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Branson's day out with dabbawallahs!
April 01, 2005
As part of experiencing the flavour of Mumbai city and its local trains, Virgin Atlantic Airways founder chairman, Richard Branson on Friday travelled in a local train along with the famous dabbawallahs of the city. Showman Branson boarded the second-class compartment of a local train at Andheri along with over 25 dabbawallahs (tiffin-box carriers) and interacted with them till the Churchgate railway station.
"It was a lovely experience to interact with them. I enjoyed carrying a dabba with me," Branson, holding a big tiffin-box, said on reaching Churchgate.
"It is always good to experience the local flavour of the city with local people rather than sitting in a hotel. It is fascinating to enjoy the feel of the city with such a simple group of people," he added.
Striking a pose in the traditional 'Gandhi' cap of dabbawallahs, Branson said: "I am going to deliver food in this dabba to my office people."
Arjun, a dabbawallah who travelled with Branson, said the flamboyant Branson mingled freely with them. "He travelled with us from Andheri to Churchgate and spoke to us as a friend. We felt proud," Arjun added. -- PTI
Virgin Atlantic Airways Chairman Richard Branson with Mumbai's dabbawallahs on Friday. Photo: Arun Patil