A community feeling and initiatives to improve the life of our fellow citizens is a positive sign in any city. I first came to know about 'The Mylapore Times' in the year 2000 or 2001. I don't know about Mumbai or Delhi, but back in 2000, a free local newspaper was a rarity. It is now 12 years and the number of local newspapers have increased steadily. Every major locality in Chennai like Adyar, Annanagar, Mogappair have their own weekly newspapers distributed free to the residents.
The reason I am so enthusiastic about these local newspapers is that it is not for profit and is totally centred on distributing information or making a public forum for people to interact or air out their grievances. Every Saturday, I look forward to browsing the Mylapore Times to know about activities for my child or new restaurants or advertisements for various exhibitions or just to know what is going on around me. I have myself written about a nice experience which was included in the online edition of the newspaper http://www.mylaporetimes.com/2013/04/a-tree-walk-for-kids-at-nageswara-rao-park/.
Such newspapers give a feeling that you can make a difference in your community. It narrows down the focus to your home and your neighbours which is extremely important in a huge crowded city like Chennai.
For example, if there are civic problems in the area the best way to publicise it is through the local newspaper.
I think the biggest drawback in living in a big city is the isolation it creates. Many of us have got used to thinking that one person, one group cannot really make a difference. When the Mylapore Time was launched sometime in 1994, I am sure most
people were sceptical about the success about the newspaper. But look at
its circulation and popularity now.
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