5 from the Floods

While Chennai floods have more or less receded, it has left behind in its wake muted celebrations that marked Christmas this year and countless memories. There are many highs and lows that defined the situation during and after the unprecedented floods. Here I share with you the top 5 that comes to my mind

5:  Ramanan:  The genial "Rain Ramanan" became quite popular - not for his ability to predict the highest rainfall of the century, but more so for the holidays for the schools and colleges that followed his every announcement. 

4: Amma Stickers: Amma mania ruled as political bigots went overboard and pasted stickers of Amma on relief materials sent by fellow citizens. It provoked an expected backlash but an avalanche of memes that followed buried the real issues that led to such fanaticism.   

3: Rumours: It rained rumours during the week and brought its own share of devastation to the already traumatized psyche of the people. Everything from NASA to BBC to local astrologers were drawn into 'predictions' of deluge and exhorted citizens to evacuate Chennai! 

2: Rescue and relief: While tragedies of lost lives made headlines, it was the rescue efforts by the common man, the armed forces and special teams that provided the silver lining to the otherwise gloomy scenario. Rescues of pet animals and the heroic tales of people who risked their lives to save the mute beings warmed the heart. Stories of the rich and privileged class throwing open their bungalows for sheltering the underprivileged and rolling up their sleeves to get into rescue and relief work broke the stereotypes we normally associate with them and showcased their humane side.

1.Youth Volunteerism:  The youth of Chennai rose as one during the calamity. The response was spontaneous and swift as they left their comfort zones and got their hands and feet wet - literally. There was an overpowering spirit of citizenship and volunteerism that found a strong voice among the actions of the youth. Not content with posting status messages on Facebook, the youth this time around tweeted for a cause and liked for a reason. They were the first to hit the roads with hand-loads of biscuits and food items.










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