'Toto Sanyasi': Man who runs e-rickshaw ambulance in Bengal

KOLKATA: Remember Karimul Haque? The ‘Bike Ambulance Dada’ for the people of Dhalabari village in Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, who ferries the weak and sick people to the hospital on his bike and was felicitated with Padma award. Now, meet Biren Das of Naihati in North 24 Pargana. Biren ferries patients to the hospital in his e-rickshaw.
For years, Biren has been helping out locals with free 'ambulance' service.The 38-year-old is known as the 'Toto Sanyasi'. Apart from ferrying patients to hospitals in his e-rickshaw, Biren also drives this vehicle to earn his livelihood. | Read this story in Bangla
Biren, a resident of Mitrapara said, "I just like to help people who are in need. That is it! Nothing else."
His e-rickshaw has a flex board with a message, "For elders, pregnant women and sick."
Biren believes in the ideology of Vivekananda, Mother Teresa and Dr APJ Adbul Kalam.
While appreciating the efforts of Biren, TMC MLA of Naihati, Partha Bhowmick said, "Biren is a rare person. We will facilitate him on Naihati Utsab."
Biren has never heard about Jalpaiguri's Karimul Haque. But Karimul has this to say about Biren, "he is doing great help to humanity and will definitely inspire many. Would want to meet him someday."