Destination India: Salem, Tamil Nadu

Monday, December 04, 2006

Salem, Tamil Nadu

Mariamman festival
Originally uploaded by danielguip.

Salem is the fifth largest city of Tamil Nadu with a population of over 650,000 people. The city is completely surrounded by hills and therefore offers breathtaking views both during the ride up the hill and from the peak. Salem is also a part of the renowned tourist destination of Yercaud hills. It is a fairly cosmopolitan city.

Salem is one of the major textile centers in the country. It has a steel plant run by the Steel Authority of India and the brand Salem Stainless Steel is very widely known. Salem is one of the largest producers of traditional silver anklets, which is popular among the women of India.

About Me

India has always fascinated me for different reasons. The vastness of its culture, the diversity of people’s opinions and the limitations of its vision. Despite our diversity, we need to have a collective vision. India is not a country of four metropolis or a couple of high-tech cities. This nation of a billion people has 29 states and 6 union territories. We have 35 state and territorial capitals. How much do we know about each of these important cities?

Professionally I am a graphic designer from Bombay, India. In 1987, I co-authored a book on Corporate India, but my desire to throw a wider net and pick up much more information remains intact. I want my people from every city and every state to write and photograph details and information that would be interesting to the viewers around the world. We have so much to talk about and so much to share - this medium and this technology can help fulfill our collective dreams.