Madurai South constituency has many a need to fulfil

A sizeable chunk of Sourashtra community is concentrated hereThough parties know the plight of weavers, nothing much has been done to help themResidents also complain of lack of infrastructure and civic issues

The iconic Thirumalai Nayak Mahal that attracts a large number of tourists from across the world is situated in the Madurai South constituency. Concentrated around the Mahal is a sizeable population of Sourashtra community that is engaged in weaving Sungudi saris, towels and other items. However, with the prospects for the trade down, the community people are looking for better opportunities in other sectors. “The community was concentrated in the Mahal area when our forefathers came here to weave clothes for the rulers of the time. But now our people have spread across the city and are looking at better avenues,” says T.K. Babulal, a weaver. He says that his son has found a job in Chennai and Babulal will be the last in their family to be in the trade.