Nayakaneeri's one-man solution - Milk of human kindness

T Nayakaneeri, a small village nestled 8 km off Otteri in Vellore, the morning bus stop becomes a hub of activity as residents, mostly farmers, gather around with baskets filled with fresh carrots and beans, waiting for the 10.30 am bus.

- DHEEPTHI OJ

Complaints about irregular bus services ripple through the crowd, with frustration mounting. Amid this, a calm yet commanding figure, K Govindaswamy, steps forward.

Dressed modestly in brown pants and a white shirt, the 56-year-old man begins pondering a solution for the upset villagers.

A month ago, Govindaswamy, locally known as the palkarar (milkman), stood in the forefront leading 35 students to the district collector's office to submit a petition seeking better bus services for the village, especially for the school and college students; a proposal suggested by Bobby Kathiravan, local councillor.

"There are more than 100 students on the route, leading to our village who are studying in various schools and colleges in Vellore. They are forced to walk about 8 kilometers from Otteri, carrying their bags, as there is no direct bus available.

Some students take an alternative shorter route from Adukkamparai, which is still a 5-kilometer walk from our village. Parents always remain worried about their children's commute, especially during the rains," said Govindaswamy.