Cracker of a battle: Vijay wants Sivakasi to take on China and become a global fireworks powerhouse. Here’s what it’ll take

Synopsis Tamil Nadu’s government aims to transform Sivakasi, India’s firecracker hub, into a global competitor against China. The focus is now on innovation, safety and sustainability to boost the industry, which faces challenges like chemical bans and worker safety concerns. Sivakasi is synonymous with pattaasu (Tamil for firecrackers). Firecrackers from this city in Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu add sparkle and cheer to festivities across India. Apart from being the premier pyrotechnics hub, Sivakasi is curiously called “Kutty Japan” or Mini Japan, a moniker India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru reportedly coined for the enterprise and enthusiasm it demonstrated in…