Mangalore, October 28: Veteran cab driver Robert Michael D’Souza, interacted with the youth, public and media at Ravindra Kala Bhavan, in University College on Monday October 27th at Mangalore.
Michael’s interactive session was interesting and informative. He advised the youth too. He enjoys a peg of whisky every night, and cautioned the youngsters against drunken driving.
He said, “Youth should not drink and drive, or be a reason for someone’s death”.
When queried on his fitness even at the ripe age of 100, he said his diet consists of a simple meal of rice and curds, with occasional non-veg and a peg of whisky every night. He joked that his ‘machine’ (body) had become too old for any stress or fancy diet. He said he was a heavy smoker but just 15 years ago he had given up the habit.
When asked about his old memories of India’s freedom struggle, he did not recall having seen any great leaders. He did remember seeing Sir M Visvesvaraya, the famous engineer whom had come to monitor the Kannambadi dam across the Kavery river when he was a coolie there.
He enthusiastically revealed that he was the first person to drive a tractor from Bangalore to Mangalore. During his long career, he was able to drive all sorts of vehicles, from old, vintage cars to the modern ones. He said, “It was nice to drive the olden day cars. They were sturdy. But we had tough time filling air in their tyres, especially as there was no air facility in petrol bunks as we have now. My hand used to get blistered while pumping the air using cycle pumps”.
Michael was felicitated by friends and well-wishers.
Satyanarayana Principal of University College spoke on the occasion and wished veteran Michael with good health and prosperity.
During the ceremony, rationalist and others were present.
