Recognition for his work in the city

BANGALORE: Auto Raja won Namma Bangaluru award for his silent contribution to the city. He was nominated by the people for the award.This is what he had to say about his achievement: “I am Auto Raja. I am very happy to have received Namma Bengaluru Award in recognition of my service in providing shelter for abandoned children and senior citizens.This award has made me more responsible and I have dedicated myself to the cause. The `1 lakh cash award has been a great help for the New Ark Mission of India, which has been providing shelter for abandoned children and senior citizens under the Home of Hope project.The Namma Bengaluru Award has made me more popular  and Mother Theresa Children’s Foundation donated an ambulance in recognition of my services. Prior to this, I received CNN IBN award under the ‘Unsung Hero’ category.Currently, there are 370 people — 140 men, 210 women and 40 children — at the New Ark Mission of India. I plan to construct a building on an acre of land at Bhairathi Bande, which was sanctioned during H D Kumaraswamy’s regime.New Ark Mission of India needs `3 lakh per month to provide food for the inmates. As of now, we are not receiving any help from the State Government.”— as told to  Y Maheswara Reddy