In 2024, South First delved into the lives of communities across southern India, uncovering stories of resilience and hope amid systemic apathy. Here are some ground reports that highlight issues often overlooked.
Published Dec 31, 2024 | 12:00 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 31, 2024 | 12:00 PM
Every society holds stories that deserve to be told – voices often drowned out in the humdrum of daily life. In 2024, South First journeyed across South India, uncovering little-known or often overlooked stories from communities grappling with systemic apathy, environmental crises, and societal challenges.
From Kerala’s fishermen risking their lives at the perilous Muthalapozhi estuary to Telangana’s new medical colleges opening amidst half-built campuses, from the inspiring first women pilots of the Kochi Water Metro to the devastating impact of the polluted Musi River on Nalgonda’s dependent communities, these stories capture some of the most urgent and compelling issues faced on the ground.
Kottayam, Kerala, ranks third nationally in NEET-UG top-1000 rank holders, with its educational reputation attracting students to over 35 coaching centres in the Pala area. However, the prevalence of these centres has raised concerns over predatory marketing tactics, high-pressure environments, restrictive hostel conditions, and exorbitant fees, often reaching up to ₹1.5 lakh. Many centres operate without transparency or adherence to government guidelines. With no official regulation or data, Kottayam risks replicating Kota’s model, where the commercialisation of education overshadows student well-being, leading to high stress and dropout rates.
The Musi River, once a vital source of water and livelihood for villages in Nalgonda, Telangana, has become a heavily polluted disaster. Decades of industrial effluent and untreated sewage have rendered its waters unusable, severely affecting the livelihoods of villagers along its banks. Skin issues, poor crop yields, and livestock infertility are just some of the problems. Farmers report foul-smelling milk, while villagers lament the river’s fall from grace. Despite political blame games and projects like the Musi Riverfront Development Scheme, the situation continues to worsen. Studies label the river one of the world’s most polluted, with dangerous levels of pharmaceuticals and antibiotic-resistant microbes.
Exactly a hundred years after the tribals of the Manyam agency fought under Alluri Sitarama Raju, they still await the fruits of development — even a basic road to fetch rations or access medical care. In Andhra Pradesh’s Eastern Ghats, Raju’s guerrilla attacks in the 1920s kept the British on edge until his death at 27 in 1924. A century later, the Manyam people, for whom Raju fought, shed tears over their unfulfilled dream of a road. Seven villages, including Kumbarlubanda and Jajulabanda, remain cut off, with roads seen as a lifeline for health, education, and survival, yet their struggle continues.
The landslides in Wayanad on 27 July left a trail of devastation, claiming over 177 lives and displacing countless families. In this ground report, South First spoke to survivors who shared harrowing accounts of the disaster. Many recalled the anguish of losing loved ones, with bodies identified only through jewellery or clothing amidst overwhelming grief. Entire villages like Chooralmala were swallowed by the earth, leaving the landscape unrecognisable. The tragedy underscored the fragility of life in unstable terrains and raised urgent questions about preparedness and rehabilitation. Survivors now grapple with not just the loss of homes and livelihoods but also deep psychological scars.
As Bengaluru evolved into India’s Silicon Valley, its autorickshaw drivers – immortalised by 80s Sandalwood films – found themselves at the frontline of cultural and linguistic shifts brought on by an IT-driven influx of non-Kannadigas. This ground report delves into the tension surrounding Kannada, with drivers urging newcomers to learn the language as a mark of respect for local culture, while tech professionals cite personal choice and difficulty as barriers. Through voices from both sides, the piece examines the city’s complex identity struggles, where mutual respect is essential to navigating life in an increasingly diverse yet divided Bengaluru.
Arunima A, Lekshmi RS, and Sneha S, all in their twenties, are charting a historic course as the first women trainee pilots of Kochi Water Metro’s electric-hybrid ferries. Against the tranquil backdrop of Vembanad Lake, they are breaking barriers in a profession traditionally dominated by men. Through rigorous training, steadfast support from colleagues, and their own determination, these trailblazers are preparing to helm Kerala’s eco-friendly ferries, a symbol of the state’s innovation. This ground report, explores the inspiring journey of a new generation of women who dream big and are navigated uncharted waters.
In January, a newly installed 108-foot flagpole in Keragodu, Mandya, meant to symbolise unity, became a flashpoint for communal tensions. The alternating hoisting of the Indian Tricolour and a saffron flag featuring Hindu symbols sparked protests, police intervention, and political controversy. Villagers, local trust members, and political factions clashed over regulations, cultural assertions, and accusations of administrative overreach. The conflict escalated with rallies, curfews, and allegations of an “anti-Hindu” agenda, drawing widespread attention. This South First report examines how a village landmark turned into a focal point of polarisation ahead of the 2024 elections.
In 2024, a series of tragedies at Telangana’s government-run Gurukuls exposed the appalling conditions within these institutions. Overcrowded dormitories, unhygienic food, and unsafe environments led to cases of food poisoning, illnesses, and even deaths. This report highlights the tragic death of a student after a month-long struggle with food poisoning and the neglect at institutions such as Wankidi and Peddapur residential schools. Parents withdrew children en masse, citing safety concerns, while political leaders used the incidents to demand accountability. This in-depth report by South First examines systemic failures and their human cost in Telangana’s Gurukuls.
Every monsoon, North Chennai, predominantly home to Dalit communities, suffers devastating flooding, turning rainfall into a public health crisis. Residents endure sewage-filled homes, crumbling infrastructure, and systemic neglect that reveals caste dynamics in urban planning. Activists and residents point to inadequate drainage, broken government promises, and urbanisation’s impact on natural water management. Despite persistent pleas and unwavering loyalty to the ruling DMK, the region remains underfunded and overlooked. This South First report delves into the recurring nightmare of North Chennai, where the climate crisis is exacerbating an already desperate struggle for dignity and safety.
In Sanjeeva Rao Peta, Telangana, a well intended to ensure water supply became a source of tragedy, claiming two lives and hospitalising dozens. The village mourned 23-year-old Buddi Mahesh, whose death devastated his pregnant wife and child, and 70-year-old Saiamma, as contaminated water wreaked havoc. Officials attributed the disaster to a temporary water supply arrangement gone wrong, while villagers pointed to neglect and mismanagement. Political blame games followed, but for the affected families, the crisis highlighted systemic failures in water safety. This South First ground report lays bare the human cost of such negligence.
Amid rising religious polarisation in the country, a simple arch in Venjaramoodu, Kerala, has emerged as a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony. Bearing the names of the Sri Chamundeshwari Temple and Parayil Masjid, the arch stands as a symbol to decades of peaceful communal coexistence. Initiated by the mosque’s mahal committee and warmly embraced by the temple’s leadership, the arch celebrates a shared space and a spirit of mutual respect. This South First story captures how such unassuming structures can resonate with hope and unity.
Muthalapozhi, a picturesque estuary in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district, hides a deadly reality beneath its tranquil waters. Treacherous currents, silted channels, and poorly planned breakwaters have turned it into a nightmare for fishermen, claiming dozens of lives over the years. Despite repeated studies and promises — including those by corporate giant Adani Group — safety measures remain unfulfilled. This South First report examines the human cost of neglect, the broken promises from authorities, and the desperate calls for action from a betrayed fishing community.
Telangana’s ambitious push to expand medical education has resulted in eight new government medical colleges starting their MBBS programmes this year. However, the campuses remain incomplete, with classes held amidst ongoing construction. At Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri Medical College, students are housed in a repurposed District Collector’s Office, while Medchal-Malkajgiri’s campus still has cement bags where classrooms should be. Despite these infrastructure challenges, officials remain optimistic, highlighting resourcefulness, modern systems, and direct patient interactions for students. This South First report examines the hurdles Telangana faces as it works to bridge healthcare education gaps across the state.
Residents of Vilavoorkal grama panchayat in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram district live in constant fear as stray bullets from the nearby Mukkunnimala firing range strike their homes and streets. From shattered windows to bullets landing inside living rooms, the community’s repeated pleas for safety have gone unanswered. While the Army and Kerala Police use the range for training, gaps in safety measures, ricochets, and human errors have turned the firing range into a persistent threat. This South First report captures the fears of a village under siege.
