He beat polio, but a truck driver's is no life

BANGALORE: A polio-affected leg is not a disability for Debasish Shaw, but a truckers'' life has been the last straw. With a passion for driving, the 44-year-old rode bikes and cars and then went on to big trucks as well. He later bought himself a container truck and began delivering consignment products across the country for a living. He was in the city on New Year''s Day, for delivering a consignment of cosmetics from Calcutta.Ten years of driving on the highways for over 10 lakh km hasn''t tired him. A proud Debasish says he has never met with accidents or been late for any assignment. Realising his potential, Person''s with Disability Social Welfare Organisation commissioner Jamir has for the past two years been trying to get Debasish national recognition for his courage and service to society. For the man himself, polio has never been a hindrance. He acknowledges that a few provisions have been made by the government for the disabled but also complains that these are being manipulated and used by those who shouldn''t. As for life as a truck driver, ``there is a lot of exploitation. Transporters make a lot of money but what truck drivers get paid is hardly anything.'''' What makes him even more bitter are the terrible working conditions. ``After the long drives, we don''t get any facilities at all. No proper sanitation, no food. I came here this morning and haven''t yet had my breakfast. Chances are I''ll miss my lunch too. There are no arrangements for these basic things.'''' He also complains about the malpractices and harassment at checkposts. His love for driving had led him to the roads. But not having got anything in return, Debasish now wants to quit. He has already sold his truck and this New Year was in Bangalore for the delivery of probably his last consignment.