Share your stories and receive a murukku in return

A ‘Table & Stools’ volunteer listening to a person at Thiruvanmiyur MRTS Park.
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement

Samad Iqbal, one of the pivotal characters in Zadie Smith’s novel White Teeth says, “Every moment happens twice: inside and outside, and they are two different histories. Listening is understanding the inside moment.”

“Even when being with a group of friends, some may feel unheard or left out. For those who have stories to share but no ears to listen to, we are here,” said Keerthana K., a volunteer with ‘Table & Stools’, a ‘listening community’ in the city. “I was once on the other side of the table, telling my story. Inspired by the idea, I joined the group,” she added.

At Thiruvanmiyur MRTS Park, a young girl playing near the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) Ival Idam exhibition comes and sits on the stool. She then begins speaking to K. Damodharan, a volunteer of the non-governmental organisation, and tells him so much, from her day in school to her thoughts on Chennai Super Kings. When the girl finally finishes, Mr. Damodharan gives her a murukku in exchange for her stories.

The idea was launched by Jino J. Ampakkadu in Chennai in April 2023, with his friend Rahul Magesh and Mr. Damodharan joining him later. The initiative was expanded to Bengaluru in 2024. Mr. Rahul said they wanted to offer people something in exchange for sharing their stories and money did not feel right. So, they chose to offer a murukku as a ‘reward’.

“On most Sundays at 7 a.m., along with volunteers, we set up the tables and stools at the Besant Nagar beach. I have heard many stories, from ex-convicts, sanitation workers, and joggers to even government officials. The purpose is to merely listen, not document or blog. That is what fascinated people. They speak with ease when they understand this,” he said. Around 20-30 people sit down on the stool every session, the volunteers said.

However, Mr. Damodharan said not all locations they visit were welcoming. “We have been asked to leave parks by security guards. Some of them are understanding, but we cannot expect such kindness from them at all times. So, we are hoping to work with the Greater Chennai Corporation to improve this initiative, take it to more people, and hold regular sessions,” he added.