The milkman of Nayakaneeri, a beacon of hope and change | Fusion - WeRIndia

In the quiet village of Nayakaneeri, 8 km from Otteri in Vellore, mornings bustle with activity at the bus stop as farmers gather with fresh produce.

However, the lively scene often turns to frustration due to irregular bus services.

Amid the chatter and complaints, K Govindaswamy, a 56-year-old milkman, emerges as a solution-oriented leader.

Govindaswamy recently led a group of 35 students to the district collector’s office, presenting a petition for better bus services.

He saw several students walking long distances to reach their schools and colleges. So, he decided to help them.

Thanks to his efforts, a dedicated bus service was introduced the next day. It provided much-needed relief to the students and their worried parents.

This act is just one of Govindaswamy’s many contributions. Fifteen years ago, the village, was home to about 2,000 residents. It had only a few gas connections.

Residents had to cycle 10 km through mountainous terrain to refill cylinders.

Seeing their struggle, Govindaswamy persuaded a gas agency to deliver cylinders locally, organising over 100 residents to sign up for connections. Today, gas delivery is a doorstep service.

Balancing his full-time job as a milk supplier, Govindaswamy dedicates his midday hours to community service. He delivers milk until 10 am. After that, he attends to the villagers’ needs till 2 pm.

Over the years, he has facilitated PAN cards for over 300 women under the MGNREGA scheme and even helped secure school admissions for children through his network.

Govindaswamy’s wife, G Pachaiyammal, supports his efforts, making them a dynamic duo.

Their dedication extends to resolving unusual issues, such as removing a massive wasp hive from the village burial ground.

Through his tireless efforts, Govindaswamy has become a pillar of Nayakaneeri.

His impact resonates deeply, with villagers and leaders alike praising his selflessness.

Image from Pxhere (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on January 31, 2017

Image Reference: https://pxhere.com/en/photo/592712