Madras – The Brand

Madras – The very thought instantaneously reminds me of the Besant Nagar beach, Mount Road, Spencer Plaza, Mylapore Streets and Temples, IIT, Silk sarees and Saravana Bhavan.

OK. Let me get more honest. I am also reminded of water scarcity, perennial 90% humidity, the notoriously famous auto kaaran and power cuts in summer.

Now, we the Madrasis, not the “Madrasis” as addressed by North Indians who are still under the impression that anything south of Pune is Madhraas” , but the ones who are genuinely from the metropolis or been here, have to decide, as to which way we project Madras to the world.

As a city that is still having traces of the South Indian Flavour, despite not being averse to get a glimpse of the ‘Hep and happening’ things in life, it is very important to convey what uniquely defines Chennai, and sets it apart from the rest of the globe.

Being the vibrant city that it is, if only we could also have a tagline which can convey the what Chennai is, it would be great!

We don’t need to make Chennai a ‘cool’ tourist destination and that is not the only way to get people’s attention to the city.

From what I have seen, business travelers to Chennai are more keen on the earliest return ticket date, than having an excitement of going to a new place. This has to change and for that, we need to transform ourselves as brand ambassadors rather than join the Madras bashing Band wagon.

It would be small but significant step, if people visiting Chennai on business, don’t mind spending the weekend also, doing shopping or even enjoy the Getti Chutneys and Kotthu Parotas more leisurely.

Every city has its set of plus and minuses, and the minuses that Chennai has is in abundance in other Indian cities as well. However, they are just taken as a passing comment rather than leaving an imprint on their perception of that city. So, as we work towards minimizing the minuses that are in our control, I think there is no harm in bragging about the wonderful city that Chennai is.