Features | Citizen Matters, Chennai

Why are so many refugees leaving Chennai’s Kelambakkam camp?

July 4, 2019 Sri Loganathan

Statistics from the UNHCR indicate that at least 11 Rohingyas have migrated from the camp at Kelambakkam over the past eight months. This video looks into what is driving them away from Chennai, a city where they feel safe and at home.

Dry taps, blocked sewers, garbage mess and more: Koyambedu market cries out for better infrastructure

June 13, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Koyambedu market has Asia’s largest perishable goods complex. But with heaps of garbage, water scarcity and serious sanitation issues creating really sorry conditions on the ground, authorities really need to act urgently.

What does Ramzan mean to Triplicane?

May 16, 2019 Sri Loganathan

Illuminated roads, varieties of food and a pervasive spirit of hope and unity. A walk on the roads of Triplicane during Ramadan month reflects festive fervour and harmony. Watch our short video to know more about the Big Mosque and its observance of Ramzan.

This is how Election Commission and public entities are sensitising citizens to vote

April 16, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Ahead of elections to the 17th Lok Sabha, Greater Chennai Corporation and public entities conduct back-to-back awareness campaigns, emphasising the right and duty to vote.

Enter the jungle: Where in this busy city would you find 150 species of birds?

April 12, 2019 Seetha Gopalakrishnan

The Guindy National Park is not just a critical green lung in the heart of Chennai, but also an excellent space to showcase urban forest conservation. Let this photoessay take you on a visual stroll through the park with its marvellous display of flora and fauna.

What happens when Chennai starts dancing in the rain on Holi?

March 22, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Water levels in the four reservoirs at Red hills, Cholavaram, Chembarambakkam and Poondi are almost six times less than at this time last year. With Chennai among the drought-hit districts in the state, the festival of colours should have been celebrated more responsibly.

Chennaiites! Last few days to take in what the Chennai Photo Biennale has on offer!

March 21, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

The Chennai Photo Biennale comes to a close on March 24. Here’s a roundup of all that you can catch before the curtains come down!

Women achievers in Chennai we bet you haven’t heard of!

March 8, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

They spent the best parts of their life toiling in brutal, inhuman conditions, as modern day slaves, right here in the city. But has it broken their spirit or zeal for life? No. This International Women’s Day, we bring you the story of two women, rescued from bonded labour, who are rebuilding their lives with grit and courage.

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.