Good morning, Chennai!
☀️ Today’s weather: High: 36 ℃ | Low: 27 ℃ | Mostly sunny for the day.
🧐 Did you know? Spencer Plaza was built in 1863 by Charles Durant and JW Spencer. The property originally belonged to Spencer & Co Ltd. The present-day mall was opened in 1991.
📷 Capturing everyday moments
Recent exhibitions across Chennai showcased photographs taken by government school students.
What’s it about? Students from four government schools were chosen for a six-month photography course culminating in four exhibitions organised by the Chennai Corporation and the Chennai Photo Biennale to showcase the photos.
- The exhibitions were titled Portrait of a Market, Two Pearls In an Oyster, Colours of Pulianthope, and Through Young Eyes: A Journey in Photography.
- The goal of the course was to enhance the artistic skills of the students, who were from classes 5 to 12. Thirty-five students from each grade were selected.
Positive outcome: Students who weren’t focused on academics but were interested in extra-curricular activities excelled at the course. The course helped the students in their communication skills.
🎂 Mastering Bento cakes
Baker Jannathul Firdous’ workshop will help Chennaiites craft their own bento cakes.
What’s it about? Bento cakes are becoming increasingly popular in Chennai. They’re small colourful cakes packed in a tiny box, meant for two people. With the right quantity and quality of ingredients, anyone can make Bento cakes. Self-taught baker Jannathul Firdous and her workshop will help people make their own creations.
- The process starts from scratch with a theme. The workshop will include a basic chocolate cake, Russian buttercream, icing techniques, and decorating and packing a lunch box Bento cake.
- The challenge lies in assessing the size and height of the cake so it fits in the box. The workshops are for beginners and those with baking experience.
Personal journey: The love for baking came after her daughter asked for a chocolate cake for her birthday. There were many hours of trial and error and immersing herself in the art of baking. Eight years later, she’s now conducting workshops to share her knowledge.
🏢 Capgemini expands its footprint
The French IT consulting company announced its expansion into Chennai.
What’s it about? Capgemini announced its new 5,000-seat facility in Chennai, expected to be completed in April 2027. It also announced ₹1,000 crore investment for the state.
- The new 6 lakh square feet facility will become the prime destination for South India’s top-tier talent. The new facility will support the company’s specialist teams.
- The facility will have advanced engineering labs, dedicated pods for customer experience centres, and specialised onboarding rooms.
Sustainable campus: In its commitment to sustainability, the new campus will have advanced energy-efficient technologies, use recycled materials and be entirely powered by renewable energy sources.
🚶 Where are the footpaths?
Despite the Corporation’s steps to revamp sidewalks, several footpaths across the city remain inaccessible and inadequate.
What’s it about? Chennai’s pedestrians often have difficulty walking on footpaths since they’re often encroached upon by vendors or parked vehicles. In other cases, they’re at various levels of repair with debris and construction material dumped.
- One of the main reasons is the Chennai Corporation’s negligence. Citizens and activists have blamed government departments for repeatedly digging well-laid footpaths.
- Even in residential areas, footpaths have become inaccessible. In gated communities, residents use them as ramps for their vehicles. They’re also not friendly to persons with disabilities, with no ramps and railings.
What’s being done about it? The Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) is working with the Chennai Corporation on the “Complete Street Project” to transform the city’s streets and footpaths. Completed and revamped footpaths have helped over 1 million residents.
📊 Today’s Poll
(Only subscribers can participate in the polls)
Do you prefer to drink coffee/tea in the morning or evening?
- I prefer to drink coffee/tea in the morning.
- I prefer to drink coffee/tea in the evening.
❓ Today’s Question
(Only subscribers can submit their answers)
What’s your preferred alcohol-based beverage?
Reply to this email with your answers.
🗞️ In other news…
- The 2024 Marine Expo has begun with attractions and events on all things marine-related.
- For Diwali this year, TASMAC will begin selling 90ml liquor bottles.
- To bolster revenue and aesthetics, streetlights across several parts will have digital advertising boards.
- The Chennai Metro informed the High Court that it’ll take 6 months to make all stations disabled-friendly.
- Monsoon preparedness work by the Chennai Corporation has clashed with the ongoing metro rail work in 7 zones.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll:
- I have eaten at the city’s Amma Canteens: 62.5% 🏆
- I haven’t eaten at the city’s Amma Canteens: 37.5%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
If you could have a pet dog, what breed would you want?
Suchi: “A Pomeranian”
That’s it for today. Have a great day!