Chennai: The recent floods in Chennai and the accompanying devastation that claimed so many lives have transformed the way people celebrate festivals in the city. Resident welfare associations and youngsters are now opting for socially responsible ways to enjoy rather than lavishly spend their money. Counseling students, honouring volunteers and conducting medical camps now form integral parts of the schedules of various welfare associations Deccan Chronicle spoke to.
Youngsters in the city are also following suit, cancelling the programmes they had scheduled for December 31. Arjun Nagu, a resident of Tambaram is all set to spend his New Year’s Eve by providing food to flood victims in his locality. “I have cancelled the tickets to Kulu Manali I booked in October. I would rather spend the money by arranging necessary amenities to the needy at Mudichur and Tambaram,” he said.
The fact that many slum dwellers have made pavements their homes moved Anupriya M, a social worker in Egmore, so much that she would be spending the day in setting up temporary residences for them. “At many places like Greamspet, I have seen people staying in tents on pavements. Rather than checking out the pubs like last year, I am looking out for some NGOs to help build houses,” the 22-year-old said.
Members of Yezdi Jawa Owners Club at Red Hills usually explore new places on their antique bikes on this day, but this time they will tour the city to identify people with needs. “We will fulfill the petty needs of children by taking them out to movies and beach,” said Kenneth R, a member.
At 11 pm on December 31, members of Senior Citizens group of Besant Nagar will donate blankets to road dwellers at Adyar. “The happiness on their faces on seeing the blankets in the New Year will give us contentment. We have been pooling some money for the cause,” said Professor V. Chandra Sekhar, president of the association.
New Colony Welfare Association at Chromepet will honour brave volunteers who saved lives during the floods whereas the Moovarasampet Welfare Association will conduct blood donation camps.
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