can also be availed at midnight.
When asked what inspired him to take this up, Munnesa recalls an incident that he had witnessed in 1992, adding that ever since then it had struck his mind to help people, especially the pregnant women reach a hospital or medical help at the earliest.
“In 1992, when I was in Narayanapura village in Basavanabagewadi taluk, I saw a pregnant woman died with the new-born baby as she did not get an ambulance or any other vehicle on time to reach the hospital. That incident was lingering in my mind for years. When I became an auto driver, I decided to provide free service to such persons to save their lives”, he said.
Munnesa has also maintained a logbook wherein he records the details of people he has helped with time, date, and other relevant details. The logbook has a record of over 2000 people who he has helped over the period of time.
“Many people have my number, they call me for help. If I am coming from any hospital, I carry such people and drop them either to their homes, bus stand, or railways stations as per their need for free”, he said.
Though he wishes to have his own auto, but owing to financial constraints, he is unable to buy an auto for himself. Currently, he pays Rs. 250 to the owner of the auto-rickshaw, every day.
Munnesa has received appreciations from several organizations and the district administration which has felicitated him for his humane service.
“But I don’t do it for any award or appreciation, I just do it for my personal satisfaction. I always feel elated when people who have taken my help call me back to express their gratitude, this itself is the biggest reward for me”, he says in a humble tone.
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Bhatkal: Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly U. T. Khader visited Bhatkal in Uttara Kannada district on Saturday and attended a local cricket match being played as part of a tournament organised by the Cosmos Sports Centre of Bhatkal.
After attending a programme at Anjuman Hami-E-Muslimeen, Khader proceeded to the Bhatkal Taluka Stadium, where the tournament is underway. He was accompanied by office-bearers of the Cosmos Sports Centre and several local community leaders.
Those present during the visit included President of Majlis-e-Islah Wa Tanzeem and former JD(S) leader Inayathullah Shabandri, Vice President of Tanzeem Atiqur Rahman Muniri, General Secretary Abdul Raqeeb MJ, President of Cosmos Sports Centre Ismail Anjum, Managing Director of Mohtisham Complexes S. M. Arshad, former president of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation Imtiyaz Udyawar, among others.
Addressing players and organisers, Khader extended his best wishes to the participating teams and urged the players to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship. He said such tournaments help promote unity and brotherhood among the youth.
The cricket tournament began on November 21 and will conclude with the final match on December 21. It is being organised as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Cosmos Sports Centre.
Cosmos Sports Centre is one of the member clubs of the Bhatkal Muslim Youth Federation and is known for its active role in promoting sports in the town. Apart from sporting activities, the centre is also involved in various social and community initiatives, including efforts to promote education among students.

