Chennai’s inclusivity deserves more celebration, says Justice (Retd) Prabha Sridevan

“I have never known any place other than Madras. It has changed a lot, not just its name to Chennai. When I used to go to Court, there was a lady selling tender coconut opposite Chennai Citi Centre. She was always smiling. I would think to myself, no matter how many difficulties she may have faced at home, she always kept her smile. There may be difficulties in life, but alongside them, Chennaites always smile.”

“We have always lived without any differences among one another and that should never change. I studied in Rosary Matriculation School, which recently celebrated its 75th anniversary. There were 32 students in my class from different religions. The composition of our class reflected the world outside. Even now, I can recall the names of all 32 classmates. We should always preserve and celebrate that spirit of social harmony and inclusiveness of Chennai.”

“I live on Luz Church Road. One end has Luz Church and the other end has St. Thomas Church. In between, there is a dargah. There is a Jain temple also. The Kapaleeswarar Temple and the Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple are nearby. What more is needed to define the city? This inclusiveness is something astonishing in our city. We must protect it and celebrate it.”

(As told to N. Sai Charan)