Mahesh V | | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Let’s swap, not shop: Snapshots and conversations from Chennai’s ‘Reuse and Reduce Sale’

January 14, 2020 Mahesh V

Take a look at scenes from the Swap Sale organised by Chennai Corporation, and hear about the thought and philosophy behind the event from one of the key organisers, Alby John Varghese, Regional Deputy Commissioner (South).

Let’s go to Spring Potato beach; sorry, we mean Besant Nagar beach

December 8, 2019 Mahesh V

Besant Nagar beach is unrecognisable to old timers, thanks to over a hundred Spring Potato shops. What do they sell? Do they get any customers? Don’t they need permission to operate in a public space? What’s it doing to the beach? Many questions, few answers..

Meet the men who satisfy your midnight hunger pangs

November 15, 2019 Mahesh V

Introducing our new series, “While the city sleeps”, where we talk to people who keep Chennai’s night life and economy rolling, and bring you snapshots of their nocturnal lives.

Pollution red alert: Chennai’s Delhi moment is almost here

November 8, 2019 Mahesh V

Are you aware that on the afternoon of Nov 7th, the Air Quality Index (AQI) level in Velachery stood at 271, only marginally better than Delhi’s (282) at the same time? Both data from monitors and snapshots from different areas in the city show why we need urgent action on air pollution.

In photos: A walk through the once-bustling, now deserted Moore market

October 22, 2019 Mahesh V

Moore Market was once a thriving book bazaar, particularly famous for second-hand books and frequented by large numbers of students. But a couple of hours in the market on a Monday morning shows how business has collapsed, thanks to the popularity of online bookstores.

Road to Mahabalipuram sparkles for Modi – Xi summit. EllamEyewaas?

October 10, 2019 Mahesh V

The road from Chennai airport to Mahabalipuram is being given an unprecedented face lift for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit. The question on most locals’ minds is – do we not deserve such clean and good roads? All the time?

On thriving ECR, a family left behind relates its story

September 16, 2019 Mahesh V

Paul Rajapandian, or Raja, lives with his two daughters and a granddaughter in a small shack alongside ECR road. His family has been in the cane weaving business for over two generations. In the buzzing suburbs of our metropolis, lives such as Raja’s remain invisible.

Articles by Mahesh V

Let’s swap, not shop: Snapshots and conversations from Chennai’s ‘Reuse and Reduce Sale’

Let’s go to Spring Potato beach; sorry, we mean Besant Nagar beach

Meet the men who satisfy your midnight hunger pangs

Pollution red alert: Chennai’s Delhi moment is almost here

In photos: A walk through the once-bustling, now deserted Moore market

Road to Mahabalipuram sparkles for Modi – Xi summit. EllamEyewaas?

On thriving ECR, a family left behind relates its story

Golden hour, CPR and more: Life-saving lessons we should all know

When pillars become posters: Tale of the delayed Medavakkam flyover project

Who looks after the OSR parks in Chennai?

Breaking taboos: Glimpses from the 11th Chennai Pride March