Date:02/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/02/stories/2008120254240500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Madurai

For a hassle-free darshan for elderly

R. Sairam

MADURAI: The mere mention of the word, ‘autorickshaw drivers,’ sparks in the average citizen fleeting memories of being fleeced and of a heart-stopping ride.

However, it will generate gratitude among the thousands of aged and elderly devotees who visit the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple from now. Lending a helping hand to the most vulnerable section, Maveeran Bhagat Singh auto stand, affiliated to the All-India Trade Union Congress, unveiled 15 new wheelchairs here on Sunday.

The wheelchairs, bought from the donations collected from its members as well as the public, are meant to help the aged devotees have a hassle-free darshan in the temple. “Since the banning of traffic on the four Chithirai Streets, we see many elderly visitors to the temple having a tough time. The absence of bus shelters to give them respite from the scorching summer heat also compounds their agony,” says auto stand president S. Sithick.

As part of the projects funded by the Tourism Department and executed by the Madurai Corporation, beautification and development work, costing Rs. 5 crore, is under way on the Chithirai Streets. While the auto stand members pitched in with money for two wheelchairs, the rest were funded by public donations. Mr. Sithick says the stand members will take care of the maintenance of the wheelchairs, which cost Rs.1,500 each. “We are seeking donations with which we plan to provide five more wheelchairs.”