Veteran bus driver C.K. Marakkar from Kulamangalam Savappadi, near Valancheri, in the district will not forget this year’s Road Safety Week celebrations. He was chosen the best driver of Malappuram district and was honoured in front of a large crowd which witnessed the finale of the Week celebrations here on Saturday.
Endearingly called Muthu, Mr. Marakkar was chosen for putting to practice the dictum that work is worship. “We chose him for his beautiful thought and service with dedication and devotion,” said Regional Transport Officer M.P. Ajit Kumar.
Mr. Marakkar was chosen from among 1,800 bus drivers who cater to nearly 1.5 lakh passengers every day in the district. He was chosen the brand ambassador of Malappuram district to promote a driving culture rooted in honesty, dignity, responsibility and care.
Mr. Marakkar, 51, never caused an accident during his 26 years behind the wheel. He has been driving a public transport bus for 14 years between Tirur and Malampuzha. And he says the number of friends he won during his service is far too many to remember.
“What I am doing is a khidmat (service). I enjoy every moment behind the wheel. And I have an unflinching faith in god,” Mr. Marakkar said, with a smile that has the power to conquer hearts. And he drives passionately four weeks a month.
During the final interview for selection involving District Collector K. Biju, Mr. Marakkar won the heart of the transport authorities with his pleasant and positive attitude. “He takes good care of the family and the passengers alike,” said Mr. Ajit Kumar.” Mr. Marakkar helped many a fellow bus driver to stop using drugs.
“We are planning to reach out to the driver community at large by using Mr. Marakkar as an example. He is our model. He is a model for the entire State,” said Mr. Ajit Kumar.
Ibrahimkutty Parappurath, a young entrepreneur from Tirur, sponsored the best driver award. Minister for Power Aryadan Mohammed inaugurated the finale of the Road Safety Week celebrations. He gave away the best driver award to Mr. Marakkar.
Awards were also given away to the bus operator with maximum services, the driving school with maximum services, the best bus entrepreneur, and the best road safety volunteer.
C.K. Marakkar was chosen from among 1,800 drivers as the best driver in Malappuram district.
