Making a home in Madras: How Chennai became home for those from afar

'I did not feel like I was in another state'

Moving to Chennai was a conscious choice for me. The city was one of the few major metropolitan centres in the country, and despite receiving opportunities elsewhere, I chose Chennai because of its proximity to my native place (Andhra Pradesh), familiar food and cultural similarities. Three decades later, the city continues to feel like home. When we came here, I did not feel that I was in another state. There was a strong presence of Telugu-speaking communities, and Tamil and Telugu cultures have always coexisted comfortably here. That familiarity, along with the way people welcome one another, is part of what makes Chennai a home for those who come from elsewhere. It allows people to settle in without feeling like outsiders.

- Purushotham, Chief General Manager, Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL)

'People here are incredibly comforting and genuine'

While my journey began 4,000 miles away in Russia, I found my true calling and a piece of my soul in the bustling, sun-drenched heart of Chennai. Moving here four years ago for love, I initially found the language barrier and the constant warmth unfamiliar. Yet, the city’s unhurried hospitality gradually won me over. I channelled my time into hand-curating aromatherapy products, crafting candles and wax melts as a creative outlet. Together with my husband, we also run the travel page Secret Trails, curating hidden luxury staycation experiences.

Discovering Tamil culture and falling in love with local food such as dosa and idli has been an added benefit that has made Chennai feel like home. The people in Chennai are incredibly comforting and genuine, offering a depth of support that is hard to find in big cities. They are down to earth and create a strong sense of community, making it easier for newcomers to build real connections and settle in comfortably. Compared to Russia, I would say Chennai’s climate is much more suitable for me.

- Daria Patel, entrepreneur

'Chennai became more than a place to live’

I came to Chennai from Iran as a student in November 1980. What began as a student journey grew into more than 45 years in the city. I completed my studies and decided to work here, changing my student visa to a business visa. I went on to start my own stained glass company and later opened Shira’s Art Cafe, named after my city in Iran.

Over the years, Chennai became more than a place to live and work. I have made many friends who are not just friends to me; they are my family. I never had any problem adjusting to India because Iranian and Indian cultures have a lot in common. Even the Persian word ‘Zamindar’ is commonly used in Tamil.

Growing up with my mother’s cooking in Iran, I initially struggled with the food here and it took me eight years to eat idli. Today, if I go out, I don’t eat anything except idli or dosa. My journey with cooking started when I became sick because of a poor diet and eating food with MSG outside. I was in my mid-thirties when I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. At that point, I realised I had to start cooking. I started planting herbs and, to be honest, I completely cured myself. While working in India, I would invite people I met to my home and cook for them. Their response eventually led me to open an Iranian restaurant.

I miss the Chennai of earlier years, with quieter roads, fewer cars and evenings at Spencer having a cup of chai. But even as the city has changed, my affection for it remains. Overall, I can say I am very happy in Chennai. I have lots and lots of friends, and I have learned many things in life that I might have taken for granted previously. When you are an outsider, you can see differently. Knowing a different language also opens your eyes. I speak a little Tamil, and that made me much more comfortable being in Tamil Nadu.

- Nasrin Karimi, founder of Shira’s Art Cafe

‘Chennai taught me to see life differently’

I came here in 2014 after marriage, and over the years, I have built my family life as well as my professional journey here. My connection with the city is not just about work or living in another country. It is also about family, relationships, memories and the life I have created here. It has been a beautiful journey, but also one of learning and adapting. Coming from Armenia, Chennai was very different from what I was used to, from the weather and food to the languages, traditions and even the way people interact with each other.

In the beginning, everything felt new and sometimes challenging. Slowly, I started understanding the culture, making friends, learning about Tamil traditions and feeling more comfortable here. What I love most is that the longer I live here, the more I discover. Even after 12 years, Chennai can still surprise me.

Professionally, Chennai has given me many opportunities. My background is in economics and business development and living here has allowed me to work across cultures and connect people and businesses between India and Armenia. Researching and documenting the Armenian heritage of Madras has helped me build another kind of bridge between Armenia and India, not only through business but also through history and culture. I see Chennai as a city with strong cultural roots and growing professional opportunities. It has a very distinct identity and I think that is one of its strengths. For someone coming from another country, it takes time to understand Chennai. But once you do, you begin to appreciate its people, traditions, entrepreneurial spirit and sense of community. Chennai has taught me patience, adaptability and how to look at life from a different cultural perspective. I can say that Chennai is not just the place where I live. It has become a part of my story, a home away from home.

- Ashkhen Khachatryan, international marketing & business development professional

Compiled by Dharshini and Merin James