Good Samaritan

Service-oriented auto driver

This autorickshaw driver (I did not ask his name) proudly mentioned that he was a member of an organization called the Indian People’s Protection Organisation, an NGO with headquarters in Adyar. He hastened to add that it is a non-political organization and was involved in training the local children in road safety and life skills. A laudable effort and must be encouraged and supported considering the background of the local children.

I did not ask him whether they conduct classed in road safety and rule for auto drivers!

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The Vessels Seller

Neelamegam, aluminium vessels dealer

Meet Neelamegam. He sells kitchen utensils from his two-wheeler around Ezhil Nagar tenements. The vehicle is completely covered with his wares that I fail to understand how he would sit and ride.

He has a loudspeaker which blares out pre-recorded sales message in a professionally catchy yet natural voice. A photo of his mother decorated with flowers adorns the top of the headlamp. He procures the utensils from Salem and other places. The way the women of the area were thronging around this handsome young man indicates that he must be doing brisk business.

Smiling Children Mural

Smiling Children

This large mural of smiling children by Chennai artist, A Kill seems to be the most popular mural in the Art District if you consider the number of photographers hanging around.

Some residents, however, were not too happy with the all-black image. They would have preferred some colour. One local even suggested using “radium paint’ finish to give a glow at night!

From Chennai Photowalk For a Cause #3. jointly with St+Art

Football, Fresco and Fun

View of the Art District

A general view of Kannagi Nagar which is evolving as an Art District thanks to the initiative of St+Art and other organizations. A bunch of youngsters is busy with their football practice even as a hydraulic boom crane used by artists dominates the skyline along with the almost-finished mural.

From the Chennai Photowalk with a cause #3.

Art District

Kannagi Nagar Murals

Kannagi Nagar, a township of lower-income tenements has been selected to be developed as an Art District. It is a collaboration between St+Art and various other organizations. About 15 renowned artists from India and abroad participate in this effort.

This mural is by Kashmira Sarode depicting a mother-daughter duo affected by the tsunami, facing life again with hope.

From Photowalk for a Cause  #3 Kannagi Nagar

 

Corona Virus Effect?

Political poster

Mask for the Tamil Nadu politician. An effect of the Novel Corona Virus? Or is it gag order?

From Photowalk for a Cause #3 – Kannagi Nagar / Ezhil Nagar

 

Brooding Blues

The brooding fisherman and his boat

At the marina beach, Chennai. A lonely fisherman pondering about the day that lies ahead.

Enamel Signboard

Blue Enamel signboard

A few years ago, I had posted a picture of a blue enamel signboard from George Town. These signboards, which were ubiquitous once in shop fronts and street corners are disappearing. Occasionally you come across a signboard like this one above in Triplicane.

The brand ‘Rashiklal’ for betel nut powder was so popular that some outstation visitors to Madras used to buy in bulk for their year’s requirement. The brand is still alive and popular. I recently had to guide a visitor from Mumbai to a retail outlet where he could buy some for his senior relatives back in Mumbai.

Firewood & Charcoal

Wood and charcoal

During my younger days, there used to be several shops selling firewood and charcoal (விறகு தொட்டி) as many households and businesses were using them. In fact, the present Sardar Patel Road Adyar had a couple of them. Today, the use for these is confined to small operations like ironing, etc. Hence the number of shops has dwindled. This shop still survives in  Mambalam in a prime location and is run by the descendants of the family who started it. The present owner admitted that the business is dull and the pressure to sell off the property is high.

The Old Woman and the Sea

Old woman and the sea

This old woman with her meagre belongings was loitering on the beach. Maybe she was looking for some remnants of fish or for some alms.