It finally rained, here in this mysterious city. This city which plays close to its chest, and only whispers even to its most trusted confidantes. Madras.
The rain smells foul. To walk down the corridor, I had to hold my breath.
The stench is the slow, spreading kind, that eases into your mind and memory, and stays there.
Yellow. It smells like a carcass. As though the city died a while back, and we didn't notice.
Filth. The kind of smell that will creep into even the most insulated air-conditioned offices, and edge in through the tiny crack between your car window and the dirty sponge-lining.
The pavements will be wet tonight. Even they will have to turn away the millions who rest their heads on them tonight.
Where will they go? Where can they go?
This fetid stench. Of our consciences, perhaps.
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I'm going to Chennai in august and now I'm worried. (How Books Got their titles)
ReplyDeleteIt's not so bad. A little dirty, yes. But not so bad. Written in a moment of existential angst. :)What brings you here?
ReplyDeleteI'm starting a group to supply asthma medications to people in low-income countries who can't afford them. Chennai is first on my list because I have a contact there with a doctor. The idea is to support local doctors or community hospitals - there are a lot of people here in the UK with asthma who would like to help. What's your opinion - do you think this is patronizing? Be honest...!
ReplyDeletePatronising? No. I'm sure they'll welcome all the help they can get. I think it's a great idea. But that aside, it also depends on the fellows on the ground who are actually dealing with the people here. And how they do it.
ReplyDeleteOh good, thanks. Well, thats why I'm visiting, to see whats going on. There's two clinics outside Chennai, one about 100 km to the north and another to the south. I aim to supply funding and they supply drugs at a subsidized price. I'm not a doctor so I cant give any medical help but I do have asthma, so I sympathise with people who dont have access to any drugs. Can you recommend a hotel?
ReplyDeleteDepends on whether you want to stay in the city, or closer to the clinics?
ReplyDeleteYes, asthma drugs are generally very expensive here, except possibly in the government hospitals. What clinics are these?
The clinics are at Thirupalaivanam and Irumbanthangal. Its not going to happen this month though.
ReplyDeletegdexter@ntlworld.com
All right.. let me know if you need any help. I've sent a mail to the address above.
ReplyDelete