In Chennai, auto driver offers free ride to Apollo patients for Amma's speedy recovery

An auto driver from Chennai has been offering free rides for Apollo Hospital patients, where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa is presently undergoing treatment and recuperating.

G. Sukumar, 38, wants his chief minister to recover soon and start discharging her duties, and as means to pray for her recovery, he offers free rides to any patient and drops them off to their homes.

He says that he likes to help people and loves doing social service.

"I have been doing social service since I was kid. I like helping people. One time I saw patients were sitting outside the hospital. Most of them were handicapped. I was distressed by that because they were finding it difficult to get an auto, so I decided to give them a free ride."

Sukumar says that he was once an alcoholic and credits the chief minister for his reformed life. He also credits Jayalalithaa for reduction in traffic accidents in Chennai.

"One of the reasons I am doing this is because, I pray for the recovery of Amma (Jayalalithaa), and moreover, traffic accidents have reduced under her governance. I like her and that is why I am doing this service," he said.

Ever since Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital, for treatment for dehydration, scores of people and AIADMK supporters have been thronging to the hospital offering prayers for her speedy recovery.