While the ‘suicide point’ at Thiru-Vi-Ka bridge, across the Adyar River, is quite well-known, the person who is responsible for saving lives here, is not.
Meet K Ravi (48), a resident of Malligai Poo Nagar, who risks his own life, to save those who jump or fall into the waters. He brings them out- dead or alive.
In a chat with News Today, he explains why he involves in this rather dangerous activity. “I have been living here for the past 35 years. This is known as the suicide point. If anyone falls into the river or jumps, I try and rescue them. I do this because I know its depth, like the back of my hand,” he begins.
For him, it is all about being passionate to save another life. The job is, however, easier said than done. To begin with, it is a hard thing to do, as the river is dirty and stinking.
Secondly, he does not know what will happen after he jumps. He might either swim ashore with a body or a saved life. Thirdly, the after-effects are not easy.
“The foul smell of the water or a body, stays for three days, during which I continuously keep throwing up,” he says.
Over the years, he has saved 18 persons and fished out 13 bodies.
So what does Ravi do for a living? “I mostly do odd jobs. The Law and Order police have been kind to me for my services. They let me do repair and paint works at the station. They even buy me alcohol before I jump into the water, he states.
On whether he gets paid for this, or if his services have been appreciated, he says, “No. Most of the times after the work is done, people ask me to shower and come, saying they would give money. Once I return, they would all have left. But once, when I saved a drunk man who had fallen into a temple tank at Madipakkam, his relatives gave me Rs 1,500.”
So what keeps him going? “My family is happy with what I do. They are proud of me. After all, I save lives,” he signs off.
He can be reached at 91765 07818.