Chennai is where tradition meets transformation: J. Radhakrishnan

Chennai, to me, has never been just a city — it is a living, breathing mosaic of centuries-old traditions coexisting with the restless energy of transformation. Every corner seems to carry the whispers of history and the pulse of modern aspiration, says J. Radhakrishnan, Chairman and MD of Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation.

My earliest memories are steeped in the simple joys of childhood vacations: marvelling at the old zoo, playing under the watchful trees of My Ladye’s Park, and losing myself in the organised chaos of the old Moore Market. Strolls along the Marina were always more than leisure — they were encounters with the city’s heritage. From the stately Madras High Court to the timeless façade of the Madras University buildings, from the red-bricked grandeur of Central Station to the proud silhouette of the Southern Railway headquarters, these landmarks were a part of the city’s soul.

Born in the city’s western suburbs of Avadi, by twist of fate, which could not have scripted better, I returned years later to serve as Corporation Commissioner twice at the iconic Ripon Building, which allowed me to witness first-hand Chennai’s remarkable evolution.

Its sporting legacy is equally storied. I recall the electric atmosphere at the Pongal Tests, the unforgettable drama of the Tied Test of 1987, and the unifying joy of the Chennai Super Kings’ IPL dominance.

In its streets, coastlines, and countless communities, I see a city made of resilience, warmth, and the shared dream of becoming better with each passing day.

(As told to R. Srikanth)