By News Karnataka
After decades of selfless dedication to her family, 44-year-old homemaker Subathra S found herself reconnecting with a long-lost passion 鈥 painting. Armed with a brush on Cenotaph Road, she joined a growing movement of volunteers transforming Chennai鈥檚 defaced public walls into vibrant works of art. 鈥淔or once, I was doing something for myself,鈥 she said, reminiscing about the childhood joy she rediscovered through the mural.
The initiative is part of a city-wide beautification project by non-profits like Karam Korpom Foundation and United Way of Chennai, where volunteers paint murals in parks, schools, residential areas, and along public roads. The aim: combat visual pollution, foster civic pride, and engage communities.
The murals aren鈥檛 just decorative. They carry strong messages 鈥 from environmental conservation and Tamil culture to literacy and wellness. Co-founder of Karam Korpom Foundation, V Umamaheshwari, explains the deeper impact: 鈥淲hen residents contribute to the painting process, even with a tiny flower, they feel a sense of ownership. That personal investment deters future defacement.鈥
This movement also supports emotional and educational revival. At a government school in Pallavaram, dull, lifeless walls were replaced with colourful imagery, encouraging better student attendance and enthusiasm. 鈥淥ur library is now the favourite hangout. Kids love being here鈥攁nd they鈥檝e started reading more,鈥 shared teacher S Ravikanth Venkataraman.
Whether it鈥檚 a flower on a wall or a scene from Tamil folklore, these murals are more than art鈥攖hey鈥檙e catalysts for healing, learning, and community connection.