D*SPLACED

- Iswarya Murali

Yes, yes, Chennai is hot. And humid. And dusty. And Chennai’s autowallahs are the kings of overcharging. Yes, Chennai, despite the prevalence of pubs and discos, is still probably the most conservative metro in India. But, despite all this(or is it because of all this?) Chennai is the first love of my life. Nothing can come close to the rush of affection I feel for this city. And it’s not even as if I have spent all my life in Chennai. I’ve had minor and major flings with other cities. But in every other place, I’ve managed to grumble and find flaws. It’s not as if Chennai is perfect, it’s just that I love my city, imperfections, flaws, et al.

Some random thoughts about images that keep flashing my mind, when I think about the only city that i call my hometown….

*Chennaiites’ love for “The Hindu” and filter coffee is inexplicable. Say what you will, but in my humble opinion, not even Pink Floyd + alcohol could possibly beat this combination.

* Bessy beach – simply the best hangout in the city, whether you’re with your significant other, friends or family. Beaches have this amazing tendency of manipulate your emotions ranging from wacky, soulful, romantic to philosophical (And sorry Hyderabadis, Necklace Road comes NO WHERE close)

*Renganathan Street – the ultimate shopping destination for rich and poor alike.

*MAC Stadium – the place which prompted a commentator to deem the cricket crazy crowd as “one of the most sporting ever” after a standing ovation given to the opposing team, albeit India’s loss.

*Yes, of course, my love for idly, dosa and sambar.

Miss you, Chennai. (And as I like to call it rarely – Madras).

Displaced for me would be a state of mind when I would suddenly realize that everything I stood for is no longer valid. Everything I wanted to achieve in life does not hold any meaning. Everything that I aspire to be is just a mirage.

More than places, time zones and people, for me it is about thyself and the constant battle that we engage in to go about our daily cores. On one hand its that thought of trying to beat everyone in this super competitive world. And on the other hand, deep down, its the simple creature who just wants to have fun and do his own thing.

- Saurabh G., Haryana – Delhi – Gurgaon – Chennai – Mumbai

Boulevard Clémenceau
Watching through a slitted gaze
Snowfall on the sun

Soft, sterile, lovely
Even the sun’s cold here and,
Sometimes, Chennai warmth…

- Meenakshi N, Chennai, India – Dijon, France