Discover the inspiring summary of A Three-Wheeled Revolution from Class 12, highlighting how social innovation and determination transformed lives through India’s cycle rickshaw movement.
A Three Wheeled Revolution Essay Summary & Notes
Summary of A Three Wheeled Revolution Class 12
Introduction
When a person has a true desire to serve the society, he can make the impossible possible. This inspiring story of “A Three-Wheeled Revolution” is about one such person, who understood the suffering of the common people, and laid the foundation of a revolution. This is the story of Irfan Alam – who brought light into the lives of millions of rickshaw pullers in India and gave birth to a new thinking.
Introduction to Irfan Alam
Irfan Alam belongs to an ordinary middle-class Muslim family of Bihar. Since childhood, he felt deeply about social issues. He always felt that something concrete should be done to bring change in the lives of those who are at the bottom of the society. He started thinking from a small level but his dream was very big – a dream that had a place not only for him, but also for the person standing at the last row of the society.
Moment of inspiration
When Irfan was a teenager, one day he saw that a rickshaw puller was able to earn very little even after working hard the whole day. On asking, it was revealed that he drives a rickshaw on rent and whatever little income he earns, a major part of it goes in rent. Hearing this, a question arose in Irfan’s mind – will the rickshaw puller never get a chance to become self-reliant?
This is where the spark of change ignited within him.
Birth of idea
Irfan felt that if these rickshaw pullers get their own rickshaw, if they get income from additional means like banking facility, insurance, and advertising, then they can come out of their situation. From this thought, a unique idea was born – “A system in which the rickshaw puller becomes an entrepreneur instead of just a driver.”
Establishment of “Samman Foundation”
In the year 2007, Irfan Alam established “Samman Foundation”. The objective of this organization was – to establish the rickshaw pullers not just as an ordinary laborer, but as an independent and self-respecting entrepreneur.
The changes made by Irfan under this were as follows:
A new model of rickshaw was prepared:
Rickshaws were made from light but strong material.
Comfortable seats and roof for the riders.
Space to keep bottles, newspapers, magazines.
Spot for branded advertisements – which could generate additional income.
The image of the rickshaw driver was changed:
Uniform, ID card and training to welcome with a smile.
Passengers were treated with respect.
Health and safety information was given.
Economic empowerment
Savings accounts were opened for drivers by partnering with banks.
They were given the opportunity to buy their own rickshaw through micro-finance.
Linked to insurance and pension schemes.
Combination of business and social service
Irfan developed this model as a “Public-Private Partnership”. He suggested to the companies that they should put their advertisements on these newly designed rickshaws. This gave the companies a new medium of promotion and the rickshaw drivers got additional income.
In this way, Irfan combined business and social service together – “earnings as well as compassion.”
Simple idea, deep revolution
The success of this scheme created a stir in the whole of India. Many states adopted this model, such as:
Bihar
Jharkhand
Uttar Pradesh
Delhi
Madhya Pradesh
This scheme was even appreciated at international forums. Irfan was invited to the Presidential Summit on Entrepreneurship in the US in 2010. In this conference, Irfan represented India among the 250 best social entrepreneurs of the world.
Irfan’s vision and thinking
Irfan believes that –
“We have to uplift the people of the lowest level of the country, only then will real development take place.”
He also says that –
“There is an opportunity hidden within every problem – all that is needed is the understanding to see it and the desire to bring about change.”
Social impact
Irfan’s initiative has transformed the lives of lakhs of rickshaw pullers:
They now work with self-respect.
Are getting their children educated in good schools.
Are imbued with a sense of self-identity and self-employment.
Their image in society has become respectable.
Women’s participation
“Samman Foundation” did not limit itself to only male drivers. E-rickshaws and training programs were started for women too so that they too can become financially independent. This initiative also took an important step towards women empowerment.
Final thoughts
“A Three-Wheeled Revolution” is not just a book or a story, it is a symbol of the thought that can make ordinary life extraordinary. Youngsters like Irfan Alam show that big changes can be brought about not just by governments but also by ordinary citizens – provided their intentions are good.
Rickshaw, which was once a symbol of labour and fatigue, has now become a symbol of change and dignity – and all this was possible due to the thinking of a youth who dedicated his education to the most important section of the society.
Irfan has become an inspiration
Today Irfan Alam is an inspiration not only for Bihar or India, but for the whole world. He has proved that social service and business can both go together – if the approach is full of humanity.
Conclusion
This journey of Irfan Alam tells that when the thinking is for the society, and the purpose is of service, then no work is small. The journey that started with a rickshaw has today reached crores of hearts. Truly, this “three-wheeled revolution” is not just a revolution of wheels, but of thoughts.
English 
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