I came to Chennai in 1996. It was a city that was new to me, far removed from the places where I had lived until then.

Yet, over the years, Chennai grew on me like no other place. I developed a deep emotional bond with the city and, more importantly, with its people.

Having served Chennai in different capacities — as DCP Flower Bazaar, DCP Traffic, Additional Commissioner of Police, South Chennai, Commissioner of Police, and later as DGP — I have had the privilege of experiencing the city at different levels and from different perspectives. I still fondly remember my days as a DCP, when I worked closely with my team on the ground. Those years involved immense hard work, but every challenge was more than compensated for by the warmth, trust, and affection of the people.

As Commissioner of Police, I witnessed another extraordinary facet of Chennai during the difficult days of COVID-19. At a time when cities across the world were struggling with an unprecedented crisis, Chennai stood out for the remarkable way in which its people came together. Chennaites reached out to one another, shared essential supplies, supported those in need, and, perhaps most importantly, shared their compassion and humanity.

That is what Chennai means to me. It is a city where diversity becomes unity, challenges bring people closer, and compassion is woven into the fabric of everyday life. Over the years, the city has become a part of me — and I remain deeply grateful for the affection, trust, and memories it has given me.

(As told to Sangeetha Kandavel)