Techie extends help to needy this Eid, pays fee for auto driver's daughter

Bengaluru: How many use their hard-earned money to bring smiles on the faces of the needy? Well, Firoz, a resident of Bellandur and a software professional, did exactly that.

Firoz, who received a big amount as part of settlement from his earlier company, helped the family of Badrunissa, a 55-year-old widow and a tailor. 

Badrunissa, who lives with her two daughters in Anjanapura, told Deccan Chronicle, "It is very difficult to manage the family from the income I earn by sewing clothes. My husband passed away after a prolonged illness sometime ago and I have been looking after my daughters. At times, it was difficult to manage even two meals a day."

After composing herself, Badrunissa said, "I had never expected such kindness from an unknown man. Firoz came looking for me at my place of work. He then went to a shop and brought three sarees for me. I couldn't control my emotions and cried as it was a loving gesture. Who has the time to think about others? But, Firoz thought of comforting me and my family. May Allah bless him."

When DC asked Firoz what made him extend the noble gesture, he said, "Gifting a smile won't cost much. I had received a good amount of money from my old company and was thinking o f moving in to a new house. But then I thought that the new house can happen later and instead, I could use the money to help those who are in need. Like all of us, even the needy wish to celebrate Eid. I went on Facebook and asked my friends to identify those who are struggling to meet even their basic needs. I received a lot of responses, but I was scared as many could be frauds. I decided to check the backgrounds of the people by approaching them in persons, checking their background and their living conditions. After a thorough check, I helped three families."

Apart from Badrunissa, Firoz also helped Yaqoob, an autorickshaw driver, by paying for his daughter's education. Yaqoob, who suffers from an ailment, continues to drive the auto to make the ends meet. 

Yaqoob said, "I had two daughters and a son, but my elder daughter died because of an illness, and I could not save her. Firoz was kind enough to pay my daughter's school fee. He came home, met my daughter and then presented the amount. At first, I couldn't believe it, but later he hugged me and wished Id in advance." 

Firoz, who is from Andhra Pradesh, said, "First, I was thinking of distributing clothes, so that many could benefit. But I learnt about Yaqoob and met him when he told me about his daughter who needed help. I thought that helping a girl child in completing her education would be more satisfying to me. I met Yaqoob and his daughter on Tuesday evening and give him the amount."