Paper Thatha, Chennai, Local Hero, Inspiring, Senior Citizen, Gopalapuram

[MysteRy]

What gets a 94-year-old out of bed at 3:30 AM, every single day?
Not habit. Not an obligation. But the purpose.

In Gopalapuram, Chennai, K. Shanmugasundaram, fondly known as Paper Thatha, is already on his bicycle while the city sleeps.

Since the early 2000s, he’s delivered 50 milk packets and 60 newspapers every single day without fail.

Fever didn’t stop him. Rain didn’t. Not even the pandemic.

Once he's done, he heads to manage a wedding hall and reads every paper he just delivered, word for word.

“Even when I am running a fever, I don’t miss a day. I’m happy around people. So, I’m never at home always out on my bicycle,” he said with a smile to The Hindu.
This isn’t just work. It’s dignity. Discipline. A life in motion.

A former water can supplier and auto parts dealer, he raised six children, cares for his wife, and still chooses the road, even as his ten grandchildren ask him to slow down.

“He inspires me every morning,” said a neighbour. “Just watching him makes you want to do better.”

Because for Paper Thatha, the bicycle isn’t just transport.
It’s his truth. His freedom. His purpose.