Warrior, Saviour – Or Both!
What would you call the truck drivers?
Whenever the country in dire straits, the one channel that keeps the country on track is Logistics. Be it any kind of natural calamity or war, it is imperative that supplies keep moving across the country. With one of the largest road networks in the world, and growing, road transport is the key for this movement. Despite all the challenges, more than 70% of all goods in the country move on the vast network of roads that reach out to far flung villages. Over the years, the trucks have undergone a sea change in terms of technology, carrying capacity, fuel efficiency, etc. However the one segment that hasn’t seen any significant change happens to the truck driver community.
For over a year now we have been in the midst of a pandemic that has also seen lockdowns. While every one else has had the option of working from home, we haven’t made so much progress as yet to allow truck drivers that comfort. They are compelled to be on the highways, away from their homes and loved ones for weeks / months together to make sure that you get your morning cup of tea – and ofcourse the meals that keep you alive and also the medicines that keep you healthy……and the list can be endless. However what about the truck driver who puts in tremendous effort to get the supplies to your homes, but yet is one of the most ignored person in the country today.
The government has called the medical fraternity and policemen as Warriors. Well deserved status indeed. But what about the truck drivers who ensure that these Warriors get their supplies to keep going – including medicines! A doctor without medicines is like a soldier on the border without ammunition. The truck driver makes sure that the hospitals are loaded with medicines and the guns on the border are loaded with bullets. But yet no one has thought about these people. The truck drivers have been driving tireless, way beyond regular duty hours, to make sure that supplies continue without disruption. He is also exposed to the virus as he goes to loading / unloading points, interacts with corrupt police officials, goes to fuel pumps, etc. He is in fact more at risk than others. So, what would you call the Truck Drivers – Warriors / Saviours or both, or just Survivors who are lucky to be alive, despite being out there in the open for most part of the day.
Even today, truck drivers are working overtime (without additional pay ofcourse) to make sure that Oxygen reaches the destination in the shortest possible time. The challenges enroute are tremendous – but yet the focus is clear. Let’s stand up for the truck drivers. While he truly deserves it, he has worked really to earn it as well. So what do we call him – Warrior, Survivor, or Both.
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