Kolkata would probably be the only place I know where the rickshaw is being pulled by humans. I used to see these only in movies but I was surprised to see it when I was in Kolkata.
It is definitely one of the toughest job in the world especially when they’re carrying multiple passengers. I didn’t dare to ride one though and wouldn’t probably try.
But I do admire these people, because despite of how tough the job is, they still chose to do it instead of begging on the streets.
While I was there & saw this I couldn’t make up my mind. Make up my mind if this was okay or not. I know its not SLAVE labor because they are getting paid, but because I feel like it’s the rich using the poor for something that a car could easily do.
I wouldn’t know what to do if I saw them: Should I just ignore them and not dare to ride, or just try it for the experience and at the same time give them extra money. I admire these people too for not begging and at least they’re working hard for every cent – in a very hard way.
@mica and @jaime: same here.. i was torned on what to do but it’s a great eye opener for me.. didnt know that this kind of labor still exist
I think it is actually better to use their service and give them some cash then just ignore them. But I agree, I would rather take TWO carts for two people instead of one – just too hard! W.C.C.
quite torned on this one… i walked instead of taking the rickshaw… but i agree with you man, the money would definitely be of help…
I’m torn over this as well. I simply don’t think I could ride the rickshaw. It seems wrong, even if I am paying them…
i hear ya… i ended up just walking instead of taking the rickshaw.. i did take the cyclo rickshaw though in other places