When “Namma Kovai” social media group members met face to face for the first ever time at a city hotel, yesterday it turned out to be a memorable occasion for each and every one of the group members.
Coimbatore, January 18
When “Namma Kovai” social media group members met face to face for the first ever time at a city hotel, yesterday it turned out to be a memorable occasion for each and every one of the group members.
For the social media group members have been in the forefront of driving positive changes and sharing a common vision for the growth of the textile city for a couple of years, now.
The Whatsapp group 'Namma Kovai' was initiated by 32-year old Kishore, a social activist who has come a long way since its early days and it not only gained in popularity but achieved success by giving a platform for city denizens for networking for the social causes and initiatives with concerned officials paving way for a change.
Now the group boasts not only city NGOs but also top officials of the Government including Dr. K. Vijayakarthikeyan, CCMC Commissioner, Sujit Kumar Deputy Commissioner of Police, (Traffic) Mahalingam, Airport Director and Gayathri Krishnan, Sub Collector, of Pollachi, all of whom attended the first meeting.
Though there are a handful of burgeoning social media groups, 'Namma Kovai', stands apart for it helps in resolving outstanding issues whether it may be lack of civic amenity or blood donation or checking traffic violations on the busy city roads.
“Among others, the group also has city educationists and eminent persons from others walk of life too,” said Kishore.
"Once a member of the group shared a photo of the number plate of an over-speeding bus, which immediately caught the attention of DC (Traffic) who immediately alerted his subordinate in duty which resulted in slapping spot fine for the traffic offender. The receipt of the fine was also shared on the “Namma Kovai” group for the relief and surprise of many", he added.
“All this took place within a space of one hour and a traffic offender was brought to book with the help of Namma Kovai” says Kishore, the founding member of the group.
“Presently, the group helps to connect with officials and NGOs to address any grievances or emergency situation but am certain we are yet to go a long way to realize the shared vision for the city, where every responsible citizen is involved in the process of social change by their contributions though in a small measure” says Kishore.
Yesterday’s meeting was a turning point in the journey of the group, as members met and exchanged new ideas and projects.
Many issues came up for discussion including manning and maintenance of traffic islets and installing/sponsoring of CCTV cameras by corporates to enhance security in the vantage points.
When lack of street illumination in Saravanampatti area was brought up by one of the members, CCMC Commissioner took up the matter immediately.
Mr. Sujit Kumar, DC Traffic spoke about how to address traffic congestion in the city and the support required from the corporates, and institutions to achieve that end.
Exhorting the NGOs to help revamp the traffic islands, Zebra crossings, Model roads, Mr. Sujit Kumar emphasized that religious organizations should lend their support for relocating the temples.
Among the discussion points, rehabilitation of beggars roaming the streets also came up for discussion.
When there was a request from an architect to build subways in arterial road Mr. Vijayakarthikeyan, responded by saying “Come up with the feasibility study and submit it to the civic body and we would take it forward”.
City Airport Director, Mahalingam exhorted the NGOs to use the airport premises for educating and enlightening school children.
After a happy and contented meet, the zealous members felt that “We would achieve many more things in future and be a force to reckon with when it comes to citizen participation in the growth and boosting the image of this enterprising city."