Inclusive, entrepreneurial: Leaders discuss why Coimbatore feels like home

At the India Today South Conclave in Coimbatore, the city’s leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and changemakers came together to reflect on what makes the textile hub more than just an industrial powerhouse. From diversity and nature to food and entrepreneurship, Coimbatore was celebrated as a city that embraces everyone while staying deeply rooted in its identity.

CITY OF INCLUSION, DIVERSITY

Transgender activist and Sahodari Foundation founder Kalki Subramaniam called Coimbatore one of the most inclusive cities in India.
“For centuries, people from other states have migrated here and contributed to its growth. Its inclusion and diversity is the beauty of Coimbatore,” Subramaniam said.

NATURE’S SPECIAL CHILD

Entrepreneur and Siruthuli co-founder Vanitha Mohan described the city as “emotionally warm” and a “special child of Mother Nature.”
“Coimbatore is embraced by the Western Ghats. It is known for its climate, sweet water, and greenery. The seed for this pride was sown by nature itself,” she said.

Conclave South: Full Coverage

EASE OF BUSINESS, EASE OF LIVING

BJP MLA Vanathi Srinivasan positioned Coimbatore as both a business hub and a livable city.

“This city nurtures leadership and values. We offer ease of doing business, coupled with ease of living. No one can ignore Coimbatore, it’s Tamil Nadu’s growth engine,” she said.

SELF-MADE, FUTURE-FOCUSED CITY

Shankar Vanavarayar, President of Kumaraguru Institutions, called Coimbatore entrepreneurial and progressive.
“It’s a self-made city. People are proud of the past but equally future-focused. We need to keep innovating, manufacturing, and building pride while protecting the ecosystem,” he said.

PEOPLE AND THEIR WARMTH

Radio Jockey Deepak, who moved from Chennai, recalled how a car driver who hit him years ago responded with gentleness instead of anger.
“Coimbatore people and their anger is like kala katha and curry dosa — when blended, it turns neutral. That’s what makes people here special,” he joked.

Vanathi added that even when scolding, Coimbatore’s people cannot use harsh words, a defining cultural trait.

CHENNAI VS COIMBATORE

The panel also touched upon the Chennai vs Coimbatore contrast. While Chennai was described as more stressful and fast-paced, Coimbatore was hailed as a “city of courtesy and respect.” The unique “Kovai Tamil,” village cuisine, and warm interactions with elders were cited as cultural strengths.

Looking ahead, the city’s leaders pointed to challenges as well as opportunities. Vanitha Mohan flagged the need for better water management and infrastructure to accommodate rapid industrial growth. Vanathi Srinivasan noted that a metro project is in the pipeline, while Kalki Subramaniam said the city must invest more in art galleries, music schools, and cultural spaces for its youth.

Despite the pressures of migration and urbanisation, the speakers agreed that Coimbatore retains a strong sense of belonging and resilience. As RJ Deepak summed it up: “Coimbatore bounces back in every situation. People here have immense willpower.”

And when it comes to food? The panel’s picks spoke for the city’s culinary diversity, from arisi paruppu sadam and Coimbatore sambar to biryani and mansatti samayal, each dish carried a flavour of home.

- Ends