Chennai has put north Indian culture of mai-baap politician to shame
"The rains have washed away all divides: religion, caste and creed," a young man tells me as he thrusts milk packets, mosquito coils and water bottles in the hands of the waiting women in a village in Kancheepuram outside Chennai. It is typical of the indomitable spirit that one witnesses across the city and its surrounding areas as it slowly picks up the pieces from the floods of last week.
We talk of Mumbai's resilience after 26/11; frankly, the resilience was only a camouflage for helplessness in the face of terror. In Chennai, one notices the true triumph of the human spirit as men and women come together to rebuild homes and lives. I met college students who are spending their nights serving the poor; churches who are providing shelter to the homeless; the RSS and Art of Living activists who are setting up medical camps; Muslim groups who are feeding hundreds every day.
"You don't need a debate in Parliament, we have proved that India is tolerant, and that we Indians are always there for each other," an elderly lady pointedly tells me as I interview citizens along the iconic Marina Beach.
I met fire officers who haven't slept for a week, policemen who have worked with the citizenry to help those marooned in their homes, journalists who have reported bravely in tough conditions, doctors who have performed surgeries in the dark, radio jockeys and social media groups who have opened help-lines, film stars who have donated money spontaneously, the Army and NDRF jawans and Air Force men who have saved many lives. It is almost as if civil society and the state have discovered a new compact: a desire to work towards a common cause when faced with adversity.
Yes, there is anger, especially towards the political class. Typically, the MLAs and ministers are accused of doing the disappearing act, there are even complaints of how private relief trucks have to carry a photo of Jayalalithaa. The chief minister hasn't spoken, her office preferring press releases to direct communication. But the people of Chennai haven't waited for their politicians to act: they have set the pace and risen to occasion. Their enterprise only confirms what an educated and empowered citizenry can do in a crisis. For north India in particular, the politician is still mai baap. In Chennai, people power has made up for any leadership failure. Hopefully, what Chennai has shown today, the rest of India will tomorrow.
Here is my ground zero report from Chennai: Do see and share.