Image of a car, representational purpose.
Credit: iStock Photo
Entrepreneur Nav Shah recently shared a heartwarming video of an extraordinary Uber ride he took in Fiji.
While Shah was deeply moved by the humility and kindness of his 86-year-old driver that day, what made the encounter even more remarkable was discovering that the elderly man wasn’t just any cab driver, but a highly successful businessman running a thriving company.
The video has now gone viral on social media.
In the video, Shah can be seen talking to the driver. Shah asked the man how he managed his finances to which, the driver revealed that his businesses generate an annual turnover of $175 million. Yet, despite his immense success, he continues to drive an Uber, not out of necessity, but out of purpose.
The driver shared that for the past ten years, he has been sponsoring the education of 24 girls every year, using the money he earns from his Uber trips. A proud father of three well-educated daughters himself, he said he now wants to help other young girls chase their dreams.
He went on to describe his ventures which include 13 jewellery stores, six restaurants, four supermarkets, and even a local newspaper. When Shah asked if he had started it all on his own, the man smiled and said his father had laid the foundation back in 1929, with just five pounds in hand.
Shah later shared the story online, saying the driver’s humility and compassion were proof that true success isn’t measured by money or fame, but by the good one brings into the world.
“He’s 86 years old. Drives Uber. His businesses do over $170 million in turnover. When I asked him why he still drives, he smiled and said, ‘I send this money to educate girls in India. Every trip helps another one go to school.’ Then he looked at me and added, ‘Be positive, be happy, and be truthful. That’s all you need in life,’” Shah wrote in his Instagram post.
Netizens are praising the elderly man's resilience and his business skills.
"This is why he is still sharp at 86. He doesn’t need to drive the Uber but this is how he still maintains the common touch and also connection with ordinary citizens and I believe out of that he gets new business ideas and still keeps his brain sharp!" a user commented.