Kamaraj Nagar, Vellore

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name= Vellore
type=multinational
type_2=neighborhood
latd = 12.93|longd=79.13
locator_position=left
state_name=Tamil Nadu
district= • Vellore District
leader_title_1=MLA
leader_name_1=C. Gnanasekaran
altitude=216
area_telephone= 91 416
postal_code= 632 002
vehicle_code_range= TN-23
website=www.vellore.nic.in
footnotes = |

Kamaraj Nagar (Tamil: காமராஜ் நகர்) is primarily a residential neighbourhood comprising of mainly posh dwellings in the city of Vellore, India. It is one of the rapid developing parts of the city. In addition to being a popular residential area, Kamaraj Nagar has become a busy commercial and educational center of Thorapadi. Also, it acts as the southwestern gateway of the City of Vellore.

Geography

Kamaraj Nagar is located at 12.93° N 79.13° E. It has an average elevation of 216 metres (708 feet).
Kamaraj Nagar can be subdivided into partial-hilly West with government establishments and fertile east with major residential areas.
It is surrounded by Ariyur-Thirumalaikodi in the south, Balaji Nagar in the north, Ramset Nagar & Bagayam in the east and Great Thorapadi Lake in the west.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Thorapadi had a population of 14,292. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Thorapadi has an average literacy rate of 74%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 79%, and female literacy is 67%. In Thorapadi, 7% of the population is under 6 years of age. Tamil is the official language and also the native language though English is widely spoken.

Economy

Most of the residents of Kamaraj Nagar either work in Government Institutes or do business. Other than this, professionals from here work in nearby cities like Chennai and Bangalore. Very recently many of the youngsters have started moving towards western countries (esp. USA, Germany & UK) and middle east (esp. UAE & Iran) which has resulted in an optimistic economical change.

=Central Prison=

The central prison (set up in 1830) along with women's central prison is a major employer of the region. The prison has historical importance. Political leaders like former president Sri R.Venkat Raman. Dr. Aringar C.N. Anna Durai. Late Tr,V,V,Giri, late Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Kamaraj and Sri Vinoba Bhave were confined in this prison. Many prisoners sentenced to transpiration by the courts of this Presidency are retained when considered physically unfit for deportation to Andaman. The expenditure in the jail is recovered by the value of the Convict’s labor. There is a small sub jail attached to the central prison to accommodate the remand and under-trail prisoners of this dist. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vellore_Central_Prison] [ [http://www.indiaandindians.com/tamilnadu/vellore/vellore_other_important_places.php Vellore ] ] Initially the residential area started developing around Vellore Central Jail in mid 1970s.

Education

One of the six State Government run Engineering Colleges, Thanthai Periyar Engineering College is located here. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanthai_Periyar_Government_Institute_of_Technology]
One of two prestigious Medical Colleges of India, Christian Medical College is located in the foothills of Kamaraj Hills. [ [http://www.cmch-vellore.edu/main.asp Christian Medical College - Vellore, India ] ]
Kamaraj Nagar has Government Higher Secondary School which forms the backbone of secondary education in the entire Thorapadi.

Transportation

Kamaraj Nagar has been well connected to other parts of the city by city Bus Service.
Here is the list of buses and their destination.

Bus No.1 to Bagayam(via Central Prison, Women's Prison, Christian Medical College, Thanthai Periyar Engg College).
Bus No.2 to Katpadi(via Vellore Central Bus Station).
Bus No.7(Extn) to Sathuvachari (via CMC Hospital)
Bus No.8(and 8 series) to Usur, Anaicut, Odugathur and Alangayam (via Thirumalaikodi)It has become a busy traffic route to famous Srilakshmi Golden Temple, Sripuram.

Following are the bus shelters of Kamaraj Nagar
#MGR Statue (Bus No.1,2,7,8)
#Thorapadi Railway Gate (Bus No.8)
#Central Prison (Bus No.1,2,7)
#Women's Prison (Bus No.1,2,7)
#Thanthai Periyar Engg. College and Polytechnic (Bus No.1,2,7)
#Christian Medical College (Bus No.1,2,7)

Real Estate

Kamaraj Nagar is a relatively newly developed part of the city. It lies on the banks of the river Kanar. The real estate market in Kamaraj Nagar had a high demand during 1990s. Most recently, it (the real estate market in Kamaraj Nagar and its southern extension) has been sky-rocketing after the unvieling of Srilakshmi Golden Temple, Sripuram.

Cricket and other sports

Cricket is the heartbeat of every youngster of Thorapadi. Kamaraj Nagar plays vital role in local cricket. Kamaraj Nagar Cricket Club (popularly known as KNCC) was on its peak during late 1990's during which famous players like Dhayanand(a legendary cricketer who has been playing for Keane Inc., since 2005 and presently leading Framingham Indian Cricket Club), Shakthi, Ravi and Vinoth(popularly known as C (C stands for Cricket), a star cricketer of United Club, De-Boer, Vellore) gained immense popularity, following series of KNCC's decisive victories against dozens of established cricket teams of Vellore.
Chess is the next popular sport/game of Kamaraj Nagar.

Recreation

Kamaraj Hills which is located in Thorapadi, southern Suburb of Vellore, is one of the most scenic locations in the city. Thorapadi lake which starts at Kamaraj Nagar is one of the biggest in the district. Fitness buffs come to Scudder Hill road, which is serene and beautiful, to walk, jog, do yoga and socialise.

Trivia

1. Kamaraj Nagar enjoys (relatively pleasant) eastward weather from Great Thorapadi lake, which makes the area appear cool and fabulous.
2. Present MLA of Vellore Constituency C. Gnanasekaran once said in a public function here, "Kamaraj Nagar is one of the best developed areas in Vellore, which I would wish to visit every now and then and I would be proud to say that this area belongs to my constituency".
3. Residents of Kamaraj Nagar celebrate annual function called Ramzan-New Year-Pongal celebrations which would clearly show the zenith of its religious harmony.

References