Meet the Hyderabadi autowala who tours the city on his designer ride every R-day

For most patriotic Indians Republic Day celebrations are all about hoisting the Tricolour and roaming around the streets flaunting the flag pinned to their chests. But for 48-year-old Mohammed Amanulla, flaunting his patriotism is much more than that. In fact, his celebrations commence from the evening of 25th itself as he roams around the length and breadth of the city in his auto rickshaw decked with patriotic regalia. For the last six years, this auto-wala from Old City has been setting out on a parade of his own that begins at 7 AM on the January 26. This personal parade of the stylishly designed auto that begins at Old City concludes only at 9 PM after covering the entire city. Ask him why he does that and he says, “It’s for the love of the nation. This pride for my nation has been ingrained in me right from childhood, because back then I would parade with the Tiranga on display on my bicycle. Later, while I was working at a hotel, there would always be an Indian flag on my desk without fail. When I was driving a rented auto I would decorate it with the flag but the owners would object. But now that I have my own vehicle thanks to the state government, I am free to do this.”

Aman, who holds this parade even on Independence Day, has no qualms in forgoing his livelihood to be able to afford all the props needed for the day. “Being a daily wage earner I hardly earn `500 or `600 per day. I incur a cost of `6000 to `7000 every single time to hold this parade. Despite the expenses I am more than
happy and proud to do this,” he says beaming. His family complains about his patriotic

indulgence

but that doesn’t affect him in the least. “When my family members object, I tell them that India has suffered for more than 200 years under British rule, so it’s okay for us to suffer for a few months to put on this parade for the nation. People think I’m mad, but it doesn’t bother me,” he says, nonchalantly.

However, his ride on Saturday was halted due to unexpected rain. Aman though is unperturbed and says he will plan it better the next time around, come August. “The rain has truly upset my plans but next time I will buy weather-proof flags even if they’re expensive. That way, my parade can go on even in the rain,” he says with a smile. Not just that, he even plans to bring his son along the next time along. “My son, Mohammed Ayan is a skater and next time, I want him to join the parade by skating along holding a flag,” he adds.

But he turns grumpy when a passer-by asks him for a flag. “A lot of people come up to me and ask for a flag every year. The irony is that even those who spend lavishly ask me for one. I feel bad; not because it cuts into my expenses but because these people who spend money on unnecessary objects don’t see it worthy to buy even a single flag for the nation,” he fumes. Through it all, we notice the printed Bhagat Singh tee-shirt he wears and ask him about it.

“I have equal respect for all freedom fighters, not just him. But one day while working, I found this tee-shirt and was drawn towards it. I do have to admit though, even hearing Bhagat Singh’s name warms my heart,” he says, rounding off.