Kerala autorickshaw driver, a cancer survivor, offers free rides for cancer patients

For 61-year-old U Bhaskaran from Kasaragod, his cancer diagnosis in 2019 came as a double whammy. A headloading worker who had done the job for over 40 years, he had suffered a heart attack in 2016. The cancer diagnosis came just when he was gaining back his confidence to lead a normal life and provide for his family.
"I was diagnosed with blood cancer. From then on, a period of visiting multiple hospitals and making difficult financial decisions began. I wasn't scared to fight the disease. But financially, it was extremely challenging," recalls Bhaskaran. 

However, once healed and back on his feet, Bhaskaran decided to do his bit for those experiencing similar phases in life. "As someone hailing from a low-income background, I know how such a diagnosis can affect families. Regardless, I was determined that in my own little ways, I want to help cancer patients, especially those from modest households like mine," he says. 

Three years ago, he bought an autorickshaw and decided to offer free rides to cancer patients within a 10 km radius. His base is in Nedumba, near Cheemeni, in Kasaragod. Most people hire his autorickshaw to travel to the hospital or the railway station, says Bhaskaran. "While there are those who appreciate my intention, many also allege I am trying to gain popularity. I have learnt to ignore such comments," says Bhaskaran.

His doctors have asked Bhaskaran to visit the hospital in Mangaluru every six months for checkups. Bhaskaran says he enjoys engaging in other activities, including farming, in his free time. K Sheeba is his wife, and Sibith Lal, Sibina and Abhinav are his children.  
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