Amid frequent reports of misconduct involving cab drivers in India, an Uber driver from Mumbai has earned widespread praise online for a simple yet heartwarming act of kindness toward an Australian woman stuck in traffic during Chhath Puja.
The incident came to light when Bree Steele, a podcaster and influencer, shared her experience on Instagram. In her viral post, she recounted being stranded in traffic for nearly two hours on a journey that usually takes 15 minutes.
“My Uber driver was so kind! He stopped and bought us water, kebabs, and a can of soft drink. Uber drivers in India, or maybe just Mumbai, are icons!” Steele said in the video.
According to Steele, the driver refused to accept payment for the food and drinks. She further praised Mumbai’s Uber drivers, recalling how they had helped her on several occasions in the past — including one who drove through floodwaters to get her to the airport on time, and another who retrieved her shoe when it fell from an auto.
“I’ve had so many Uber drivers in Mumbai look after me and help me, and it’s so great!” she added.
The video has since gone viral, drawing thousands of likes and comments.
One user wrote, “Good people always come across the nicest ones.” Another commented, “Thanks to the Uber driver for keeping India’s pride up. In India, we say ‘Atithi Devo Bhavah’ — our guests are like gods.”
While many lauded the driver’s compassion, others also reminded travelers to stay cautious. “Good that you had a nice experience. But for safety, don’t consume anything offered by strangers. Always carry your own water and snacks,” one user advised.
Steele’s post stands out as a refreshing story of positivity, showing that small acts of kindness can go a long way in brightening someone’s day — even in the middle of Mumbai’s infamous traffic jams.