Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: High: 32 ℃ | Low: 23 ℃ | Sunny weather for the day.
🧐 Did you know? The Madras Literary Society, established in the 1800s, never closed for a day until the Covid-19 lockdown. It’s one of the largest lending libraries in South Asia.
📖 Indigenous Sci-fi novel
Chennai’s first-ever Comic Con saw the launch of its first indigenous sci-fi novel.
What’s it about? As Chennai played host to its first-ever Comic Con, part of the celebrations included the launch of the second part of its first indigenous sci-fi novel, ‘Endwars: Volume 2 – Dark Conquest’. It’s written by Amirtharaj Selvaraj and is filled with vivid artwork of eerie shadows and neon lights. It’s a sequel to last year’s ‘Endwars: The Chosen One’.
- The plot revolves around two factions called the Global Denomination Alliance (GDA) and the United Free Nations, set in the year 2105. This edition picks up right after the first book.
- The book takes inspiration from several comic styles, from Japanese manga to Marvel and DC. The illustrations are done by Saurab Chavan. A Tamil version called ‘Irudhipor—Mannavan Oruvan’ was also released.
Native for the world: The team wanted to create a superhero with Indian roots that could appeal to a global audience. The book deals with universal themes like adventure, mythology, action, and fantasy.
🌊 Telling the tales of the ocean
The upcoming Chennai Kalai Theru Vizha spotlights Chennai’s coast and fishing communities.
What’s it about? The event on February 23 has the theme, Vazhum Kadalkarai, Vazhvu Alikum Kadalkarai, or Living ocean, life-giving ocean. The vizha returns after a 6-year gap to call for healthy and inclusive beaches where leisure can coexist with ecology and livelihoods.
- The shores of Urur Olcott Kuppam and the colourful temple are dotted with lanes, and houses, spanning a 200-year history. The “Our Village, Our Stories, Our Memories: A Living Histories Walk” tells the stories of deities and folk tales.
- Over the years, the festival has travelled to overlooked parts of the city. Besant Nagar is often the go-to area for tourists. However, the village of Urur Olcott Kuppam is separated, with some people having negative connotations due to class and caste.
Bringing in art: The nets, boats, baits, and fisherfolk are all part of the village’s history. The vizha aims to bring people and art together to showcase their stories, including music, thanks in part to parai aatam from students of Avvai Home.
🗺️ Cooum redesign plan wins award
Eromitha Ramesh’s design to revitalise the Cooum River won the prestigious Gold Medal at the AYDA Awards.
What’s it about? The Chennai native won the Gold medal for The Cooum Conundrum at Nippon Paint’s AYDA awards. The theme of this year’s competition was for young designers to integrate their passions with impactful causes.
- The project looks into construction along river edges and ecologically sensitive areas. The project explores ways to build and coexist with other species on the riverbanks.
- The design integrates architecture and landscape for a balanced urban ecosystem. Eromitha researched the Cooum River’s evolution and how it connects to the city’s history.
Importance of the Cooum: In the past, the Cooum was seen as the city’s lifeblood. In recent times, it has suffered from neglect and pollution. In her research, Eromitha learned about the cultural mapping done by historian Venkatesh Ramakrishnan and studied other articles on the subject.
🚧 Anna Salai traffic
Traffic on Anna Salai may be affected again as the elevated corridor’s construction begins.
What’s it about? As the state highways department begins work on a new elevated corridor, traffic on Anna Salai, Saidapet could be affected. A portion of the arterial road near the Saidapet metro station has been barricaded to facilitate the four-lane elevated corridor between Saidapet and Teynampet.
- This stretch saw frequent traffic jams and was later uncongested after the police introduced many U-turns and mid-sections. Now, police fear they might need to shut the U-turns.
- Highway officials have said the construction shouldn’t have major traffic disruptions like the metro did. The plan is to use prefabricated structures to avoid obstructions and reduce time.
Complaints from motorists: Residents and motorists aren’t happy since Anna Salai was chaotic as the metro construction was ongoing. It has largely remained that way until the new U-turns were introduced.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Have you read a graphic novel?
- I have read a graphic novel.
- I haven’t read a graphic novel.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your most prized childhood possession?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- Anna University has decided to close 12 colleges with less than 5% enrolment.
- Local water sources in the city’s southern suburbs were contaminated with sewage.
- The International Kindness Festival will showcase a platform to inspire action to combat social injustices.
- Chintadripet’s fish market is expected to be completed next month.
- The Madras High Court permitted the government to conduct the Formula 4 night race within the city.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I carry my own bag for grocery shopping: 72.7% 🏆
- I don’t carry my own bag for grocery shopping: 27.3%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What’s your preferred type of coffee?
Suchi: “Traditional South Indian filter coffee”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!