Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Happy Birthday Chennai! ♥


August 22 - The city I love so much turns an year younger this day. 373 is just a number for those like me who have grown up along with the city all through their life.

She might not have the climate that everyone claims the best. She might not have perennial rivers that gives water throughout the year. She might not give the peaceful atmosphere and a relaxed life for those who need it.

Yet she accepts and takes everyone who comes to her with a new hope in life. She gives the safety and security which no other metro in this country can claim to have. She accommodates just people - not religions, languages or castes.

There are pubs and growing night life and at the same time sabhas and katcheris in music season. There are enough of things engage retired people at old age and at the same time opportunities for young minds coming out with hopes and dreams. There is a harmonious mix of all cultures, religions and various diversities which is the unique nature of this city.

On one hand, there are a quite a handful of things to be improved - the roads and drainage system especially in rainy season, the storm water drains. The prohibitively costly auto fares which are a total injustice to the common man. The heavy traffic in few areas which could not be controlled by any means. The need of proper "tourist spots" instead of passing off old buildings and memorials of leaders as tourist attractions - something that is worthy spending time on.

On the other hand, the city springs up lots of hopes in its latest developments - the Chennai Metro Rail project which if goes as per plan will be the most effectively connected transport network in Chennai. The new airport terminals that are built to match those in other metros - yet stays very much closer to the city. The increasing bus connectivity and standard of government buses. The booming industrial zones in and around the city and so on.


She knows to balance herself and stay firm for many years to come. She has done it for 373 years and she will continue to do it. And will make people like me always the proud children of Chennai.

To end with, a salute to the city from her Oscar winning musician: