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Nothing can stop Traffic Ramaswamy
At 84, Traffic Ramaswamy may seem like a frail, senior citizen. But once the hardy social activist speaks, the fearlessness and passion for justice is visible to all.
By
migrator
migrator
Chennai
Born in 1934, the prefix ‘Traffic’ was added to his name, after he started regulating traffic in the busy Parry’s area. The octogenarian, whose only sustenance has been tea, buttermilk and biscuits for the past four decades, is popular in the city, for taking a stand against various social issues – from petitioning against motorised fish carts to illegal digital banners, building violations and several other traffic related issues.
“The motorised fish carts didn’t require licences and were uncontrollable. People had died due to these carts. I filed a petition and got a ban on it, for which I was attacked. I lost vision in my right eye,” he said, though his spirit remained unbreakable.
Lying in his bed in a corner of his ramshackle home-office, he termed this violence as a “regular affair”. “The police has locked me up seven times without any reason, between 1984 to 1991. When I refused to back down, they understood what kind of person I was. Due to my activism, I was getting many threats to my family, people pelting stones in our house. So, 12 years ago, I started staying separately. Since I am fighting for the public, I don’t feel it is difficult,” he smiled. Due to these assaults, the court had ordered armed police protection round the clock for the activist.
People, who are unable to get the authorities attention to solve a problem, often turn to Traffic Ramaswamy. “I have at least five to 10 people visiting me daily – from across Tamil Nadu and other cities such as Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With a single call, I can help them,” said the fearless citizen, known for tearing down the ruling party’s banners, after the court had ruled against it.
- Traffic Ramaswamy worked in B&C Mills
- He idolised C Rajagopalachari, the last Governor-General of India and Chief Minister of Madras, upon whose advice, he was inspired to become a social activist
- He started regulating traffic in Parry’s and other parts of the city, for which he was termed as ‘Traffic’ Ramaswamy
- Due to increasing threats from political parties and stone-pelting at his home, the activist has been staying separately for the past 12 years
- He has filed more than 500 public interest litigations (PILs), getting bans on motorised fish carts and illegal banners
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