Anglo-Indian Phillip Thomas - Rickshaw Man

Well he is living a life, good or bad. He has earned my respect for not becoming a beggar.

With his excellent English accent,he could have been used coaching children.Destiny ..looks .he very intelligent,articulative,full of self respect ,dignified,full of contentment inspite having lost his family an hi smile in the end was godly catchy.

Yes I knew him well he used to ferry passengers on his cycle rickshaw around park town area (periamet) . He had beautiful blue eyes . Till now I thought he was a Anglo-Indian. Only now I came to know he is an Italian by origin. I always remember him him for his honest earning in a hard way. J C MORAL.

This so hard to see that man speak about him that he came to India to survivo​ but he lost his money and everything​ and next he came to down south 'Madras' . But still we can see confidences . he can live here "vandharai vazla vaikum Chennai" . he hiding the pain that he has . There only few Anglo Indian people are living here other's migrating to there native . Even I also met some Anglo Indian friends too . Very emotional ❤️

His life is like a story worth making into a movie... Of course he is an inspiration, as he working instead of doing nothing and going under depression.

He looks happy and his hardworking ways lend him dignity ! That's all that matters in life !

Then again, a person (even someone with Anglo ancestry) can change a lot in appearance through the decades because of the hot climate in India. The harsh climate of India is unforgiving. Accents too can change, as humans are very good at taking on new accents.

Hi Andrew, I was back in Chennai in May but Phillip and his wife were not in their usual spot on the pavement. I hope you find them, My wish is that his family have given them shelter. Phillip really is from Italy, I have been in contact with people who knew him in the 70's and nicknamed him Clint Eastwood after the Italian Westerns. Good luck and many thanks for your compassion. Nigel

After staying in this country for 6 decades, it's strange people saying he don't sound italian!

What a great piece of documentary! Thanks Nigel.

FORGOTTEN COMMUNITY OF INDIA MYSELF BORN AND BROUGHT UP IN CHENNAI [MINT] AND STUDIED IN BISHOP CORRIE MOST OF MY FRIENDS ARE ANGLO INDIANS THEY BELONGS TO DIFFERENT AREAS LIKE ROYAPURAM ,PERAMBUR ST THOMAS MOUNT ETC WE HAD A WONDERFUL CASTELESS CREED AND GREEDLESS TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH OPEN HEARTED NOW I RECOLLECT ALL MY SWEET MEMORIES CHERISHED IN MY BLOOD STREAM THAT WILL LAST FOREVER , JIM REEVES AND ANGLO'S UNFORGETTABLE BLEND.

He use to live just opposite to everest bus stop in poonamalee high road, I have seen this man for 30 years. I really feel sorry for such a person who was an Italian and wasted his life living on the platform and pulling rickshaw.

It seems this video has generated some good debate and raised anger in some and compassion in others.  Thanks to all for sharing and have a great, safe end of year festive season.

I have great appreciation & is a great admirer of Anglo Indians. It is a pity on knowing their appalling conditions.

He did not say he was ITALIAN, just that he came from Italy to India. He doesn't need to have an Italian name to come from Italy. Compassion instead of rude criticism would be good. After all all we are going to take with us when we die, is ONLY the GOOD we do. We will be judged on what WE did while we were put on this earth to live. God bless you all and change your hearts

The man speaks very similar to an Anglo Indian. I doubt if he is from Italy as claimed. I have had many years of experience with Anglo Indians in schools, workplace and overseas visits. Italians never lose their accent and would hardly succumb to a life on the streets in India. Like many AI he probably did not move overseas in the early years after independence and was unable to do so later. What a pity that his situation cannot be improved by many who departed India and can understand his plight.

I used to see him outside the Sub-Registrar's office on Poonamallee High Road, Periamedu, in the 90s and 2000s... and even nowadays! Many times, the bus stopped there and some traders alighted with heavy loads. On seeing them, he would spring up out of his rickshaw and assist them with their load.

Some people are born to suffer from high levels of mean mindedness and stupidity. What if this gentleman is not from Italy, he is an economically challenged Indian and thats important, and if anybody wants to help him out so be it, Mr Footie has taken up Mr Philips' cause thats an example we must all follow. I went to school taught by Anglo Indian teachers and I am proud of them.

I hope Philip and his family are doing well. I hope he reunites soon with his mother and sister in Italy. I feel very sorry to hear his tale. How did he land in India in 1955 and wasn't his family in Italy looking for him somehow, back then? I can understand that the times were different back then with communication, challenges in tracing, etc but even then it is very surprising. I wish him all the best. His accent has turned into how Tamilians speak English... that tone is very distinctive and maybe a slight English accent is in there too but it is largely sounding Indian.

Out of the abundance of the heart , the mouth speaks. This is God's Word my brother. I pray God has mercy on your soul. Your profanity is your honour to your wonderful parents. And if you still have the ability to curse, MAy God take your every curse and send it right back to you, 100 fold. Amen.