I laughed my head off when I glanced through an article in the newspaper today proudly speaking of a 'record' number of people in a VW cooper: 50. Really? A record? That too it being stationary all the while.
I'm sure none of those in the van or those reporting have ever heard, leave alone been to some parts of India. There still are some parts of India where a jeep contains as many as 50 people in it and is driven for long stretches. I'm sure there are still plying some roads in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Till a few years ago, I've not only seen but travelled in person, in one such jeeps. There used to be these jeeps plying between Hyderabad and Kazipet, a distance of 100 kms. In the driver's seat there'd be one or two seated. And where would the driver be? Sitting on the edge of his seat, with two-third of his body out of the vehicle. His hands would be firm on the steering and his feet on the clutch and accelerator (brakes would seldom be used!). Not only did these vehicles 'contain' 3 to 4 dozen people within, they'd be fast! Fast meaning really fast. Some of those which ended up in an accident, there was barely anything left, of the vehicle and of those within! Such would be the speed at which they'd fly. More than a thrill it was a fight for survival. The more passengers they pick up, the more income they earn. Moreover, more trips per day meant more income.
I'm sure none of those in the van or those reporting have ever heard, leave alone been to some parts of India. There still are some parts of India where a jeep contains as many as 50 people in it and is driven for long stretches. I'm sure there are still plying some roads in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Till a few years ago, I've not only seen but travelled in person, in one such jeeps. There used to be these jeeps plying between Hyderabad and Kazipet, a distance of 100 kms. In the driver's seat there'd be one or two seated. And where would the driver be? Sitting on the edge of his seat, with two-third of his body out of the vehicle. His hands would be firm on the steering and his feet on the clutch and accelerator (brakes would seldom be used!). Not only did these vehicles 'contain' 3 to 4 dozen people within, they'd be fast! Fast meaning really fast. Some of those which ended up in an accident, there was barely anything left, of the vehicle and of those within! Such would be the speed at which they'd fly. More than a thrill it was a fight for survival. The more passengers they pick up, the more income they earn. Moreover, more trips per day meant more income.
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