Angul: The three-day state wide agitation by Drivers’ Ekata Mahamancha almost threw life out of gear, before it was finally put on hold on Friday following a written assurance from the state government on their demands. But the most discussed name during the entire agitation was Prashant Menduli, the president of the drivers’ body.
The man in khaki half shirt and a turban tied around the head was seen sending out video messages while refusing to relent on the agitation, making people wonder how he rose to be an influential leader of the drivers who followed his instructions.
However, his story is marked with struggles. Prashant is a native of Madhapur-Baradakata village under Athamallick subdivision in Odisha’s Angul district. Born into a farmer’s family, he is the youngest of two sons of Rankanidhi Menduli and Bhagabati Menduli.
After completing matriculation from the village high school, Prashant wanted to pursue Plus II, but lack of funds proved to be the main constraint – Rs 1,500 was required for admission. He decided to raise the fund by working as a daily wager. After working for four days, he fell sick. He then got to know about an opportunity to earn Rs 800 a month as a helper in a truck engaged in Manajor irrigation project.
Prashant worked for three months, but was allegedly denied payment. The truck had by then left for another district. Later, he pleaded with the truck owner and the driver to clear his dues and was finally paid Rs 1,800.
As ill luck would have it, the date for admission for Plus II had elapsed by then. Prashant gave up on his dreams for higher education, and was instead inclined towards the driver’s job.
In 2007, he become a driver after obtaining a licence. Since then, he has been doing the job to make ends meet for his family, consisting of his wife and a son.
Post-pandemic situation took a heavy toll on the livelihood of the drivers. At that time, Prashant tried to unite drivers on a single platform to fight for their rights, but failed. He the started visiting some district along with some fellow divers to moblise others and this too could not yield the desired results. They then extended help to sick drivers and those in distress and slowly won their confidence. “Finally, they understood that unity is strength and I managed to get the support of over 5 lakh drivers,” he said.
He added that the drivers drafted nine points charter of demands and problems being faced by them with help of some educated people and lawyers, and presented it before the government.
