Volunteers give Gemini flyover a new look with socially-relevant messsages

City-based student-led movement, Naam Vidhaikalam, along with Uravugal Trust, a non-government organisation, joined hands to give the walls of Gemini flyover a new look. The excited crowd chatted among themselves as they splashed the walls with vibrant colours.

Khaalid Ahamed, founder of Uravugal Trust, says, “Every time I passed through Gemini flyover, it pained me to see the iconic landmark in a poor condition. We wanted to do something about it.” Khaalid had previously worked along with B Monisha, founder of Naam Vidhaikalam, and her team for a social cause. After brainstorming, the youngsters eventually agreed to paint.

Monisha started Naam Vidhaikalam along with her college friends in a bid to teach social values to students and conduct workshops in schools. “The Kalam in Vidhaikalam is in honour of late President APJ Abdul Kalam,” she says. Uravugal Trust, on the other hand, has been working on burying unclaimed bodies across the city.

Once the youngsters decided to paint Gemini flyover, they then sought permission from the Highways Department and the Chennai Police, who welcomed the initiative. A night before painting, a small group gathered there to peel off the posters that had been stuck on the walls for ages. “It was so hard to remove and we struggled a lot,” says Syed Afridi, a volunteer from Uravugal Trust. 

Later, the youngsters spread the word on WhatsApp to collect funds to buy paints and brushes while some discussed the artwork to be painted. “We thought that about 30-40 people may take part,” says Khaalid, adding, “But we never expected over a hundred volunteers.”

While one artist took charge to draw the outline of the art, several others painted the rest. Many in the group were budding artists looking for a chance to interact with like-minded people. By dawn, the volunteers had painted the walls with messages that spoke on peace, unity, women’s safety and nature. Some murals urged people to donate blood, and stand up against child labour, while a few others encouraged people to save water and plant trees. The paintings also highlighted the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).