This Article is From Sep 28, 2009

Chennai's auto drivers feed 500 people

Chennai: The next seven days from Sunday will be celebrated as the "joy of giving week" across the country. Anyone - children, families, schools and corporates - could do something for a cause. In Chennai, a group of auto-rickshaw drivers provided a sumptuous meal to around 500 people as their contribution.

The auto-rickshaw drivers lead a hand to mouth lives. But that has not stopped them from being generous in their giving.

On day one of the joy of giving week, 30 drivers contributed Rs 1000 each to give a sumptuous free meal to over 500 strangers.

"Being an auto driver is like a social service to take people to hospitals and other places in their emergencies. And when we feed people we get an overwhelming peace in our mind," said Mohan, an auto-rickshaw driver.

Many were pleasantly surprised and touched by the gesture of this community that's often accused of fleecing passengers.

"Even if you give lots of money to someone none will be happy. But if you provide food when one is hungry both the giver and the recipient are happy," said a Chennai resident.

It's a lesson from few simple men - the joy of giving is all about how big your heart is and not how deep is your pocket.
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