Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 9: Abdul Karim (95) has not lost his enthusiasm even at his advanced age. His body has become a little weak, but his agility has not been affected. Abdul Karim, second son of Mohiuddinaka from Addoor in the city outskirts inspires people instantly.

In the past, people used rafts and boats to go from one village to the other as road communication was rare. With the passage of time, the old modes of travel have sunk into the oblivion. Rafts and boats have made way for modern means of transport and hence rarely used now. But Abdul Karim, second son of Mohiuddinaka, even at 95, works with the zeal which can put youngsters to shame.

Karim had started to navigate the boats when he was just seven years old. He has been operating the boat for the last 88 years without a break. In the past, he used to transport goods from Addoor to Bunder Mangaluru by boat. He used to work the whole day for just six annas (one rupee - 16 annas). He has been continuing with the job he started when he was a boy even now. Karim says he cannot think of stopping boat operations as it had supported his family all along. He says he does not get sleep if he does not operate his boat.'

Speaking to daijiworld, Karim said that he took up goods transportation at a young age as it was a profession for him to support the family. "Later I began to operate the boat and carry passengers from the Addoor riverside to Uddabettu nearby via Phalguni river. If someone diod not have money, I used to ferry them free of cost. "Many people who were helped by me are now working in high positions in distant places. But they make it a point to meet me and speak to me for some time during their visits," he narrates.

Karim arrives at the river bank at 7 am every day, cleans his boat, and renders his boat service till the evening. The way he works has the potential of inspiring young people.