In Chennai, people can be themselves without feeling threatened. Identities are respected. Students from outside the country will bear testimony to this. Friction due to social schisms is relatively low. As a woman, I have also experienced the freedom to move about without having to fear for one's safety. My film-making assignments invariably wind up late in the day, and I travel back home, all alone. Privacy is protected. My friends from other countries have never been unnecessarily asked to reveal or prove their identities. This is in stark contrast to what prevails in some of the more developed cities. There, at every step of the way, you are reminded that you are an outsider.
Chennai is truly multi-cultural, but does not draw attention to this fact. Most people are above parochialism. It is easy to spot people relating to one another with a spirit of humanitarianism. Friends from other countries tell me they have never experienced the coldness in human relations that is prevalent in their homelands.
During a metro train journey, I witnessed a beautiful incident. A baby was in obvious distress and making such a racket that fellow travellers would have been justified in feeling exasperated. But, no one complained. The majority of them tried to help the parents. They were making funny faces and sounds to get the child to smile.
When you have lost your way, getting directions is never a problem in Chennai. People will patiently tell you how to reach your destination that you start feeling guilty about taking so much of their time.
(As told to PRINCE FREDERICK)
