While patrolling at night as a young city distribution officer in Coimbatore to check the smuggling of food grains, M. Kandaswami was whisked away by smugglers. After warning him not to carry out
such surprise raids, they dropped him. Unmindful of his personal safety, Kandaswami noted down the vehicle’s registration number and alerted the local police about the incident. Within hours, the smugglers were nabbed.
Aorund three decades after his retirement, his commitment to public service is till intact.
Now 90 years old, Kandaswami guides the local welfare association on how to improve the neighbourhood. He also encourages youngsters to take up meditation.
“Despite my old age, I ensure that I attend association meetings and other public gatherings to share ideas on developing the neighbourhood,” says Kandaswami.
Interestingly, Kandaswami is said to be the first person to start a residents’ welfare association in Anna Nagar.
Residents from neighbouring areas have also gained from his experience on starting an association.
