Good morning, Chennai!
⛅ Today’s weather: Smoothly sunny with some cloud cover.
🧐 Did you know? The first of Chennai’s Sabhas, the Madras branch of Poona Gayan Samaj, was registered in 1887.
✊ Campus no-protest rule
Madras University’s no-protest rule has come under criticism.
What’s it about? The Sociology Department of Madras University has directed its postgraduate students to declare that they’re not a part of any politically affiliated organisations and won’t participate in agitations. Some have criticised the rule for going against the basic tenets of democracy and higher education.
- Vice Chancellor S Gowri said the decision was taken following a directive from the state government to not permit protests during the assembly session. Students who disobey the order can be removed from the programme.
- Recently, some Indian universities have seen student protests and demonstrations against the ban on the BBC documentary on Narendra Modi and the violence in Manipur.
Criticism and support: PB Prince Gajendrababu of the State Platform for Common School System wrote a letter to the Vice Chancellor appealing to university officials to retract the rule. He said it violated the right to free speech and expression. Former Vice Chancellor P Duraisamy said students should protest only on education-related issues.
🏗️ Strategising North Chennai’s development
State government departments will meet to discuss projects to develop North Chennai.
What’s it about? The government has asked 11 departments to identify infrastructure gaps in North Chennai related to basic amenities. The initiative aimed to develop this part of the city is called “Vada Chennai Valarchi Thittam”.
- The project will be implemented by combining funds from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) with ongoing schemes. The projects implemented will address issues like water supply, waste management, and education.
- North Chennai was identified with an area of 170 sq km with a population of 26.5 lakh. The areas covered will be RK Nagar, Royapuram, and Perambur, among others.
Previous plan: 2018 saw the ‘Special plan for the development of backward areas of North Chennai’. It covered Manali, Madhavaram, and Tondiarpet, among others. It focused on developing the area for investments and reducing pollution, but the previous government didn’t implement it.
🎶 Carnatic music experiment
A group of Carnatic musicians will come together for a special experimental concert.
What’s it about? A Muthuswami Dikshitar composition from musicians G Ravi Kiran, Rithvik Raja, and Vignesh Ishvar became a hit. It caught the attention of Mahesh Venkateswaran of MadRasana, who requested a concert. ENS3MBLE is the event’s name, organised by Sruti Magazine, celebrating its 40th anniversary.
- The concert will have three vocalists from the same musical school experimenting with their voices together. The 100-minute concert will present experimental pieces.
- The concert will begin with only voices and no microphone, then gradually bring in the instruments. Carnatic music is a collaborative experience, and this experimental concert can increase audience interest during the December music season.
Details: ENS3MBLE takes place on July 29 at The Asian College Journalism Auditorium, Taramani.
🎁 Honouring employee loyalty
Chennai-based TeaBoy gifted cars to its core team members for their loyalty to the company.
What’s it about? CEO of Kissflow Suresh Sambandam, was invited to handover three Hyundai i10 cars to the core team members who helped build and grow the city-based startup.
- The three core team members, Tamilselvi, Prasanth, and Manimaran, helped founder Joseph Rajesh begin TeaBoy and are seen by him as the pillar of the company.
- According to Rajesh, the gesture of gifting cars to them is a testament to their achievements and loyalty to the company.
Company’s growth: The company was founded in 2019 by Rajesh and now has 410 outlets.
✨ Things to do…
Here are some fun and interesting things to do in the city over the weekend!
- Celebrate Madras On Music with two days of live performances from indie artists.
- Discover the origins of tea with a neighbourhood walk on the history of Tondiarpet in Chai Trails with Tondiarpet.
- eChai ventures will host the July 2023 edition of the eChai Demo Day for promising startups to engage with investors.
- Know Your Theatre’s series As a Part Of continues with excerpts of Mohan Narayanan’s plays and an interactive session.
- Listen to and exchange stories with others at the Socials With A Purpose event.
🛋️ Local Lounge
Yesterday’s Poll Results:
- Chennai should have dedicated bike lanes: 66.7% 🏆
- Chennai shouldn’t have dedicated bike lanes: 33.3%
Answers to Yesterday’s Question:
What can civic officials do to help promote the cleanliness of public spaces?
Chitra: “Awareness campaigns in all localities. Make rules and implement them properly. Levy fines for disobedience.”
That’s it for today. Have a great weekend!