Anumol honours 50 women auto drivers in Chennai

Insulated bottles, sanitary napkins, power banks and first-aid kits were chosen for a Navratri initiative celebrating women's work and independence.

Anumol honoured 50 women auto drivers in Chennai with welfare kits and a meal on Vijayadashami, recognising the long hours they put in to support their families and build independent livelihoods. The actor spent time speaking with the women, hearing about their families and thanking them for the determination they bring to their work.

The initiative began with a conversation between Anumol and her fans. During Navratri, they wanted to celebrate women who had built an identity and financial independence through their own efforts. She readily agreed, and the gathering took place in Kolathur.

Anumol with participants at the Vijayadashami gathering in Kolathur.

Known to streaming audiences through Ayali and recently seen in Paris Cafe, Anumol often adds the words Always Choose Kindness when signing autographs for fans. At the gathering, her message to the drivers centred on equality, self-respect and the importance of women supporting one another.

“Driving an auto for your family, day and night, when unexpected situations can arise at any time, is not easy,” she said. “You are working not only for your families, but also to build confidence in yourselves and stand on your own feet with self-respect and an identity of your own. That deserves appreciation.”

Anumol greets the women drivers seated in the hall.

Anumol speaks to the gathering about independence, equality and mutual support.

She stressed that financial independence should go hand in hand with access to healthcare and education. Women should stand by one another without discrimination, she said, encouraging the drivers not to let remarks about their appearance, complexion or language undermine their confidence.

“For me, everyone is equal,” Anumol said. “If someone belittles you because of your appearance, colour or language, put it aside patiently and keep moving towards your goals with determination. I feel proud to be speaking with you on this special day.”

The actor met each of the women while distributing the assistance and spoke with them about their family circumstances. The kits included insulated water bottles, sanitary napkins, power banks and first-aid supplies, with a meal also arranged for the gathering.

A welfare kit is presented beside an autorickshaw during Anumol's visit.

Women drivers and other participants celebrate together outside the gathering.

Driver Bhavani said it was the care taken over the selection that had touched her. “Several charitable organisations have helped me before. But they understood our needs and gave us insulated water bottles, good-quality sanitary napkins, power banks and first-aid kits. They also served us a lovely meal and honoured us. I will never forget this. I love you, madam!”