86-year-old behind Rs 15,000 crore business still drives Uber to sponsor education of 24 girls each year

As the conversation unfolded, the man spoke in detail about his business interests, revealing that his family ran several enterprises across Fiji.

An Indian entrepreneur travelling in Fiji recently found himself in an unexpected encounter when he discovered that his Uber driver was not just a retiree keeping busy, but the owner of a multimillion-dollar business empire.

Businessman Nav Shah, during a routine ride, began a casual conversation with his 86-year-old driver, asking how he managed his expenses at his age. The driver responded with calm assurance, explaining that he owned a company generating an annual turnover exceeding $175 million.

According to Shah, the elderly driver explained that he had been driving part-time not for financial reasons, but to fund a long-running educational initiative. “I have been sponsoring the schooling of twenty-four girls every year for the past ten years,” the driver said, noting that the entire amount came from his earnings from driving for Uber.

The driver further shared that he was the father of three daughters, all of whom were well-educated and successful in their chosen fields. Their progress, he said, inspired him to ensure that more young women could pursue their goals without financial barriers. “I have three daughters. I gave them a good education; they’ve done well. So I thought, if I can help other girls achieve their dreams, why not?” he said, smiling.

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A post shared by Nav Shah (@financewithnav)

As the conversation unfolded, the man spoke in detail about his business interests, revealing that his family ran several enterprises across Fiji. “We own thirteen jewellery outlets, six restaurants, a local newspaper, and four supermarkets,” he said, adding that they also operated a wholesale and retail perfume business. When Shah asked about how the ventures began, the driver replied that his father had started the family’s first business in 1929 with only five pounds, gradually building a foundation that expanded through generations.

Shah later described the interaction as deeply moving, saying that the experience had reminded him of the true meaning of success. He recorded a short video of the conversation and later uploaded it online, reflecting on the man’s humility and sense of purpose. Shah wrote that real accomplishment lay not in financial status or recognition but in contributing to the welfare of others.

The story soon gained wide attention on social media, where viewers were struck by the driver’s modesty and long-standing commitment to helping others. Thousands of users praised the man for using his resources to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

One user commented, “What an absolute legend. The give-back is massive.” Another said they had also met the same driver at an airport earlier that year and described him as “a good man with a great conversation — he even loaded and unloaded my suitcases, saying women shouldn’t have to do it.”

A third person remarked that the driver’s active engagement with people might be one reason for his sharpness at his age. “He doesn’t need to drive Uber, but doing so keeps him connected to people. It probably gives him new business ideas and keeps his mind active. Science even says social connection like this contributes to longevity. He’s a clever man.”

Another user added, “Someday, I want to do this too — no matter how small.”