This PG auto driver wants to become IPS officer

Chennai: This woman auto driver plays a dual role everyday. She drives auto during the day while at night she pursues her ambition to become an IPS officer.

S. Saraswathi, 23, is known as a ‘loyal’ auto driver in the neighbourhood. Driving is inborn to me, says the M.Com graduate who chose to drive the three-wheeler over petty part time jobs. “My father, an auto driver taught me the nuances of driving. Driving liberates me, the reason I chose it,” said Saraswathi who had been driving for five years.

“I take pride in taking up my father’s job. It is a good self employment opportunity too,” she said. Saraswathi had gone long distances up to Chengalpattu and Melmaravathur, proving that she is a trained driver. “I could not just help my appa clear the debts, but also bought books with the income,” she said.  

She and her father help each other with 'savaris’ (trips). “I carry mostly women passengers,” she said. She starts her day at 4.30 am to go to the coaching classes at Anna Nagar. “I have set a deadline of two years to become an IPS officer,” she added.

She goes out for school 'savaris’ from 2.30 pm. “My customers are mostly women. But the well-wisher list includes men too,” she said. She cited various instances when men complimented her. Her day ends at 11 pm after preparing for her exams and planning a schedule for the next day.