Four bus drivers with spotless record honoured at Auto Expo

Pune: Four bus drivers, with roughly nine decades of experience between them, were felicitated at the Pune Auto Expo on Thursday for their spotless safe driving record. For these fab four, the felicitation means much more than a token honour. After years of doing a high-stress and often thankless job, the recognition of their good work is something they will truly cherish all their lives.
While none of the winners knows for sure why he was chosen, 45-year-old Shivaji Tukaram Chormame has a theory. “No altercation with any passenger or motorist on the road must have won me this accolade. Driving a bus on the city roads can be quite stressful and it takes a lot of effort to keep calm in the maddening traffic. This felicitation shows there is someone who cares to recognise our good work,” he said.

Sahebrao Dnyanoba Waghmare, 56, who operates from the Nigdi depot, agrees. “Years ago, a trainer told us that we should improve ourselves and not expect the society to change. That influenced me a lot,” Waghmare said. “Nobody has ever thanked us before or thought of felicitating us for keeping everyone safe on roads. This feels unique,” he added.

For the 59-year-old, Bharat Chandra Wakale, the recognition has come just in time. “I will retire in June this year, and this is the first time anyone has felicitated me. This is a good feeling,” he said.

In fact, so thrilled were the four drivers, they took the day off and took their families along to the felicitation ceremony.

“It is nice to get a pat on the back sometimes for the work that we do. We got it finally,” said one of the drivers, as he received his award with his wife proudly looking on.

The drivers were selected centrally from the Swargate main depot. Safe driving was accorded top priority in shortlisting these men. Also, the fact that all the four men kept away from all vices, including alcohol, made them eligible for the honour. Within the PMPML limits, the Swargate depot could find two drivers with a spotless record. The other two bus drivers are from state transport. The felicitation included a trophy, a cash award of Rs 1,000 and a bouquet.