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Destination – Tamil Nadu ,India


Its been a while since I posted a post – as in write about a destination and I hope to do that in my next post. Until then, here is an attempt to be alive in the blogging world. I have been travelling extensively all of August and all roads pointed to Tamil Nadu. I started with Chennai aka Madras , then drove down to Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Pondicherry and smaller villages and towns around these places. The next trail took me to Madurai and Kodaikanal and then again to Chennai, the capital city which recently celebrated its birthday. I will be doing more of TN in the next few months. For now, I am back in Bangalore with a sore throat .

This picture of MGR,(M G Ramachandran) former Chief Minister and famous actor framed on the wall was taken on the roads of Triplicane . In a way he represents the spirit of the people there .There is a reason why I say this. I saw a carton of cardboard boxes lying on a bench and this picture of MGR hanging on the wall. Not a soul around. .When I was busy framing a shot, a lady ran from the other end of the road, screaming in Tamil which I’m penning down without editing a single word.

“Avaroda sethu ennaiyum oru photo edungama ..Avar en deivam .Avarthan innivarikkum ennakku saapaad poduraru..”
Please take a photograph of me along with his picture. He is my God .He is the one who feeds me even till day .

I learnt later that she runs a book shop and all the books are locked inside the cartons. She claims that he is the one who has inspired her to run the book shop .It doesnt matter to her that MGR died more than two decades ago.I took two pictures – one close up as well as she requested .

22 comments

  1. Anonymous 26 August, 2008 at 18:02 Reply

    Lovely work…living in the past is an escape route to forget the present…sadly misused by powers to be..

    Atleast they have his memories ( at least his screen memories) to give them a few minutes of happiness….the world of the make believe..do we call it a boon or a bane. vj

  2. mitr_bayarea 27 August, 2008 at 04:05 Reply

    Lakshmi-

    This is so great that you are covering TN in the upcoming months….looking forward to seeing a whole new dimension to the city I love so much.

    MGR is the epitome of poor tamilianz, sicne he always came across as the helper of the needy. Good one.

  3. swati 27 August, 2008 at 11:45 Reply

    Your Pic shows that people exits after the death too……… so the relationships continue to exist with loved one forever.

  4. I am 28 August, 2008 at 03:27 Reply

    Waaoo.. it amazing to find out how, where and what can inspire people to take some bold steps in their life.. am sure this lady will make it big in her life in her own way …

    did you send the snap to her ?

  5. Sivaram Kannan 28 August, 2008 at 07:06 Reply

    As you said the is different. Though MGR may not be the best CM TN had, sadly there is no model CM who could be looked as great in South India, or perhaps in India. Thinking back who was the best CM TN ever had, no one comes to mind except Kamarajar.

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  7. Nomadic Matt 28 August, 2008 at 17:29 Reply

    Sorry I have been MIA. Traveling didn’t give me enough time to check blogs!!!! I’m back now though!!!

    I love these destination guides!! Great way to “see” india.

  8. Jeevan 29 August, 2008 at 22:56 Reply

    He is one more person to inspire film actors to turn politician with a CM dream! The picture holds familiarity in new angle. Looking forward to see more about our state TN.

  9. Anu 30 August, 2008 at 10:48 Reply

    The people of TN beleive his era to be a dream era..if someone gives them hope to continue, I think thats justification enough for picture hanging about! nice one Lakshmi..!

  10. flyingstars 30 August, 2008 at 15:43 Reply

    Nice that you are still alive in the blogging world…I’m taking an extended break now from blogging once again due to moving to a new place…anyway nice reading your posts after a long time along with those lovely pics…stay well & keep blogging!

  11. GMG 31 August, 2008 at 03:12 Reply

    Hi Lakshmi! First of all many thanks for your comment on my post of 08.08.08 at 08h08 at Blogtrotter, now in Kos, Greece! It was great to read you there. Second, sorry for the long delay to come here, but August was a terribly busy month, as everybody else seems to be in vacation… ;))
    Anyhow, I found sometime now to land here and enjoy your blog. Great treat!
    Hope everything is fine with you!
    Wish you a great weekend!

  12. bendtherulz 2 September, 2008 at 13:30 Reply

    Thats a nice experience and I am sure you will enjoy telling people even in future.
    I found it amazing that this lady wanted you to take pic of her….along with her hero…!

    Thanks for sharing.

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