What began as a simple cleanup effort in 2017 has now blossomed into a purposeful movement which has turned blank or abused walls into vibrant canvases of colour.
Now, the R. A. Puram-based voluntary body, Karam Korpom Foundation is preparing to unveil its 100th social transformation project.
This milestone event will take place on June 15 at Thiruveedhi Amman Koil Street, R. K. Nagar, R. A. Puram between 7.30 and 10.30 am.
Sivakumar and his wife and their band of volunteers launched an initiative they named SAPS (Stop Abusing Public Spaces) and went about reclaiming and brightening walls of schools and of public spaces like parks and playgrounds and bridges.
They say they have restored over 1.5 lakh square feet of wall spaces across Chennai.
From the wall along Kalvivaru Street in Mylapore, to the compound walls of the Lighthouse on the Marina, to sacred spaces like the Ramakrishna Mutt Universal Temple and Sri Kapali Temple tank grills have been restored.
The group cleans a given wall, then. paints a base colour and then draws and paints themes that are suited locally.
Says Sivakumar, “Our strength lies in our diverse family of over 120 passionate volunteers which includes artists, professionals, homemakers, students and social workers.”
Organisations like Rotary and Innerwheel Clubs, Resident Welfare Associations, corporate partners such as Sanmar Group and Zoho Corporation, officials of Greater Chennai Corporation have enabled these projects.
For more details about Karam Korpom Foundation visit: www.karamkorpom.org
