Mungaon Dera: The 'Village of Drivers' in Bihar Where Every Home Has a Story on Wheels
Approximately 20 kilometers from Buxar town in Bihar lies Mungaon Dera village, located in the Dumraon block. This settlement does not roar with the noise of factories but rather with the constant hum of engines. Widely recognized as the "village of drivers," almost every household here has one or two members employed as truck or bus drivers across various parts of India.
A Unique and Evocative Scene on the Roads
Situated along the Dumraon-Bikramganj road near Mungaon High School, the village presents a scene that is both unusual and deeply evocative. Trucks stand lined along the roadside like silent sentinels, while children clutching tiffin boxes wait eagerly to hand over home-cooked meals to their fathers or relatives before they embark on long, uncertain journeys.
The village comprises around 50 families, predominantly from the Yadav community. More than 150 men are engaged in driving professions in different regions of India, forming the economic backbone of their homes and significantly contributing to the local economy.
Driving as Inheritance and Tradition
Forty-five-year-old Upendra Kumar Yadav shared that although his father tilled the land as a farmer, he was drawn to the steering wheel by his uncle, who worked as a bus driver. Today, Upendra owns his own truck and has constructed a house in Kolkata. He drives between Dumraon and Kolkata twice a week, embodying the mobility that defines his community.
For many residents, driving is more than a job—it is an inheritance. Hridyanand Yadav, who operates a bus service between Buxar and Bikramganj, explained that the profession flows through generations. Boys grow up watching their fathers and elder brothers navigate highways and dream of one day taking the wheel themselves.
Life on the Highways with Hearts in the Village
"We spend most of our lives on highways, but our hearts remain in the village," said Sanjay Yadav, who frequently travels between Bihar and Maharashtra. This sentiment is echoed by many drivers who face prolonged separation from their families.
Another driver, Vitendra Yadav, remarked, "Driving is tough, but it sustains our families." Badak Yadav added, "Our children wait with food when we return. That moment gives us strength," highlighting the emotional bonds that sustain them through challenging times.
Ram Kishun Singh, also known as Gop Jee Yadav, noted that many from the village operate buses on the Buxar-Bikramganj route as well as the Buxar-Howrah service, showcasing the extensive network these drivers maintain.
Resilience and Pride Amidst Challenges
Despite punishing hours, road hazards, and the emotional toll of being away from home, the drivers of Mungaon continue their work with remarkable resilience and pride. Indal Singh, the mukhiya of Mungaon panchayat under which Mungaon Dera falls, summarized their contribution: "They keep both the village and the nation moving forward."
This unique village stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of its residents, who navigate India's vast highways to support their families and communities, all while maintaining a deep connection to their roots.
