With temples surrounded all over the Brahmin hub of Chennai, Mylapore is slowly growing cosmopolitan. Traditional aspects deep rooted in every aspect yet embracing newer versions of culture variables. An unfathomable discussion with the residents and non residents of Mylapore to discover the newer facets of the city! A reality check of the perception status of this brahminical town!

"The fist thing which strikes my mind when some one says Mylapore is an Agarharam portrayed in the movies. An old fashioned area in the heart of the city" says Vicky, a student and a resident of Poes garden

Nothing to blame Vicky as this is what any one who has not visited Mylapore in the recent times would believe! "Nothing to deny about Mylapore's unique identity! Probably that's what makes the place unique. Mylapore pulls a lot of tourist's attraction also. Any foreigner landing in Chennai should make it a point to visit this place to understand the various facets of Chennai" says Raja, a proud resident.

Speaking about the modern aspects people gave umpteen options. From various eat outs to even many jewellery houses like Sukra, NAC, Chola and even textile show rooms like Trishla planet, Rex Fashion. "There are many options for clothing shopping today but textile houses like Sri Kumaran, Rangachary still remain the favourite of not just me but also my relatives residing abroad" says Radha, Central Government employee.

Inspite of numerous modern aspects, what steers away the mind fog of people is the filter coffee powder brewing shops and Ambica Appalam for the dry urad dhal fries.

"Recently there are many variety of fishes found in the Mylapore tank which is the predominant reason for even local people to frequent the pond. Other attraction is the Nageshwara Rao park. A perfect place for evening stroll" says Lakshmi.

Aishwarya, homemaker typically sounding homely says "Fresh Vegetables along the streets offer a good bargain. We do not have to go to super markets to buy greens"

Here is a complaint to the aforesaid compliment, "It is such a hassle to hunt for a place to park the vehicles. The streets are always jammed" laments Harish, a regular customer of Mylapore Saravana Bhavan.

After analyzing the pros and cons of this plus, one can clearly find out that the residents are very proud of their unique community identity and temples. So are the non residents who pay great tribute to Mylapore for not losing its identity over the years.

SOWJANYA.S