Dubai: Bengaluru, the capital of the south Indian state of Karnataka, is notorious for gridlocks. The roads are clogged for the best part of the day, which makes commutes across the city a nightmare.
What do you do when caught in a traffic jam? The driver of an autorickshaw (tut-tuk in some parts of Asia) conjured up a unique idea: a library on three wheels. So commuters can read books while they spend hours trying to get to another part of Bengaluru.
The three-wheeled autorickshaws are common on Indian roads, as they are affordable and convenient for short-distance travel. Amid stiff competition, auto drivers go to great lengths to make their vehicles stand out and attract customers. Some sport colourful decorations, witty slogans, or quirky posters.
The library on wheels has taken creativity to a new level, earning admiration online. The autorickshaw features a small collection of thought-provoking books. Passengers are encouraged to explore these philosophical and spiritual reads with a welcoming note that says, “Free for all, take if you wish.”
What the social media said
Ravilla Lokesh, who shared a photo on LinkedIn, wrote: “Only in Bengaluru! While stuck in traffic, my friend came across this mini-library on wheels. From Why Divorce? to God Loves You, this auto driver is not just navigating traffic but also offering life advice, counselling, and spiritual wisdom for free. This is peak Bengaluru—creative, thoughtful, and unexpected!”
Many social media users have dubbed it a quintessential “Bengaluru moment”. One said, “Bangalore’s vibes are unmatched! An auto driver sharing life lessons? That’s the spirit of the city — quirky and inspiring.”
Another auto driver, Samuel Christy, recently went viral for his entrepreneurial spirit. A graduate, Christy, displayed a poster in his auto, inviting passengers to discuss his startup idea. The poster read, “Hi passenger, my name is Samuel Christy. I’m a graduate looking to raise funds for my startup business idea. If you are interested, please talk to me.”
