In the gruelling time of the Chennai floods, it was the people of Chennai who took matters into their hands and helped each other.

For this, the People of Chennai won the CNN News 18's Indian of the Year award in the category of Public Service.

RJ Balaji's, one of the celebrities who crowdsourced food, supplies and groceries for many affected by the floods across Chennai, received the award on the city's behalf.

"There were more volunteers than victims on the road. This time, all of us in Chennai fel like true Indians. We were wearing masks of caste, creed, race, religion, money and authority. This rain washed away these masks. Chennai is more than Masala Dosa, Rajnikanth and lungi dance," RJ Balaji said in his speech thanking the people of Chennai.

Along with him, Chinmayi Sripaada, who proactively lent a hand during floods and was part of the Chennai Micro operation, received the award along with him.

Balaji's Chennai Micro initiative continued to help with rehabilitation efforts in and around Chennai and thanked several of their volunteers who helped in the operation.