“I was born and raised in Chennai, growing up between Gopalapuram and T. Nagar. Those streets, those everyday rhythms, shaped me in ways I’m still discovering. From early morning walks to busy markets and quiet residential lanes, the city slowly became a part of how I think and observe the world.

By profession, I’m a Chartered Accountant working in forensic investigations. My work involves uncovering fraud and looking closely at what lies beneath the surface. But who I am goes far beyond my job. What has truly shaped me are the people around me. Family, friends, classmates, colleagues. Each relationship taught me something different. How to be kinder. How to slow down. How to become more self-aware.

Growing up in Chennai meant being exposed early to people from different backgrounds and perspectives. It made me curious, observant, and open. At some point, I also found myself drawn to environmental initiatives like beach and lake cleanups. Being part of these efforts helped me see the city not just as a place I live in, but as a shared space that needs care and responsibility.

One of the biggest turning points in my life was moving out of Chennai early in my career. Leaving behind comfort and familiarity wasn’t easy. In a new city, everything had to be built from scratch. Finding a home. Making friends. Learning to sit with silence. There were moments when I questioned the decision, but living independently taught me confidence and resilience. It changed how I approach uncertainty and showed me that growth often begins outside comfort.

No matter where I go, Chennai will always be home. My family, my friends, my support system are all here. Especially during uncertain phases, this city feels like a place I can fall back on. Home, for me, isn’t one street or one smell. It’s the sense of familiarity that quietly reassures me.

There’s one place that grounds me deeply. Gaudiya Mutt. I’ve been visiting the temple with my parents since childhood. Whenever I need calm or clarity, I find myself there, reconnecting with a sense of stillness.

In the end, it’s the simple moments that define Chennai for me. A temple visit. The beach. A good South Indian meal. Small rituals that remind me that no matter how far I go, this city always knows how to bring me back.”