While Chennai Was Rioting For Jallikattu, One Woman Cabbie Refused To Give Up Her Job
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On January 23, as violence erupted in the city over the pro-jallikattu protests, most cab drivers stayed off the roads. Not Jayalakshmi Babu. The 34-year-old, a partner with cab aggregator Ola, ferried passengers through the day, including an outstation trip on credit.
TOI
Around 12.30pm, Babu was watching images of a burning city on television, when she received a booking that required her to drive from T Nagar to Katpadi junction and return to Porur, a distance of at least 300 kilometres. "My family members did not stop me...," she said.
Also Read: Chennai Cop Says She Was 'Grabbed And Pushed Around' By Molesters During Jallikattu Protest
R Shaktivel of the Kirloskar group had to go to Katpadi to pick up material from Bengaluru stuck due to a rail roko. "...I was surprised to see a woman driver taking outstation trips and was embarrassed to put her through this trouble but I had not option," he said.
BCCL
Shaktivel said she immediately understood his urgency and drove fast but was in control. "Besides a 10- minute break, she didn't stop anywhere," he said.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin Takes The Chennai Metro To Avoid Getting Stuck In Jallikattu Protests On Streets
Babu dropped Shaktivel ahead of time. But, the man only had Rs 500 in hand for the Rs 3,100 bill. "Without any hesitation, she asked me to focus on my seminar and transfer money later. I must confess even I don't have this level of trust," said Shaktivel.
BCCL/representational image
Babu said she knew he had urgent business and online payment was not working. "I had his number and Ola's backing so I told him not to worry and shared my bank account details with him."
Also Read: Tamil Nadu Governor Signs Pro-Jallikattu Ordinance, Bull Races May Begin On Sunday
She didn't stop there. Making light of the tense situation, she to complete several rides through the riot-torn city.
BCCL
Before joining Ola Pink two years ago, she was a valet driver with Savera Hotels. A native of Guntur in Andhra Pradesh, she has been in Chennai for more than two decades and has now trained five homemakers. "I feel motivated to take night shifts because women professionals look so overjoyed when they see a lady driver."
