Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Chennai's Vyasarpadi Youth Challenge Stereotypes Through Photography
In a place often called 'dangerous' or 'dirty' by outsiders, young people in Vyasarpadi, North Chennai, are using cameras to show the real life of their community.
They take pictures of everyday moments, like football games, hardworking families, and local traditions.
These photos tell stories that outsiders rarely see.
A group called Vyasai Thozhargal helps them.
They teach photography and support education.
The young photographers even put on an exhibition in their own streets.
This way, visitors can see their community through their eyes.
The project is about more than just photos.
It's about giving people a chance to tell their own stories and feel proud of where they come from.
Young photographers in Vyasarpadi, North Chennai, use photography to challenge negative stereotypes about their community.
Vyasai Thozhargal, a grassroots collective, mentors these photographers and supports education through Dr Ambedkar Pagutharivu Padasalai.
The initiative focuses on capturing everyday life, resilience, and dignity in Vyasarpadi, often overlooked by mainstream narratives.
An exhibition called 'Engal Therukkal Engal Kadhaigal' (Our Streets, Our Stories) displayed photographs in the community's streets, inviting visitors to see Vyasarpadi through the residents' eyes.
The project aims to empower young people, giving them confidence, creativity, and a voice to represent their own realities.
- Who
- Young photographers from Vyasarpadi, mentored by M Palanikumar through Vyasai Thozhargal.
- What
- A photography initiative to challenge stereotypes and showcase the true life of Vyasarpadi.
- When
- The initiative began in 2014 and continues to evolve.
- Where
- Vyasarpadi, North Chennai, India.
- Why
- To challenge negative stereotypes and give voice to the community's own stories.
Outsider Perspective
Community Perspective
Perception of Vyasarpadi
Outsider Perspective
Vyasarpadi is often described as a 'dangerous', 'dirty', or 'rowdy area' by outsiders.
Community Perspective
Residents of Vyasarpadi see their community as resilient, with stories of hard work, aspiration, and everyday life.
Representation in Media
Outsider Perspective
Mainstream narratives often portray Vyasarpadi through a narrow lens, focusing on crime, violence, and poverty.
Community Perspective
Community-led photography aims to challenge these stereotypes by showcasing the complexity and dignity of life in Vyasarpadi.
- Location
- Vyasarpadi, North Chennai, India
- Initiative
- Vyasai Thozhargal
- Founder
- M Palanikumar
- Year Founded
- 2014
- Participants
- Young residents of Vyasarpadi
- Exhibition
- Engal Therukkal Engal Kadhaigal (Our Streets, Our Stories)
- Education Centre
- Dr Ambedkar Pagutharivu Padasalai
- Number of Students Supported
- 150