Arvind Swamy (second from right) packing medical kits to be sent to flood victims.
Away from the media glare in flood ravaged Chennai, actor Arvind Swamy is busy packing medical kits for flood affected people.
He says he prefers to work in the background. "If I go to the affected areas it could cause confusion and hamper relief. Our aim is to ensure these reach the affected people," says the actor, who shot to fame with the film Roja more than two decades ago.
Soon after Chennai was hit by floods for the second time in two weeks, Mr Swamy volunteered at a kitchen that sent out food packets.
He began his career playing the hero on screen but now plays the villain in films.
He says it is important to ensure that there's no spread of disease. The medical kit has anti-fungal powder, antiseptic lotion, mosquito repellent cream and oral rehydration salt. "These could prevent foot sore as they wade through waters and help children with diarohea. Our aim is to send two lakh medical kits," he explains.
For people in those in areas where there is no water logging, the team also sends packets with bottled water, dry fruits and corn flakes.
Suman Voora, National President of Round Table India that is providing the kits, says "This is Arvind's idea. He spends the whole day here from morning till night." There are volunteers from all walks of life, including little school girls.
One of them said, "I'm sad many have lost their homes. I'm happy to help here". Another student said, "I've bunked classes for this".