R Bhagyalakshmi (35), Auto driver 
Citizen

Slice of Life: ‘I was taught to help others, I teach my children to do the same’

Every person has a story to share. This column puts the spotlight on the people of Chennai, faces we see but rarely interact with — giving a glimpse into their struggle.

migrator

Chennai

I have an MPhil in yoga. I take classes for people but I still decided to become an auto driver. The reason why is simple. Once I drop my son at school, I want to help the people around me in some way.

I want to do all of it for free. That is my wish. I want to help pregnant women, elders, and anybody in need, and offer them a safe ride to wherever they need to go. 

I do this because I believe in karma. I want to do many good deeds and collect lots of good karma. I don’t need money from them. I can make it up otherwise.

My mother taught me the importance of social service when I was young, and once I got married, my husband also said the same thing. 

He also does a lot of social services. He is the one who pushed me to take up this job and clear my driving test. Now, we are passing on this message to our children.

Society consists of people, and one of those several people is me. By doing good for another person, I am automatically contributing to society. 

We must all try to do our bit and help the people around us in whatever capacity we can because that is our duty as a part of society.

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