Two citizen-led initiatives in Tamil Nadu are leveraging technology to address everyday challenges, each taking a distinct approach but sharing a common goal of societal improvement.
Putholi Trust: Enhancing Government School Infrastructure
For years, students at the Government Higher Secondary School in Kalveerampalayam, Coimbatore, relied on traditional blackboards until the Putholi Trust introduced a smart board. Jagan Kumar, founder of the trust, describes Putholi as a "small, no-frills, non-political non-profit" focused on providing basic infrastructure such as toilets, classrooms, and libraries to government schools in Tamil Nadu.
Jagan, a 49-year-old software engineer, founded the trust in 2023. "Putholi" means "fresh and new" in Tamil. The trust does not accept open donations; every contribution on the website is directed toward a specific school need. Jagan covers the website expenses himself. Donors receive a unique tracking ID to view donation details, vendor information, receipts, and before-and-after photos. Payments are only released after proof of work is submitted.
"We are now building a volunteer network, at least 25 people per district," says Jagan. "We believe that if many people provide support through the Putholi trust, it could result in revolutionary infrastructure changes for govt schools."
Nammaooru: Tackling Waste Management Through Transparency
Chennai-based computer science graduate C Manikandan is addressing garbage issues with an app called Nammaooru. The app allows citizens to photograph garbage piles, automatically identifying the GPS location and displaying the names of the MLA, IAS officer, and solid waste management members responsible for that ward.
"Nammaooru allows any user to view any report filed across the city, resulting in transparency," says Manikandan. The platform has received five complaints across eight wards in Chennai, primarily about mixing of dry and wet waste and construction debris. All complaints have been forwarded to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) for action.
None have been resolved yet, which Manikandan attributes to the newly formed government focusing on other issues. "The MLA I consulted indicated that the administration would need time to integrate and act on the platform's reporting system. The resolution will happen at some point," he says, adding that more photos are coming in daily. "Only if society takes initiative will there be some progress."
For more information, visit: putholitrust.com and nammaooru.xyz.
