Features – Citizen Matters, Chennai

In pictures: The sad truth of plastic use in Chennai, despite ban

February 14, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Blame it on ineffective implementation by the government or callousness of citizens themselves, but single-use plastic is still seen in many a nook and corner of the city. Here are a few examples.

When Angada meets Hamlet on a Chennai stage

February 11, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Mythology, epics and historical novels have always been a favourite in Tamil theatre. Today, new age theatre groups in the city are experimenting with them, modernising characters, contexts and weaving in eclectic art forms to take the story to the people.

Helping a homeless, mentally ill woman in Chennai: A personal experience

February 9, 2019 S Sudharshan

M S Paoyaola, a committed second year student of social work at the Madras Christian College, came upon a homeless, mentally ill young woman near the streets of St Thomas Mount. Her experience thereafter says a lot about how we can become a more empathetic city in general.

Helplines to dial when you are depressed

January 25, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Chennai witnesses a significantly high rate of suicides. Helplines serve as one of the last resorts of suicidal persons in the city who can seek help from trained professionals in their darkest hour.

Why amateur badminton enthusiasts in Chennai are a disgruntled lot

January 22, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Football and cricket hog dominant space in the 210 Corporation-owned playgrounds, while the parks are meant for children’s play areas and greenery. Where, then, can one indulge her love for badminton, which is growing increasingly popular as a recreational sport among Chennaiites?

A day in the life of a de-addiction centre worker in Chennai

December 27, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Rescue workers in de-addiction centres across the city have a thankless job. It entails a fair amount of physical risk, and yet they remain underpaid and have no medical insurance.

Santhome park opens up infinite possibilities for Chennai kids

December 21, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

The city’s first inclusive park was inaugurated earlier this week. It is tailored to the needs of all children, including those with special needs and disabilities. The vibrant space has seen great reception in a short time.

Victims of stereotyping: How Chennai treats migrants to the city

December 18, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

The theme for International Migrants Day 2018, observed on December 18th, is Migration with Dignity. Conversations with migrants from other states to the city, however, reveal that dignity is the last thing they can take for granted even as they continue to live and work here.

Where, oh where, have the goldsmiths gone?

December 12, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

With the mushrooming of giant jewellery showrooms in the city and growing corporatisation, self-employed goldsmiths of yore have become an almost invisible tribe in Chennai. A few, however, hang on to their passion, offering unique creations and customisation.

Life on the go: Meet your Swiggy delivery person

November 12, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Food delivery persons face many hardships on the job, including dealing with ‘hangry’ people on a daily basis. Yet, they soldier on in the face of a lack of enough alternatives and in hopes of a better future. A chat with a delivery person for Swiggy in Chennai.

Caring for heritage: What my grandfather’s house taught me

October 29, 2018 Pradeep Chakravarthy

Pradeep Chakravarthy lives in a house that was built in 1950. What has it been like to match the house to his life in it today, nearly 70 years on? And what has his experience taught him about preserving heritage?

For the love of rowing: anecdotes from three generations of rowers on Adyar River

October 16, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Imagine a walk on the Kotturpuram bridge on any morning or evening – a glance below provides a picturesque sight: people shouting in happiness, their row boats on the tranquil waters of Adyar River, free