The Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) Executive Chairman Nitin Dossa, and president Viral Doshi, recently presented awards to veteran members for their exemplary record of accident-free driving. Among those honoured was Mahadevia, holding a driving licence for the past 77 years. The 106-year-old motoring body officials cited Mahadevia's "dedication and discipline, which is inspiring to all road users".

Mr Calm

Mahadevia, a Marine Drive resident, said, "I am very comfortable driving at this age, though many people seem surprised. I drive till Mahalaxmi unaccompanied, after which one of my family members accompanies me in the car," said the 1930-born driver who has a few parking challans but no major traffic violation or accident in more than seven decades behind the wheel.

This 95-year-old says driving can teach life lessons. PICS/ATUL KAMBLE

Mahadevia's daughter-in-law Parul, added, "My father-in-law is calm, cool, collected and confident while driving. He has taught driving to his children; son, Drupad and daughters -- Kalyani, Bhawna and Bhargavi -- and grandchildren. In fact, on his birthday last year, we had a quiz on him -- like who knows him best. One of the questions was: Which skill has he taught most often? The answer was: driving," she laughed.

Trip tales

Mahadevia said showing his driving licence which was first issued in 1948: "I have driven cars, jeeps, vans and tractors. I have motivated my family members to drive. I used to encourage my wife Sudha to drive and participate in car rallies. The most challenging terrain I have driven was travelling from Ahmedabad to Dessa -- a village in the Banaskatha district of Gujarat. I had to cross two rivers as there were no bridges and had to manoeuvre the car through sandy river banks and shallow rivers. I have driven from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and done road trips in the US and Europe."

Machine mechanics

Mahadevia recalled, "I got my driving licence in 1948. Back then, there were very few cars on the road and learning to drive was quite an adventure. Cars had no power steering, and even starting them sometimes required a crank! I learned on a Morris, and from the first day, I loved the feeling of being behind the wheel.

Bhagwatiprasad Mahadevia with daughter Bhawna at his home

Then, roads were narrow, but people were more patient. One had to be mechanically aware -- if your car stopped, you had to know how to fix it yourself. Driving wasn't just about pressing pedals; it was about understanding the machine."

Shifting gears

Of today's transformation, the fit and feisty Mahadevia, who is a regular walker, stated, "From old Ambassadors and Fiats to electric cars, it's like living through several eras of technology. Earlier, driving required more effort; today, it requires more patience." His message is, "Respect the road, respect your vehicle, and never take driving lightly. Today's drivers have comfort but less patience. Everyone seems to be racing against time. I wish more people understood that driving isn't about speed, it is about awareness. Technology can assist, but good habits and training make the real difference."

Gen next

Mahadevia's grandson Parantap called his grandfather, "an absolute gentleman, confident and classy". "With him, I have learnt that driving is not just a pleasure but a responsibility too." Mahadevia's granddaughter Priyanka said, "My grandfather taught me driving and instilled a deep understanding of the car I was driving," while grandson Bhavin added, "I learnt how to stay safe while driving and how driving teaches independence."

Life lessons

His daughter Bhargavi claimed her best trip with her father behind the wheel was from Mumbai to Kashmir. Son Drupad recounted how for his father, "Driving is not about getting to a destination, it is about how we show up in the world, how we move through life with awareness, responsibility and care. One day, while we were going over driving basics, he said something that has stuck with me forever. He told me: 'The front two car tyres represent Integrity and responsibility. Without them, you will veer off course. You would be unable to steer straight or keep the car stable'. These, he said, are the values that guide you -- that help you make decisions, stay grounded, and remain accountable for your direction.

Then he looked at the rear tyres and added, 'The back tyres stand for empathy and excellence. These are values not literally for the road but in your journey of life'. That simple analogy of four tyres and four values became more than a lesson about cars. It became a blueprint for life."

Mumbaikar Bhagwatiprasad Mahadevia has been driving safely for 77 years