Since his mother passed away in 2014 due to Cancer, 23-year-old Saurabh Nimbkar plays guitar in local trains to collect donations for helping cancer patients; he has also appeared on the Talk Show “Aaj ki Raat hai Zindagi,” where his contributions were brought to light. He talks about how he manages to help others and look after himself too.
- So tell us about yourself. Where do you live? And What do you do?
I was born and brought up in Dombivli. And I work in a pharma company called Inventia healthcare Pvt Ltd in the quality control department as a junior officer.
- Where did you get the idea of helping Cancer patients by singing in local trains?
I used to sing with my friends on the train while going back home from college; during the treatment of my mother, I realized that I could ask for donations in return for the entertainment of the stressed crowds in local trains.
- How did you find the Strength and Confidence to keep moving forward after your mom passed away?
She is the strength. Every time I need to decide, I think about what my mother would have done if she was in the same situation. Although she is not with me, she is still the source of my inspiration every single day.
- With a salary of Rs 7000, how do you manage to donate Rs 8000 and look after your own expenses?
When I started with this without keeping any target in mind, the only thing I knew was I have to do whatever I can. I only realize this now after all this hype that I collect donations more than my salary.
- Did your appearance on Red F.M and Aaj Ki Raat Hai Zindagi help you in any way?
Of course, it has. Seeing Bachchan sir in trains is no ordinary sight, and you become super lucky when he comes in for you. The whole country loves him, and it’s very nice that I am getting a small share of that love in the form of donations. That only helps the needy more and more. Now people all over the country know about me and the cause. All thanks to the show and a special thanks to BBC Worldview for making this happen.
- How much do you get from people on a normal day through donations?
Around 800 per day.
- After you collect your donations, where do you have to submit them?
I either give it to NGOs working for the patients; for now, there are two. Bright Future Association and Shining Angels Association. I have started with a new way to donate the money directly to the patients through doctors.
- Many people are Cancer Survivors, but they don’t give back to society by helping them in any way. How do you feel about that?
They are not to be blamed for they have faced what we cannot. Although they have overcome it, the time somehow is unforgettable. It takes a lot of effort to do what you are saying after having gone through so much. If they do good, it’s totally beyond appreciation. If they don’t, it’s fine because I have seen what they have gone through.
- What do you do in your free time?
I hang out with friends. I engage most of my free time in music or watching movies.
- Which is your favorite Movie?
The legend of Bhagat Singh!
- Who is your favorite Singer?
Almost everybody is my favorite, but it’s the voice of Mohit Chauhan that does the magic.
- Which is the one song you perform the most in local trains?
It is the song Mumma of the movie Dasvidaniya.
- Has anybody got angry or aggressive while you were singing?
Yes, only once, but people stopped him and made me sing again.
- As an Online Magazine, how can we help you to inspire more and more people to donate to cancer patients?
There are lots of stories like mine. You can put them up to inspire them; they may not be cancer-related because it’s not only cancer that has been troubling us. I have targeted it because I have seen what people’s families go through while handling it. But I would be only glad to work for many other causes too. Cancer is just a start.
If you wish to offer donations, contact Saurabh on +91 91 67 608185.