People of Madras
Ep. 03
​Published on April 16, 2022
Kamakshi Paati always knew that she wanted to contest in the urban local body elections. She had, in fact, been waiting for this opportunity for the last 10 years.
“Back in the days, if you wanted to get something done, you had to call the respective authorities four to five times. But, for the past four to five years, things have been very bad. I thought to myself, instead of blaming the Corporation, why not enter it.”
“The constant question I get from the press is - ‘It seems the senior bureaucrats are afraid of you?’ No, that’s not true. We have mutual respect for each other. They are well aware of the fact that I won’t disturb them unless there's a serious issue. I can get things done, but if I have that position, I have the power. That is why I wanted to enter the elections.” Winning the election was not the goal; creating awareness and giving opportunity for people to come out was.
She says that the residents have to get together and question the Corporation on the projects that it undertakes, monitor if work is happening properly, and raise objections if it isn’t. “The government should know that we are aware and that we cannot be taken for granted. We have a right to ask, and we shouldn't be afraid. It is because we are not asking, we are getting this sort of governance.” At the same time, she encourages the citizens to play their part in safeguarding their neighbourhood and environment. “It doesn’t take too much time. Make a note of any environmental pollution or illegal waste disposal the next time you’re outside, note the area, take a photograph, call up the supervising engineer of that locality and register a complaint. I do the same.“
She thinks the youth can play a major role in bringing about great change in governance and the country’s way forward. As for her, she’s not ready to hang up her shoes yet. “I never think of my age and I tell everyone that I will not leave the world in a hurry. I am a people person, I love meeting people. I love life, good food and relish diverse cuisines. I love fun and have a lot of fun”.
