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 Considered one of the busiest commercial hubs of Chennai, the pulsating Ranganathan Street in T Nagar, went eerily quiet for two months. The busy landmark wore a deserted look because some shops were sealed by the authorities as they had put up unauthorised structures.
Shoppers not only patronise the BIG shops but also the petty traders on the pavements of the street.
Have you noticed how the peanut-seller, hanky vendor and mango-seller all do business in front of the big shops that sell everything from safety pin to gold?
It is ironical to see people buying shoes and slippers outside the famous Bata showroom.
But that is the way we Indians – why, even the foreigners who flock to Ranganathan Street – shop.
So, when people stopped coming to Ranganathan Street as the big shops were sealed by the authorities, the small vendors were also affected.
But, the closed shops were opened one fine day as the verdict from the Supreme Court allowed them to do business for six weeks – during the festive season of Pongal.
The shop-owners and shoppers are delighted.
While the traders associations are busy planning a permanent solution with the officials, customers are happy with the shopping and employees breathe easy that their jobs are back. This verdict, though applicable for a brief period, has made many families happy.
Ranganathan Street is slowly warming up to its business. Crowds started pouring into the street to make last-minute purchases for Pongal. They all seemed to be moving with the same thought ‘better late than never’.
The only prayer is that an amicable solution is found at the earliest so that not just the jambavans of retail business but also the pavement vendor’s life is secure.
Jenifer Ayisha
Kirthika
Jenshi
Jhonsi
Rajeswari
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