Lego Autorickshaw

Ubiquitous. Small bumble-bee droning. Black-with dash of yellow. Life-lines of Thane. Auto-rickshaws.

For our family of four - the humble 'auto' is our vehicle of choice. For all but the shortest distances our trusty/rusty Honda Activa scooter is gradually groaning under the weight of increasingly well-fed Eichers.

So usually we hail a waiting 'Auto' - hop in and off we scoot to our destination.

Therefore a special thrill to introduce a small model of what we see in real life - Enoch and his Dad worked at creating in a miniature what our sore backs have experienced many times in macro - the lego autorickshaw!

Hello! Auto!

Kaha ja rahai?

Lok Hospital jana hai!

Teek hai - chalo!

In Thane, if the auto driver is wearing a white uniform, it means he owns the vehicle. Other drivers wear khaki uniforms - and either rent the vehicle - or the license from someone else. Often the cost of 'renting' the license ends up being almost the largest outflow for the hapless driver. This lego driver (a salty looking gent) seems to own his craft though.

Waha ruk keejiye!

Kitna paisa? Arre, itna rate bhar gaya? Teek hai, leejiye

And so the auto drives off into the dusty streets of Thane town.

Many of the drivers in Thane come from eastern Uttar Pradesh - a large number from the district of Azamgarh. They are here in Thane because driving brings them cash - something in short supply in the hinterland they come from.

Meanwhile in a sophisticated Lego universe - far, far away another autorickshaw was created:


Its good to stay 'umble.