In a shocking incident, a senior doctor was forced to chant "Jai Shree Ram" by a cab driver if the former wanted to confirm the ride. Dr. A. K. Pathan, an oncologist, was booking a cab through an online aggregator app called InDrive when the driver sent him a text saying that he was a Ram Bhakt (Ram devotee) and would take the ride only if he praised the Lord.
Dr. Pathan was booking a cab to travel to Nashik as he was going to attend a wedding during the weekend. He asked the driver to be picked up from Haji Ali in the afternoon. While responding to this, the cab driver said that he would accept bookings only if he agreed to chant 'Jai Shree Ram'.
Dr. Pathan said that he had no issues with 'Shree Ram' or any other salutations, but it should not be forced. He received the message in a WhatsApp chat received from the InDrive mobile app. The text reads in Hindi as sir ram bhakt sanatani hu jai shree ram bolna padega toh confirm karu.
Surprised by the text, the oncologist opted not to indulge in any argument and simply filed a complaint with the app. The doctor said that the text reflected a growing intolerance in society. He also stated that he did not take the ride and emphasized the importance of fostering mutual understanding and acceptance among different communities.
The oncologist said society had to be inclusive with dialogue and empathy while prioritizing respect and compassion in our interactions.
The cab driver canceled the ride when he tried to report the incident on the InDrive app support option.
InDrive responded to the doctor's complaint by apologizing to the latter through a call. The executives of InDrive showed concern over the driver's intolerance and insensitivity to other faiths while accepting rides, confirmed the doctor.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Komal Bhoi/MSM)
