Drivers are one of the most essential professionals in a society yet the most discriminated against at any occasion, said Highway Truck Owners Welfare Organisation president Laishram Chandrakumar on Sunday during the 35th observation of Drivers’ Day at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul.
The programme was jointly organised by Manipur Drivers' Association (MDA); Senapati District Truck Driver’s Union; Senapati District Truck Owner Association; Manipur Gorkha Motorworkers’ Welfare Union and Highway Truck Owners Welfare Organisation (HITOWO).
As chief guest of the day, Laishram Chandrakumar said in a state like Manipur where maximum areas are in hilly terrain it is not an easy task to be in the profession of a driver.
The drivers are serving the society by facing the risky situation everyday, however, the society discriminates against the profession, he lamented.
Despite all the discrimination, many people who love the profession are continuing their service for the welfare of the society, he said, adding that on most of the occasions, drivers of national highways are treated as scapegoats for any demand by any group.
In order to meet the demands of any organization, drivers who are plying along the national highways are threatened, kidnapped, their vehicles burned and even many lives of drivers have lost on various issues, said Chandrakumar.
Drivers are providing their services for the society by prioritising the safety of the passengers. However, during any road mishaps drivers are victimized by the society frequently, he said. And amid any issues of Manipur, drivers are providing their services day and night without considering any risk but to provide essential commodities, Laishram Chandrakumar said.
He appealed to the society not to discriminate against the profession but consider the profession as one of the most essential professions in the society.
President of Manipur Drivers Association, Saikhom Babudhon Meitei; president of All Manipur Gorkha Truck Drivers and Owners Association, Anil Khawash; advisor of Manipur Drivers’ Association, Samom Ganga Meitei; president of Senapati District Truck Drivers Union, Boshi and advisor of Senapati District Truck Owners Association, Pichu Mao attended as dais members.
As a part of the programme, floral tributes were offered at the photographs of the drivers who lost their life during their service by the family members and members of the organisers.
