What is in a name?

S. Chandrasekaran would say OMR and Rajiv Gandhi Salai have nothing in common. In his eyes, they are two different creatures

December 20, 2014 08:00 pm | Updated 08:00 pm IST - Chennai

Old Mahabalipuram Road (Taramani to Perungudi) in 1996.

Old Mahabalipuram Road (Taramani to Perungudi) in 1996.

Old Mahabalipuram Road was changed to Rajiv Gandhi Road several years ago. Yet, many people continue to use the previous name. Some people use both — but Old Mahabalipuram Road and Rajiv Gandhi Salai are two different creatures.

Having travelling down OMR 20 years ago, I know how different it is from Rajiv Gandhi Salai. It was a time when I would not venture beyond SRP Tools — which is near Kandanchavadi-Taramani — from Adyar because I was certain I would be plagued by poor bus connectivity and narrow roads and herds of cattle that would stage a 'sit-in strike'. However, one day, twenty years ago, I was forced to take the stretch. My family friend’s son had got admission in a college in Sholinganallur, through Anna University counselling. He did not know where the college was located. I had a new Kinetic Honda Scooter. There was no heavy vehicular traffic. I would have however preferred vehicles to what I found on the way — pits, mounds and, of course, cattle. When I reached Karapakkam Okkiyam Maduvu, I was ten years older. And I had to take rest. Needless to say, it took me an eon before I reached the college, going by OMR. But today, when I take Rajiv Gandhi Salai, except during peak hours, I cover the same distance in 20 minutes.

People may tell me many things about Rajiv Gandhi Salai, but I would prefer it any day to OMR.

(S. Chandrasekaran is a retired bank employee)

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