At a time when politicians are trying hard to divide us in the name of religion and region, an auto driver from Assam proves that nothing is more important than humanity.
In an inspiring act, Maqbool drove a pregnant Hindu woman to the hospital in a curfew hit time.
With his wife crying frantically due to labor pain, Rubon Das was looking for any help he could get to take her to the hospital. But given the curfew in place at Hailakandi town of Assam, it was looking tough that Rubon and Nandita would be able to reach the hospital in time.
There was heavy deployment of forces at every corner of the town as violence erupted with rampaging mob pelting stones, burning down shops and vehicles. This forced the administration to clamp curfew and the security personnel had to resort to firing to bring the situation under control.
Knowing that he was the only hope of this Hindu couple, Maqbool decided to brave all odds and help his friends in need.
Continuously praying, Maqbool Hussain Laskar drove his auto-rickshaw as fast as he could in the curfew and made sure Nandita reached the hospital in time and received the best possible medical attention.
Maqbool later said,
“I was trying to comfort them…. telling them everything will be fine. But I myself was praying”
His brave act didn’t go in vain. Both Maqbool and Rubon were extremely happy when they came to know that Nandita had delivered a healthy baby boy. Expressing his gratitude towards Maqbool, Rubon told the New Indian Express,
“I have no words to express my gratitude to him. The worst was possibly in store but God sent him to us.”
This selfless act by Maqbool and the surrounding environment in their town, Nandita and Rubon decided to name their baby boy “Shanti”.
“We named the baby Shanti despite knowing that it is a girl’s name. Shanti denotes peace and we want the return of durable peace to Hailakandi.”
The good news spread in the town and many people are hailing this incident as a classic instance of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood.
At I For Her, we celebrate every man who empowers women in leading a healthy, happy and hopeful life. We wish more and more people would learn from Maqbool and help build a better nation!
If you know any heroes like Maqbool, do share with us and we will publish their stories on our platform.