Auto driver’s son gets into IIT but luxury hotel says auto rickshaw not allowed. Thyrocare founder calls out class divide
Thyrocare founder Dr. A. Velumani has sparked a debate on social media about social class barriers in India. Dr. Velumani recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to recount his experience with an auto-rickshaw driver whose son is studying at IIT Hyderabad. However, what began as an inspiring conversation about hard work and perseverance ended with an unsettling instance of class discrimination when a luxury hotel in Mumbai refused to allow the rickshaw inside its premises.
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A Father’s Struggle for His Son’s Education
Dr. Velumani shared his interaction with the rickshaw driver during a ride from Mumbai’s T2 terminal. In their conversation, he learned that the driver had been working for over 30 years and drove 12 to 14 hours a day to afford his son's IIT fees.
«Me: What is your son doing?» Dr. Velumani asked.
«He: IIT Hyderabad, 3rd year,» the driver responded.
«Me: How many hours do you drive daily?»
«He: 12 to 14 hours a day.»
«Me: Why so long?»
«He: Son's fees too high.»
This exchange quickly gained traction online, with many users expressing admiration for the father’s relentless dedication. However, the discussion soon shifted to an incident at a luxury hotel in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), where the rickshaw was not allowed entry.
Luxury Hotel Denies Rickshaw Entry
As Dr. Velumani arrived at the hotel, security reportedly stopped the auto-rickshaw at the entrance and asked him
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