Coronavirus: 80-year-old luggage porter at an Indian railway station helps migrants for free

He may be 80 years old, but that does not stop Mujibullah Rehman, a luggage-carrying worker in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, from doing his bit to help troubled migrant workers. Every day, he stands on the platform of Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station, waiting for Shramik Special trains to arrive. As soon as the trains reach, he rushes to help the migrants debark, and offers to carry their heavy bags and suitcases for free. He wants to help these labourers who have lost their jobs during India’s lockdown, and are returning back to their villages without any money.

The octogenarian has won many hearts on social media, for his generosity. Posting a photo of Rehman, tweep @Khush_boozing wrote: “He calls it 'Khidmat' and believes it to be his duty to help them.”

He carries some suitcases on his head, hangs a few bags on his shoulders, and carries the rest in his hands.

Rehman says he has to walk 6km from his home, daily, to get to the station. "I am 80 years old. Try to put 50kgs on my head, and I will still walk till wherever you need me to," Rehman adds proudly, in a video by the news video channel Brut.

Besides carrying their luggage, he also offers these migrant passengers, food and water.

Reportedly, he works for 8 to 10 hours every day and believes he can earn money once things get better, but for now he’s volunteering to help.

Facebook user Raj Chauhan wrote: “An old luggage porter at a railway station, Sonu Sood, Swara Bhaskar, journalists and common people are helping our migrant brothers, but the government seems to be sleeping.”

Rehman’s noble gesture struck a chord with many people including Indian National Congress’ General Secretary, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Reportedly, honouring him with a certificate of appreciation for his gesture, Priyanka saluted the man, and said he will be remembered for his contributions.