Putting together a community event or project is not easy in this city.
Not everyone believes there is a role to play in the public space.
A small bunch of people who reside in the San Thome neighbourhood are trying to promote a Christmas event.
This will be the second edition of this festival.
The ideas are small, the goals small. But the effort has to be sustained.
Two women have taken the lead to lend a hand.
Vimala Padmaraj and Sheela D’Souza were part of the team last year. They are on this year too despite the many commitments they have at Christmastime.
This may not be very obvious in San Thome though it is in Mylapore.
Just as many people who live abroad head to Madras on Christmas eve to soak in the
Margazhi music and dance season, a small number also fly in to the city to spend Christmas and New Year with their families in San Thome.
San Thome had a wonderful December season decades ago. Migration of many families led to a decline in the festivities.
The more recent community effort is to allow residents here and others to soak in the season’s spirit, even if you are not a Christian.
Vimala and Sheela are doing all they can to run three events that have been planned.
A party-games-contest mela for children will take place on December 26 afternoon and the team hopes all the children of San Thome and Mylapore and areas on the fringe will sign up (you can call 98846 88984) and have a party!
There is also a Christmas party for senior people. Music, games, eats and fellowship are on the cards. You can call the cell number given above to register. This will be on December 27 evening.
The Revival Singers of San Thome are also doing their best to present a grand music concert in San Thome on December 26 evening. They have invited a band of talented young musicians who will rock the place after the Singers have done their Christmas act.
There should be snacks stalls at the venue - St. Bede’s school campus.
Besides the events, Anthony and his friends of San Thome are coaxing owners of stores and residents on San Thome High Road to illuminate the spaces this season.
Hopefully, the spirit of Christmas will be infectious.
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