The MAN behind the Machines - Farooq

It was yesterday night, 12th September 2014, that i happen to travel to Kolhapur (Maharashtra, India) urgently as one of the AC sleeper coach of a Travels Company developed troubles in its alternator. I was also asked for accompanying the manager of the company to the ill bus on the highway. 

After starting our journey from Ramdev, Belgaum, at 20:45 hrs as we headed towards to NH4, from Belgaum, my friend - the manager of the company told that we also need to pick up a mechanic near Fort Lake, Belgaum for rectifying the bus on the highway. 

We reached Fort Lake, and waited for the mechanic named Farooq. After 5 minutes, Farooq, in his early 20's ; arrived at the place, where we had park our vehicle. After getting on the vehicle, Farooq started enquiring about the problem with my friend and started discussing the remedy, but the solution was already there as we had taken a spare alternator as a side back up, in case of major problem or snag. 

We touched the NH4 highway soon and started cruising towards Kolhapur. On the way, Farooq got introduced to me and i being anxious started asking him his experiences in this field of repairing buses. 

Farooq told that he only has basic primary and secondary education as his qualification, but he has a lot of experiences from childhood and came to this field of automobiles as a family trend. He further told that he has a garage on Fort Road, Belgaum and works there with his elder brother for a livelihood.

Soon i started asking farooq about rear engine buses - VOLVO, Mercedes benz, Scania, Ashok Leyland, TATA etc. Farooq told that he has taken training in VOLVO in Hoskote, Bangalore regarding repairing of VOLVO engines. He further told that he also expertise in repairing and maintenance of Mercedes benz, Ashok Leyland, TATA Corona Cummins rear engines. He have also worked in PAI Associates, SHANTADURGA. Farooq also provides repairing services for SRS TRAVELS, SHARMA TRANSPORTS. ANAND TRAVELS etc in Belgaum.

Being excited, i started discussing more and more and we really got into the talk, while my friend kept on driving his vehicle ;  listening and participating for short moments in the discussion. Since Kolhapur is 110 kms from belgaum, we halted after the Nippani Ghat section for a mild supper, as we all were feeling hungry. 

As we got down, and sat for dinner we still continued to discuss about the rear engines coaches. 

A pic of Farooq, in the restaurant, as we sat for dinner : 

FAROOQ - THE MAN BEHIND THE MACHINES

I had some brochures in my bag regarding rear engine buses which i always carry with me. I showed them Farooq, as he was explaining me the market conditions and his experiences. 

We had nice dinner and were ready to the hit road again; we got info that the ac sleeper is heading soon near Kolhapur from Pune. Although it had alternator problems, but the bus was not in so problemetic situation. 

As we approached to our vehicle, i told Farooq to show his equipments , which he carries as a SOS. 

He showed me a - Digital Battery Tester. Here are some pics of the same : 

THE DIGITAL BATTERY TESTER FROM ALPHA 

FAROOQ SHOWING ME BATTERY TESTER FROM ALPHA 

Soon we hit the highway and approached Kagal (Maharashtra, India) after crossing Karnataka - Maharashtra Border. We waited at a well lit place near the highway, and started waiting for our bus to arrive. We have kept contact with the bus, and soon it arrived at the spot after 15 minutes. 

As soon as the bus arrived, Farooq got busy with his work and we waited. After 40 minutes, and after the alternator replacement the ac sleeper coach was ready to hit the highway towards bangalore. After confirming the bus was in alright condition, we headed back towards Belgaum. We reached Belgaum early morning at 02:00 hrs. 

It was a good experience, with my friend and Farooq. I came to know how life is tough for all the travels people to maintain their buses and also respond to SOS calls and emergencies. And also hats-off to people like Farooq for being on time to serve and to keep the machines on road working 24x7. 

A good overall experience. 

I REQUEST EVERYONE TO SALUTE PEOPLE LIKE FAROOQ, WHO ARE THE REAL MEN BEHIND THESE MACHINES TO KEEP THEM ASOUND AND WORKING 24x7