Auto Akka Raji: The Chennai Driver Turning Rides into Acts of Kindness

For many schoolgirls in Chennai, getting to school safely can be a challenge. But for more than 15 years, Raji Ashok has been making that journey a little easier.Known affectionately as ‘Auto Akka’, Raji gives free rides to government-school girls travelling through areas such as T Nagar, Kodambakkam, Anna Nagar and Perambur. Her effort may seem like a simple act of kindness, but for the girls she helps, it means a safer and more comfortable way to reach school.On a typical school day, Raji makes two trips in the morning and three in the evening. She helps around 10 to 15 girls a day, often giving up nearly ₹500 in potential earnings to provide the rides for free.She Understands the Value of EducationRaji’s motivation comes partly from her own life. More than three decades ago, she had to discontinue her college education after marrying and moving to Chennai. She had been studying BA Philosophy, but circumstances changed the course of her life. After moving to Chennai, she and her husband obtained driving licences and began working as auto drivers.Over the years, Raji realised how different life could have been if she had been able to continue her education. That experience made her determined to help young girls stay in school.A Safe Ride for SchoolgirlsRaji had also noticed schoolgirls facing uncomfortable situations while travelling in crowded buses and shared autos. She wanted to give them an alternative where they could travel without fear or hesitation. She waits near schools, bus stops and auto stands, where many girls now recognise her and approach her for a ride. Some have become so comfortable with her that they even fall asleep during the journey.Raji also keeps biscuits with her in case a child is hungry. Her kindness extends beyond schoolgirls too. She has helped women who need safe rides at night and sometimes offers free rides to people who cannot afford the fare.More Than Just a DriverFor Raji, helping others is not about recognition. It has become part of her everyday life. Every journey she makes is a reminder that small acts can make a meaningful difference. By using her time, work and earnings to support schoolgirls, she is helping remove one more obstacle between them and their education.On Chennai’s busy roads, Auto Akka is doing much more than driving passengers. She is quietly helping girls travel safely, stay connected to school and continue towards a better future.

Mumbai Auto Driver's Heartwarming Gesture to Beat the Heat Goes Viral

In a world that can often seem cold and impersonal, it's heartwarming to see acts of kindness that restore our faith in humanity. One such act was recently displayed by an auto-driver in Mumbai who went above and beyond to help his passengers beat the heat. Instead of just providing a ride, he made sure that every passenger was comfortable and hydrated during their journey. By installing small bottles of packaged water and snacks at the back of his auto, he made sure that his passengers didn't have to suffer in the sweltering heat. Nandini Iyer, a Twitter user, was one of the first to share a photo of the auto, which showed small bottles of packaged water and snacks installed at the back of the driver's seat, with the text on the water holder mentioning that the water was available for free. Iyer wrote, "Gesture Matters, Mumbai autowala giving free water. It's immensely satisfying to see. #SpreadKindness ." The tweet quickly went viral, garnering over 2,000 likes. People praised the auto-driver for his selfless gesture, with many expressing their admiration and gratitude for such a thoughtful act. As temperatures soar across the country, the kind gesture of this auto-driver is a reminder of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's life. The auto driver's gesture reminds us that a small act of kindness can go a long way in brightening someone's day and spreading positivity. It's a reminder that even in the most difficult of times, we can all do our part to make the world a better place, one small act of kindness at a time.