Amidst waving of party flags, an offbeat representation of the Flag above all flags
The Hindu
Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
On the campaign trail in Tamil Nadu, rhetoric is being whetted to a cutting edge, as always happens when the trail gets around the home stretch. Partisan flag-waving is taking on greater vigour. And parties are wooing citizens with the end-phase desperation of a hopeful suitor.
Amidst all of this intense activity, this 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in the Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a silent, but colourful reminder of the first principles underpinning India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power, vis-a-vis their vote.
Essentially, it is a continuing gestute honouring the idea of res publica (a republic serving the collective citizens’ good) and the colours of the tricolour, instituted this Republic Day (January 26, 2026) in a rather offbeat manner in a local panchayat. The gesture shines bright after evenfall.
It is a 400-metre stetch of Mambakkam-Medavakkam Main Road running through Kovilancherry in Madurapakkam panchayat, part of the Tambaram assembly constituency. On January 26, the hallowed colours were unfurled with LED neon flexes on the lampposts in the median.
At the Kovilancherry stretch of Mambakkam-Medavakkam Main Road on March 25, 2026. | Photo Credit: Prince Frederick
Since then, this stretch has been offering a salute to the Flag of all flags and by extension, the Indian republic. As the lamps come on, the flexes sinuously coiling up on the lamp posts come to live, transmitting a image of tricolour through lighting. The flex on one lamppost has fallen silent, but all others continue to the speak the language of patriotism.
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Against the backdrop of intense poll activity, a 400-metre stretch of an arterial road in the outskirts of Chennai (technically in Madurapakkam panchayat under Tambaram assembly constituency) presents a salute to the idea of res publica, which underpins India’s system of governance, where citizens have a say, at least before a government is securely ensconced in the seat of power. A Republic Day initiative shines bright every night
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