Top News

In a city where most of us are used to rushed rides and curt “drop here” auto drivers, one Bengaluru auto driver is making people pause and smile. What started as a regular ride turned into something unexpectedly warm and genuine for a passenger, and a LinkedIn post about it caught fire online.

Earlier this week, software engineer Udya Patel posted about an ordinary auto ride in Bengaluru that ended up restoring her faith in everyday kindness. She had booked the ride through Rapido, not expecting anything out of the ordinary. But as soon as she stepped in, she noticed something unusual about the auto.

Instead of bare seats and that usual “seat belt not provided” vibe, the auto was thoughtfully equipped with little comforts: a bottle of drinking water within easy reach, packets of tissue paper, cotton balls, hand sanitiser, and even lozenges. There was a small, neat board tucked inside that simply said, “WELCOME – FREE for our customer,” and listed the basics available at no cost. It even specifically mentioned that pregnant women could travel up to five kilometres for free.

What struck Udya the most wasn’t just the items but the way they were arranged. The driver, identified as Madesh K, had placed everything carefully and even added a few artificial flowers and some books, making the space feel just that bit more welcoming and peaceful. “Nothing flashy. Nothing for show. Just thoughtfulness,” she wrote in her now‑viral post.

There was no announcement when she got in, no pitch about features, the driver didn’t even point it out. He drove her quietly, respectfully, as if offering these little comforts was part of his routine, like filling petrol or adjusting his rear‑view mirror before setting off. To Udya, that gentle gesture mattered more than grand speeches or selfies.

The post struck a chord. Within hours, it drew close to 1,000 likes on LinkedIn, with people across the platform praising Madesh for his empathy and small yet impactful act. Many said it was a reminder that kindness doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful, and that gestures like these, simple, consistent, sincere, could actually change someone’s day.

Rapido itself weighed in on the conversation. The company responded to the LinkedIn thread, saying the story “really warms our hearts” and appreciating Madesh’s thoughtful touches like water, tissues and books that made regular rides “truly special.” The company also noted that such care goes a long way in building trust and a positive experience for riders.

Users in the comments echoed Rapido’s sentiment, highlighting that gestures like this could set a precedent for others in the gig economy. One comment went as far as suggesting that tales of empathy like Madesh’s be woven into rider‑partner training programmes, helping strengthen service standards across the board.

For many, the story was more than a feel‑good moment. It stood out because everyday life often feels rushed and transactional, especially in urban settings where everyone is glued to their phones and hurriedly heading to their next stop.

At a time when urban commutes often feel indifferent or even uncomfortable, Madesh’s auto became more than just a vehicle, it became a space where a passenger felt cared for, seen, and safe. For a lot of people scrolling through their feeds, that was enough to restore a bit of faith in humanity.