The cyclerickshaw life is a sad story. We got closer to it this week as we put together the Cyclerickshaw Tour.
Krishnan and Murthy will be the two men who will pedal visitors on a 40minute journey through Mylapore streets and lanes, going as far east as the San Thome Cathedral.
The ricks are rickety simply because patronage is next to zilch for these men; Murthy has been a bit smart, with a few school safaris before he hits a job in the area. But Krishnan sounds so despondent. He is 70 and a tired man.
Krishnan belongs to the rick community which was an adjunct of the old Mylapore families - carting women to tenples, markets and stores. Seniors to short distances. And earned well. In some ways, the Krishnans were part of the extended family of the 50s and 60s.
Mylapore still sports at least two dozen ricks. They are the links to the past.
If the tours can grow into a regular tourist circuit for some of these men and their eco machines, this Fest may have made a contribution.
If you have ideas to make this grow, share them. Join its
Krishnan and Murthy will be the two men who will pedal visitors on a 40minute journey through Mylapore streets and lanes, going as far east as the San Thome Cathedral.
The ricks are rickety simply because patronage is next to zilch for these men; Murthy has been a bit smart, with a few school safaris before he hits a job in the area. But Krishnan sounds so despondent. He is 70 and a tired man.
Krishnan belongs to the rick community which was an adjunct of the old Mylapore families - carting women to tenples, markets and stores. Seniors to short distances. And earned well. In some ways, the Krishnans were part of the extended family of the 50s and 60s.
Mylapore still sports at least two dozen ricks. They are the links to the past.
If the tours can grow into a regular tourist circuit for some of these men and their eco machines, this Fest may have made a contribution.
If you have ideas to make this grow, share them. Join its
1 comment:
Sir, i read your post about reviving rickshaw... being a social worker for the past 8 years, i have learnt that man pulling man is not right in human rights perspective, Therefore i feel sad and discouraged when i see man taking an adult in rickshaw. We can revive this concept for school children less than 12 years,
Thank you
Regards
Subha
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