How a teacher’s green legacy transformed Chokkanathan Nagar into a leafy canopy

A decade and a half after a school-led sapling drive, a retiring educator’s environmental vision continues to provide shade and sustainability to a Chennai enclave.

Fifteen years ago, the streets of Chokkanathan Nagar in Maduravoyal looked starkly different, lacking the lush green cover that defines the locality today. What began as a humble community-driven exercise has now matured into a thriving ecosystem, serving as a living testament to the pedagogical dedication of V. Kalaiselvi. As she marks her retirement on May 31, the strapping trees that now line the neighbourhood stand as a silent, swaying tribute to her 18-year career as a biology teacher at The Hindu Theological Higher Secondary School.

From saplings to a sustainable canopy

The project, which took root over a decade ago, was powered by the hands of approximately 30 National Service Scheme (NSS) students from the Sowcarpet-based school. Under the guidance of Kalaiselvi and the leadership of then-headmaster V. Selvaraj, the team sought to balance academic instruction with tangible community service. The initiative was not merely about planting; it was a lesson in environmental stewardship for the students, designed to increase local oxygen levels and instill a sense of responsibility toward nature.

D. Narasimhan, secretary of the Chokkanathan Nagar Residents Welfare Association, notes that the botanical focus of the drive was largely on the Indian beech tree (Pongamia pinnata). These species were chosen for their hardiness and ability to thrive in urban conditions. Today, those once-fragile saplings have grown into a canopy that residents credit with making summers in the area significantly more bearable.

A collective community effort

The success of the initiative relied heavily on a synergistic relationship between the visiting students and the local residents. According to Kalaiselvi, the logistics were complex, requiring meticulous planning and financial contributions that extended beyond the school’s resources. Residents of Chokkanathan Nagar welcomed the students with open arms, providing not just physical support and hospitality, but also contributing funds to ensure the saplings were properly nurtured in their early stages.

V. Selvaraj, who currently serves as the vice president of the residents' welfare association, reflects on the journey with a mix of pride and urgency. While he jokes that he now has to ask the Greater Chennai Corporation to trim the overgrown branches, the request is rooted in a deep appreciation for the shade these trees provide. For the residents, the greenery is a constant reminder of a time when the community rallied together to transform their micro-environment.

The end of an era

Kalaiselvi’s career has been one of mobility and commitment. After spending the bulk of her professional life at The Hindu Theological Higher Secondary School, her final two years were served at the WPA Soundarapandiyan Higher Secondary School in Ayanavaram following a compulsory deployment. Despite these changes, the impact of her work in Maduravoyal remains stationary and permanent.

For those who participated in the drive, the exercise was always meant to bridge the gap between classroom biology and the real world. As Kalaiselvi bows out of service, the legacy of her teaching remains etched into the landscape of the city, proving that the most enduring lessons are often those that continue to grow long after the school bell rings.