A rider wearing a helmet with the words 'I cannot speak or hear' is seen riding a scooter towards Balkhu, Sundhara, Koteshwor, Boudha, and Lagankhel with a 'passenger'. Sundar Poudel, 26, from Simaltandi, Chitwan, is a chef by profession. But he is also a rideshare driver. He lives in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, and cannot speak or hear. He sends 'text messages' to some, but speaks to others in sign language.

The initial days were not easy for Sundar. People would say, 'What will he do after getting this job?' Many would ignore his sign language. Such behavior has left him heartbroken. But Sundar was confident that he could do something himself. He is now a chef in a restaurant in Kathmandu. He has also worked as a rideshare driver for the past 2 years. In between his busy schedule, he makes ‘reels’ and ‘vlogs’ in his free time. His work is constantly being praised on social media. Sundar’s journey of struggle Sundar was born unable to speak and hear. Born into an ordinary family, Sundar’s early childhood was very difficult. Even his family did not realize that he could not speak and hear. ‘As he grew up, it became difficult to communicate with his friends and family,’ he says. He studied in the village school till grade 2. In grade 3, he was admitted to ‘Central Deaf Secondary School’ in Kathmandu. Gradually, he was able to speak sign language. He was able to communicate with others. He passed 12th from the same school. He is currently studying in the third year of B.Ed there.

It feels good to earn and support a family on his own before those who ask him what he will do in the future: Rider Sundar Poudel

It has been 5 years since he started working as a chef in a restaurant. He runs a rideshare in his free time. He also earns some money from that. In 2 years, he has completed more than 5,000 rides. ‘Inflation has increased. If I work in my free time, even a little bit will be enough,’ he said.

After accepting a ride, he texts them. And, he sends a message that he will come to the location. But sometimes he runs into problems. ‘Even when I send a message, some people call me, but I can’t speak. At that time, it gets a bit difficult,’ he said. Sundar works in the restaurant from 6 am to 12 pm. In his free time, he runs ‘Indrive’. He also works in the restaurant from 6 pm to 10 pm. Only then does he reach his room. ‘Usually, when I reach home, my wife and daughter are already asleep. I am very busy,’ he said, ‘but I have raised my family by doing that job.’ Amidst the hustle and bustle of the day, he has continued his higher education. While riding, he meets a variety of people, which also makes him happy. It also makes him feel free. He has posted videos of himself riding on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram. This has created a unique identity for him, and he is also receiving praise.

He also has no problem following traffic rules. ‘I have not had any major problems with the traffic police. Most of the people on the route I travel know that I am not listening. The traffic police have also behaved well during checks,’ he says. He says that he has not had any problems riding a motorcycle safely.

How is he managing his time for his family? ‘I work 26 days a month, and I take Monday off most of the time. During the holidays, I give time to my family. I also give some time to my studies.’

Sundar saves around 20,000 rupees a month by deducting petrol and commission. He earns around 20,000 rupees by working in a restaurant. He spends up to 25,000 rupees on rent and household expenses. He deposits the remaining 15,000 in the bank. Sometimes she even sends money to her parents in the village. ‘There are 9 people in the family. My parents are farmers,’ she said.

Sapna Pachbhaiya from Gulmi works at a Korean restaurant in Naxal. She commutes from Naxal to Pasikot every day in ‘Indrive’. She often meets Sundar by chance. ‘It’s 10 pm when I go after work. When I drive, Sundar usually accepts the ride,’ says Sapna.

In the early days, we used to talk through messages to get to the location. She says, ‘Now, he comes directly to my location.’ She says that traveling with Sundar is comfortable. ‘The most important thing when walking on the road is a safe journey.’ He rides a bike very well,' she said. Many people have praised Sundar like a dream because he rides a scooter without rushing.

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Sundar married Muna Poudel 3 years ago. They have a 2-year-old daughter. She is also happy when everyone praises her husband's work.

'I feel very happy when I see everyone saying good things about him and supporting him everywhere, from Facebook to TikTok,' she said. 'He works hard day and night for his family. Even though he cannot speak or hear, his hard work is no less than anyone else.'

Muna speaks to Sundar in sign language. For a while, she felt a little uncomfortable speaking. 'Now we communicate through signs. After marriage, he taught me,' she said.

'Actions speak louder than words' Sundar believes in that. Amidst the struggle, he dreams of a beautiful future. ‘I want to save money and send my daughter to a good school. I want to help my wife and parents by becoming a digital creator,’ he said. He also wants to help the poor, helpless and disabled.’