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Vol. XXV No. 21 MUSINGS February 16-29, 2016 The civic body Know your Fort in overdrive better

uddenly it would seem, our Sowcarpet (approximately action and achievement – elec- Scity’s Corporation has gone 0.00001 per cent of the total tions to the State Assembly can into a frenzy of action. Just number of such structures), be announced at any moment count the number of ‘achieve- work has begun on drainage thereby binding the civic body ments’ in the past two weeks projects and the installation of to electoral conduct rules that and you will get the general idea LED lights on roads has re- would mean a blanket ban on – the civic body upgraded itself any new schemes being launch- by the simple expedient of add- G by The Editor ed. ing a ‘Greater’ to the Chennai it While it must be said that all is supposed to govern, it laun- ceived a boost. Chances are of these initiatives are beneficial ched an enquiry into the tardy that if you open your newspa- to our city, the bringing on pace of desilting works in water per of a morning, you will get to board of so many automatically bodies, 65 new mini bus routes read a lot of Corporation news means very few will see the light were inaugurated, pavement these days. of the day. Given our civic projects at NSC Bose Road and While it does leave you with body’s track record of seeing Mylapore have gone into over- the wistful thought that the projects to fruition and its usual drive (see report below), a lament of lack of manpower and same dynamism if displayed Middle aka North Street. programme has been announc- over the past several years resources, many of these seem ed to see how areas around would have transformed our to be empty announcements G St George’s Street leads you from the eponymous gate to Parade metro railway stations can be city, a moment’s cold reflection with an eye on the election Square. We have already seen the important thoroughfares on the developed, several illegal build- will also give you the reason for results. southern side of the Fort, namely St Thomas, Charles, Palace and ings have been sealed in this newfound fondness for (Continued on page 2) Church Streets. Now it is time to examine those on the northern side. Of these there are four – Choultry Street is the westernmost, following which is Middle Street. You have two minor thorough- fares – James and Gloucester Streets – close to the eastern end of Are pavements making the Fort but of these there is not much history. The Choultry Street once led to an eponymous gate on the northern wall of the Fort. This was bricked up by the French in a comeback? 1746 and for some reason was never opened again. Both gate and street got their name from the fact that they led directly to the he good news is that pave- Road. The civic body has also walkway that will double up as Native Court, or Choultry, that stood just outside the Fort proper. Tments are returning to the managed to get one of its (and a heritage corridor in Mylapore. Likewise, the Middle Street got its name because it ends at the city. After the Corporation fa- Coming as all this does after the Middle Gate of the Fort, which post-1749, by way of being the mously dragged its feet over the Corporation’s success with G only opening on the northern side, also came to be referred to as implementation of a High by A Special pavement reclamation on Sir the North Gate. In terms of appearance it is the most formidable Court order and got rapped on Correspondent Theagaroya Road in T’Nagar, among the entrances, tall and gloomy, with a strangely Assyrian the knuckles for it, work has these steps make for some com- aspect to its construction – the rectangular arch and the sloping begun in right earnest on con- most residents’) favourite mendable effort. The question buttresses giving you that feeling. Sadly, it is also now the structing one at NSC Bose schemes going – building a is how long will these walkways last? worst maintained. A makeshift bazaar comes up each afternoon The NSC Bose Road story is in the street (right inside what is supposed to be high security a long and tortuous one. Years premises) with hawkers selling flowers, fruits and stainless steel after activist ‘Traffic’ Rama- vessels. The Government employees in the Fort make sure that swamy filed a Public Interest business thrives. Litigation in the High Court of That both Choultry and Middle Gates were in existence from Madras demanding deconges- almost the inception of the Fort is evident from Charles Lockyer’s tion of the area and eviction of description of the precinct dating to 1711. He lists five points of hawkers and the Court instruct- ingress to the Fort – Sea, St Thomas, Water (today we take this to ing the Corporation to take steps, nothing much happened. be synonymous with the Sea Gate but evidently this was a differ- Now, if you happen to walk ent entrance then), Choultry and Middle Gates. Of these he notes along the area, you can see that St Thomas and Choultry gates were to be opened for passen- plenty of evidence of work in gers at any time of night ‘if unsuspected’ but the others were closed progress. The pavement is more at 6.00 pm. or less complete just opposite Of the two, the now lost Choultry Gate was perhaps the older for we do know that the Choultry Court, the first institution to The pavement at NSC Bose Road with a vendor hawking wares to two policewomen. (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 6) CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS February 1-15, 2016 THE CIVIC BODY IN OVERDRIVE The white man’s burden

(Continued from page 1) has focused on any core issues – hose who know The Man sure that they were let off. showcasing history of recorded water stagnation and the mos- Tfrom Madras Musings are MMM’s good lady who thought music by means of a 78 rpm Ours is a State where all quito menace, the problem of aware that he is something of a otherwise decided that the best disc and a CD sitting side by civic bodies look to the State poor quality roads that are laid sociable man – he flits through option would be to summon side, another bureau with exchequer for funding. That with no concern as to standards several social organisations in the club’s major domo, who prints (not originals) of Indian the city - ranging from mouldy despite his slight frame packs currency notes, and, rather means the same political party or durability, the desilting of needs to be in power both at the old literary societies filled with enough authority to quell a curiously, a box that was drains, and the development of books, a musical Mecca, a club pride of lions. The official duly stuffed with shredded rupees. State Government and the Cor- a sustainable model for the city dedicated to sports, another arrived and having given the A recent print of Thomas poration Council. True, on pa- to exist. Chennai is on the verge whose staff is perpetually on visitors the once over sterally Munro hung from a wall and per, all administrations need to of an infrastructure collapse strike and a third that is most said that they would simply not next to it was an earlier print be neutral once they are in of- and is at present getting by only upmarket where the crème de do and had best make them- of the same. fice and rise above such petty because several other cities ap- la crème of Madras society selves scarce. And that was The apparition that man- considerations, but reality has pear to be far worse. Thus far, congregate on the verandah af- that. The group beat a retreat, ned the place moaned that not always been different here. our Corporation councils have ter a hard day’s work. but not before MMM’s good many visitors come to the What if a different political dis- chosen to dwell on cosmetic is- The last named, a throw- lady had reflected to herself place and so it preferred to back to the crusty old days of that it was indeed ironic that a keep the lights switched off. pensation makes it to power? sues – beautifying the beach, Next, we also have elections to the British raj, has several set of Britishers were stopped To while away its time, this putting up road signs, launching dress regulations for its mem- in Tracks by the laws they had spook filed documents into the Corporation shortly falling of canteens and tarring a few bers and guests. MMM has themselves once laid down. folders, of which quite a col- due. And what if there is an up- roads. True, the Corporation’s long lost track of what is to be But the love for heritage was lection was spread on the set result with another political track record in healthcare and party coming to power? Or even education is truly commendable worse, what if the Assembly and but these are departments the city council have two op- that have historically done SHORT ’N’ SNAPPY posing parties in power? We can very well. be fairly sure that none of these It is to be hoped that who- worn in which part of this evidently too powerful a pull. A floor. On the wall was a map ideas will take off. ever is in power next in the city Despite having majorities in Club, but he generally con- couple of days later the request showing ‘impotent’ places in council has the political will to forms to them all by the simple was renewed and, this time, what MMM had originally office, no civic administration, break out of this rut in think- expedient of wearing as many MMM being around, he agreed thought was a fertile neigh- be it the present or earlier ones, ing. clothes as possible when he to play host. The team arrived bourhood. visits, with a couple more add- sans escort, dressed as though Having wandered hither ons tucked away in the car, they were off to a Buckingham and thither, MMM came to just in case. In this context he Palace garden party. The ma- what appeared to be a hole in would also like to add that jor domo beamed approvingly the ground. The genie in- Are pavements women are not subject to as and MMM’s good lady offici- formed him that there was a many restrictions – they are ated at the teapot. Roast lamb basement section and asked if merely expected to be deco- sandwiches were had by the MMM would like to see it. Of making a comeback? rously attired. visitors and, if MMM recol- course MMM said he would, Unlike several in authority, lects correctly, scones and whereupon the ghost said MMM is all for dress regula- muffins. MMM could navigate under (Continued from page 1) if they provide parking space. tions. He feels that they bring his own steam, switch on the But where are they to go for a certain standard to institu- Museum misery lights and see whatever there the High Court as the accom- this? None has an answer. One tions and need to be kept up. was to see. And so MMM panying photograph shows. option could be the multi-level He therefore makes sure that he Chief is forever asking went. There was more of the Bollards have been fixed and parking lot at Broadway bus- all guests are kept informed TThe Man from Madras usual rubbish and then finally the pedestrian walkway has stand. But this has never got off well in advance about what Musings to visit local museums there stood a glass shelf with been designed in such a fashion the ground chiefly owing to lack they are expected to wear at to broaden his (MMM’s and publications from the muse- that it broadens out at the ends this club. not the Chief’s) mind. As many ums department of Madras. of interest among civil contrac- of you know, MMM lives by so that it also encloses a bay in tors. Recently, MMM was away Among these were several that travelling and his good lady, the mantra of Obey – when it MMM would have loved to which two-wheelers can be Compared to this, the also known as She Who Must comes to the Chief and possess and so he called out to parked. Mylapore pavement may be a Be Obeyed, received a call MMM’s good lady. And, so, the resident ghost if these were To a casual stroller it all cakewalk. The Luz Church sec- from a friend. A group of visi- finding time hanging heavy for sale. The answer rather re- looks fine. But as always it is in tion will be relatively easy as it tors had come from the UK, when he was travelling down luctantly given out was a ‘yes’ the details that plenty can hap- does not have any vendor issues said the caller, and being south, MMM decided to visit and when MMM said he pen to trip the Corporation up. but the North Mada Street sec- rather keen on seeing restored the local museum. would like to buy them, the True, it has evicted all the tion is likely to pose the same heritage buildings, would like Arriving at the place it be- voice declared that MMM hawkers from the area, or, at challenges as NSC Bose Road. to visit the Club. Could MMM came clear to MMM that this would have to tender exact museum would have been bet- least, that is what it claims. The One option here could be to take them to tea there? The change. To this MMM agreed good lady offered to stand in ter off not being built. The where upon there was dead reality is that several are back declare the four streets sur- and then having read out chap- brainchild of a late lamented silence. After a while the voice to where they practised their rounding the tank a pedestrian ter and verse about dress regu- minister to whom the local lan- was back, declaring rather trade, on the new pavement, area. Madurai has already done lations asked the friend to in- guage and its furtherance were cheerfully that the deal was off and, above all, enjoy patronage this. Why can’t chennai do the form the guests. What the the only goals in life, it was a as the museum had no receipt from the lawyers of the Court same? But the establishments in caller told the visitors is not single storeyed structure of un- books for make out an invoice. and the policemen/women on the area are completely opposed known to MMM and good surpassed ugliness, the kind MMM said he did not need duty! Also if the popular per- to the implementation of such lady, but when the group that no creator other than the one. ception is that the hawkers are a scheme. landed at the club it was Public Works Department can That dished the ghost. Or responsible for the mess, here is shockingly underdressed. Ac- come up with. An irregular so MMM thought. Ten min- The Corporation needs to flight of steps led up to the door another thought coming, cour- take all stakeholders into con- cording to MMM’s good lady, utes later, the attendant duly beachwear would have been and on entering after much arrived with an enormous bag tesy some research by The New sultation, declare its intentions the most appropriate term to tripping and stubbing of toes of keys. These were emptied Indian Express – there are 44 res- and debate solutions. It also describe what they were clad owing to the non-uniform rises on the floor. There were no taurants and 11,169 commer- needs to provide answers to the in. and treads, MMM found him- tags to identify which key cial establishments along the problems of all. While the inter- When she informed the self in pitch darkness. A genie opened which cupboard said stretch and just ONE has park- ests of the pedestrian and gen- friend and the visitors that or apparition then made itself the man and, so, he would ing space for its patrons and eral safety are paramount, those there was no way she was go- manifest and asked MMM have to try them all one by employees! The end result is of others cannot be neglected, ing to get them entry into the rather lugubriously if he would one. In the meantime, said the that 600 two-wheelers, 140 particularly after they have club premises, she was as- like to see the exhibits. When attendant, MMM could feast MMM replied in the affirma- four-wheelers and one lakh pe- been allowed to get away scot- tounded to see that the group’s his eyes on the exhibits. escort, an Indian, was of the tive, it sighed and reluctantly MMM, as Lady Macbeth destrians jostle for the space free for years without any regu- view that these being English- switched on the lights to reveal would have said, stood not that is left. The Corporation has lation. Unless this happens, men were above such regula- a set of display cabinets with upon the order of his going, now promised that it will such pavements may look good tions and if any of the staff the most humdrum collection but went. In short, he fled. tighten up its rules for licences on paper but eventually degen- raised an objection, the colour possible – stamps of recent vin- to these offices/eateries – they erate into the chaos that now of the skin would definitely en- tage, a cupboard ostensibly – MMM will get permits to operate only prevails. February 1-15, 2016 MADRAS MUSINGS 3 Entrepreneur’s Selling with progress? a prayer

n a hot summer day in 10 per meal. Our breakfast, ev- into entrepreneurship — all in had been suffering from a pain in my right knee for quite O 1996, I landed in Chennai ery day, was delicious pongal Chennai. The corporate train- Isome time. I finally decided to consult an orthopaedic doctor. as a freshly minted BE graduate and vada (cost us Rs 6) from a ing story is pretty interesting, He made me lie down on a couch and asked me to raise my who did not have a job — not small hole-in-the-wall outlet actually. I knew Java quite well knee. I did so, in great agony. Then he took hold of my raised leg and rotated it. The pain was unbearable and I almost even a Y2K mainframe job that opposite Lake View Road bus and I was able to convince Po- almost everyone seemed to screamed. I will have to operate, he said. A knee replacement is stop. Lunch usually was limited laris to give me a contract to easily get in those days. Little the only solution, he claimed after examining an x-ray. And he did I know then that tens of meals at Ganesh Bhavan for Rs train 25 of their experienced looked at his diary to find a suitable date. And he gave me one. I had, however, decided against an operation for various rea- thousands of students like me 13 (if we could afford it, we Pro C programmers in Java. used to treat ourselves to curd The training was for 15 days sons. I had seen some friends of mine who had gone through came to Chennai every year for knee replacement and had witnessed the trouble they had. the same reason as me — to — extra Rs 2) and for dinner, and the contract was for Rs I decided I would try ayurvedic treatment instead. The walls escape from the social pressure there was a place that sold two 30,000. It was terrifying as my of the ayurvedic pharmacy were lined with neat teakwood cup- exerted by parents and rela- chappatis and curd rice for Rs students were all experienced boards with glass doors. The cupboards were stacked with tives, who make it their respon- 10. My father used to send me programmers and project leads bottles of oils, kashayams and arishtams. Patients were seated on sibility to remind us every day Rs 1500 per month those days and I had very little actual pro- a bench waiting for their turn to see the doctor. He was not only an ayurvedic physician but also a doctor of modern medicine. that we have finished BE and to support me while I was gramming experience. I com- still don’t have a job. The pros- The prescription he gave me was to rub a certain ayurvedic searching for a job. pleted the training successfully oil gently over my knee every day. I looked at the table of con- pect of staying with friends and *** and collected Rs 28500 (after tents. It contained a combination of oils, including pinna thailam searching for a job with big TDS). I still remember spend- and karppuradi thailam that I was familiar with. dreams and little money seemed From a blog by Girish ing almost Rs 26000 on the I rubbed the oil gently on my knee every day before my bath. far better than the idea of stay- There was little or no improvement. Mathrubootham founded same day, buying everything ing at home and feeling a technology company, Then one day I chanced upon an old man who had set up a ashamed every day. Freshdesk, five years that was on my wish list — small ayurvedic shop on the pavement. Since I had to walk a My first month in Chennai ago. He loves Chennai Adidas shoes, Ray-Ban sun- short distance to the ayurvedic shop and I felt a little lazy to do was spent as a guest in my and is one of the most glasses, Levis jeans, treating my so, I stopped and bought a bottle of oil from the old man after going through the list of ingredients. I used his oil every day friend’s place called AA Man- successful technology friends to pizza (they had never entrepreneurs from the and, miracles of miracles, the pain seemed to lessen until one sion on Lake View Road in had a pizza in their life) and, day I found that I was completely free of pain! city. His company deliv- West Mambalam. Don’t let the hold your breath — a 64KB “How is it,” I asked the old man, “that the oil you make ers customer relationship Casio Digital Diary!! This was works wonders for my knee pain while the same type of oil term “mansion” fool you — two management. of my friends were sharing a my money. I had earned it and bottled and sealed and sold in a nearby shop doesn’t do me much good?” small 10ft x 10ft room and I I was not afraid to spend it. Months passed by and I did He seemed to think a little about it and then said with a slow joined them as a guest. Those Your life is nothing but a col- smile, “There is only one difference between the oil that I sell were the days when I learnt to not get a job. But I got a lucky lection of your experiences and and the oil that you buy from the shop.” survive on Rs 30 per day or Rs break. Of the countless (and on that note — my early career “And what exactly is that?” I asked him. useless) entrance exams that I days in Chennai were really “With every bottle of oil I sell,” he replied, “I say a little wrote (often without prepara- happy! prayer that my patient will be healed.” tion, so I usually end up fail- Save this building I left for the US with a one- – Radha Padmanabhan ing), I managed to crack the way ticket to San Francisco in e seek to bring to the MBA entrance exam at the 2000 through a consulting Wnotice of the Central University of Madras (Chennai company (more commonly yet, the social pressures of do- a sadabishegam, and there was and State Governments that was still Madras then — and ing your own business (it was Diwali or an Onam — life in the Government Madrasa-e- known those days as a body Azam Higher Secondary still is in many of our hearts). shopping company). I was not cool those days to be an Chennai was full of colour. I School on Anna Salai lies in 4000 people wrote the exam happy with my friends in the entrepreneur) made me look was happier here. I decided to ruins because of the heavy and I was number 3 on the US but was not content. Some- for a job. I joined AdventNet return from the US to Chennai rains a couple of months ago. wait-list in the Open Category thing was always missing. We (now called Zoho) as a Pre for the second time. It was al- The building is classified as a quota (12 seats out of 40). Sales Engineer in 2001. The most like Chennai was creating ‘heritage building’ and so it is missed standing in a tea shop in the bounden duty of the Three good souls decided to Chennai and having hot tea next nine years I spent there these recessions to bring me government to restore the give up their seats, probably to with plantain bajji, or sitting on transformed my career. This back! original beauty and strength join a better course in some the beach and chatting for was the period where I poured * * * of the building. Alas! The other university, and I man- hours with friends. We missed passion and energy and built a In 2010, I quit my job at State Government has failed aged to sneak in. great product team in Chennai. Zoho and started Freshdesk. to do so despite representa- Sathyam Cinemas and rued tions by made by the Prince What a relief that was! I no how AMC can never be as I traveled to over 26 countries We assembled a rock star team of Arcot, whose ancestor longer had to search for a job good as Sathyam. And the and over 55 cities. and the time that we spent at Nawab Wallajah – esta- and my parents and relatives overall mood in Silicon Valley In late 2007, I moved to our Kilkattalai office in 2011 blished the institution in started feeling better about me was getting pretty bad with the Austin, TX. Even though the was probably the best time of 1710 C.E. (it didn’t matter to them that quality of life was better in the my life. We almost considered Our organisation too has dotcom bust and people getting appealed to Government this was not a top tier MBA — laid off. I resigned my job and US, life was boring and the en- moving to Bangalore — the of- as have several other edu- it’s just how the system works bought a one-way flight ticket vironment was depressing. Af- fice space was ready, two offers cationists and well-wishers in India). What I cherished to Chennai to start a new train- ter the Lehman brothers col- to senior employees had been of the institutions, but unfor- more than the MBA admit, was ing company (two one-way lapse in 2008, the only things made but then our Bangalore tunately the pleas remain till the newfound self-esteem — that people talked about in the plans started to fall apart and date cries in the wilderness. tickets do make a round trip af- This is now being brought “Doing an MBA” was a far bet- ter all). My heart leapt with joy US were weather and the we decided to stay in Chennai. to the notice of the wider ter answer than “searching for and excitement, on the flight subprime crisis. In Chennai, in I am really glad that we stayed public and particularly a job” to the omnipresent ques- back: I was going to return to spite of the heat, the dirt and in Chennai. I would have not staunch champions of heri- tion at every wedding or a fam- Namma Chennai! the sweat, there was real en- been able to get our wonderful tage to request government ily event — What are you do- ergy, real aspiration in people Freshdesk team and our beau- to act. My business plans didn’t re- ing now? ally work out well and I quickly and real joy. Every day in the tiful office (with wall paintings S.M. Pasha * * * shut down the business as I did US was the same and boring, of Thalaivar) may not have President Between 1998 and 2000, I not like surviving in a negative every day in Chennai was ex- happened anywhere else. The Tamil Nadu Backward got my first job, purchased my citing and fun. There was al- Freshdesk is proud to be in Dakkani Muslims Welfare market. I wanted to thrive in a Association (Regd) dream bike (Royal Enfield rising market, but the senti- ways a celebration around the Chennai and I am confident 22/51, Barracks Rd., CitiBike 535cc), landed my ment in 2001 was very negative corner — sometimes it was a that one day we will make Periamet, Chennai 600003 first corporate training contract after the dotcom bust. As wedding or a Navrathri golu, at Chennai feel proud of and took my first baby steps someone who was not married times you had a seemandham or Freshdesk! 4 MADRAS MUSINGS February 16-29, 2016 February 16-29, 2016 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 A short series on Madras’s the lakes of Madras Doric Column The city’s major lighthouse But thou, whose spendour dims point of time, was on furlough in each beam, the UK, to develop a proposal. Whose firm, unmoved position The Company felt that the new reservoirs might declare lighthouse should be located fur- Thy throne a monarch’s – like the ther north of the Exchange. The f there was one good thing to see the lakes or do you want to and an elderly man from the vil- north-star’s gleam, Esplanade – site of the Madras Iabout the Chennai floods it is see someone else? Have you lage told us to take the lane next Reveals each snare. this: It showed us exactly where come to collect taxes?) to a little Ganesha temple. The High Court today – was identi- all the long forgotten and badly Given the general ignorance car struggled on that battered – Ode to the lighthouse fied as the location for the new brutalised lakes are. The price we and confusion I wouldn’t have road along the lake, lined on at Malta lighthouse. He designed and paid for filling up lakes and build- located many of the little known either side by scrub forests and El Duque de Rivas constructed what is popularly ing over and around them was lakes but for Google Maps and fencing trees (veli kaathan). A (1791-1865) known today as the Doric col- steep and the effects devastating. GPS. The bottom line is there signboard warning people not to umn lighthouse. The Doriccolumn sans the light compartment (left] in the High Court complex Looking for the lakes two are far more lakes than we can bathe or fish in the waters was all Historically, three light- of Madras. months after the floods is like imagine in our city and it is im- faded and rusty. Despite the houses have functioned in Ma- * * * railroad and canal in the curacy of half ‘grain’. This Smith going on a treasure hunt. perative that we create greater warning not to, we saw a few dras city. The present light- John Smith was born at neighbourhood of Madras city. machine won an award at the Though the city has plenty of awareness and save them with- people washing clothes by a little house, built in 1977, is the water bodies, big and small, some out delay. wash area just off the road. Chembarambakkam. Foëlallt (Cardiganshire The Red Hills Rail road was the International Exhibi- fourth and is credited with a few people are either blissfully igno- The best place to start would Chembarambakkam, 40 km [Ceredigion], Wales). After earliest railroad to transport tion, 1851. ‘special’ features not found in rant or indifferent about their be the major reservoirs that sup- from Chennai, is a vast expanse. in those days it irrigated about 14, 1944. It was K. Kamaraj who as I alighted from the car was a studying mathematics, he won a goods in India. He surveyed the others in the rest of India. On returning to , existence, importance or their ply water to the city It is one of the rain-fed reservoirs 168 villages. It has trees and veg- got this dam named after massive mound of garbage that commission in the Royal Engi- Ennore and Pulicat Lakes to as- etation dotting it here and there, Satyamurthi, his mentor. Even had caked up just opposite and Smith was employed as a con- A lighthouse was proposed in neers and left for India in 1825. certain the practicality and cost apart from posts carrying high the TNCC office at Chennai is not too far from the eri (on a sulting engineer by a few Indian 1795 to enable vessels to enter He was appointed as the Execu- of keeping open the sandbar of tension cables. After the release named Satyamurthi Bhavan. An second visit, these open lorries irrigation companies. He later the open-anchorage area at any tive Engineer in the Northern the Kuam (read as Cooum) River of water from Chembaram- obelisk gives all the historical de- parked and the mound of gar- became a Director, and, eventu- time of the day. Initially, the Districts of by artificially closing that of the bakkam and the flooding of the tails. Next door is the Institute bage had reduced somewhat). ally, the Chairperson of the Ma- steeple of St Mary’s Church in (Ganjam, Rajamundhry, and city, the reservoir attracts the of Hydraulics and Hydrology. A Why anyone would do that is dras Railway Company – a post Fort St. George was identified as Vizagapatam). He was an enthu- odd, curious visitor who comes few random visitors, including beyond me but in Chennai that which he held until his death in by to check out what the lake monkeys, were in the vicinity. is precisely how it is. It seems as if the site for the light, but this was siastic practical chemist and an G by Dr A. Raman 1882. Smith also wrote on as- looks like. The lake is a joy to behold. From landfills, eris and lakes are meant opposed to by the Church Chap- experimenter and passionately pects of metallurgy and on po- Poondi was the next stop. Poondi water is distributed to co-exist. lain. Therefore, the terrace of explored the use of lime and litical economy. From Poonamallee High through a system of link canals Climbing up a few steps, we The Exchange (the Fort Mu- country mortars as building ma- Ennore River. Thus, the waters Road we took the Tirupati/ to other storage reservoirs lo- caught a glimpse of this vast seum today) was identified as terial. He translated Louis-Jo- collected in the Pulicat Lake While serving the Madras Tiruvellore Road, past the sheet of water glimmering and the next best site and the first seph Vicat’s Résumé des would be directed to the Kuam, Army as Captain, in 1839, Smith Othandeeswarar Koil Tank and glinting in the sun. Red Hills is G by Sudha lighthouse of Madras came up Connaissances Positives Actuelles published An investigation of the Chennai Public School and from where North Chennai gets a measure, which, he consid- here in 1796. A ‘large’ lantern nature and optical efficiency of the drove through fertile stretches, Umashanker its water supply. It is a rain fed sur les Qualités, le Choix et la ered, would afford use to resi- combination of mirrors used to watching the birds flying above. reservoir built by the British in consisting of 12 oil-wick lamps, Convenance Réciproque des dents of the then existing sub- We took a right turn at 1876. Originally a small tank, its fixed at 99’ (c. 30 m) height, and Matériaux Propres à la Fabrication urb ‘Black Town’, besides im- augment the illuminating power of Tiruvellore Collector’s office to cated in Red Hills, Sholavaram capacity was increased many fed by coconut oil functioned. des Mortiers et Ciments Calcaires proving the water communica- the Madras light. In the preamble, get to Pullarambakkam and and Chembarambakkam. We times over to meet the demand Locally-made mirrors were used (1828, l’Imprimérie de Firmin tion between Madras and he indicates that the text pub- Satyamurthi Sagar. stopped by briefly at the and also to store Krishna water as reflectors. The beam from the Didot, Paris, 149 pages) into Sulurpet. lished in 1839 was actually writ- If I had to choose a scientifi- Pullarambakkam Neer Oondu from Andhra Pradesh received lamp swept the sea as far as 25 English. This translation in- ten in 1833. He emphasises the He was elected to the Fellow- Pondi Reservoir (Satyamurthi Sagar) and Park. cally designed and well preserved Nilayam (Water Booster Sta- through Poondi and Sholavaram miles, it is claimed. This light- cluded notes of several of his need to illuminate the Coro- ship of the Royal Society in water body it would be the tion) on our way out. tanks. The watch tower at house operated until 1841. own trials. As the second book mandel Coast using correct sci- 1836. Earlier, he was elected Satyamurthi Sagar (Dam and Leaving Poondi past the Tata Poondi is known as the Jones of its kind in the English-speak- entific theory. In 1839, he pub- Steel stockyard, we chanced A petition made by Vice-Ad- President of the Philosophical Lake). To get to the lake you Tower. Built in 1881, it helps to ing world, this edition received lished a 55-page long paper in need to drive down a few levels upon Thiruninravur and caught measure the depth of water in miral John Gore in 1834 reiter- Society of Edinburgh. He estab- a grand response. Smith was pas- the Reports on Various Profes- on well-maintained roads with sight of the lake from the bridge. the lake. ated the need of a technologi- lished and, for the first few years, sionate about Vicat and French sional Subjects Connected with the hairpin bends. En route there is a A closer view was more difficult Not far from here is the Rettai cally advanced facility in Ma- edited the Reports (Correspon- civil engineering theory and Duties of the Corps of Engineers, small statue of S. Satyamurthi, as we were told to go down a kind Eri, Ambattur, desilted in part. dras. Consequently, the Court of dence and Original Papers) on of (underground) tunnel which practice. Madras Presidency, which were largely hidden by the vegetation. We could spot a lone man in Directors of the East India Com- Various Professional Subjects turned out to be a narrow street. reproduced in Papers on Subjects Satyamurthi, a legal luminary what looked like a toy boat ne- pany directed Captain John Smith served on a committee Connected with the Duties of the who played an active role in the As we drove out we could see gotiating the waters. Connected with the Duties of Thomas Smith, Madras Army delegated to report on the possi- Corps of Engineers, Madras Presi- freedom struggle and went to jail that some of the houses in Corps of Royal Engineers Contrib- Corps of Engineers, who, at that bility of developing the Red Hills for it, was known for his integ- Thiruninravur were still water (To be continued) dency printed at the Vepery Mis- uted by the Officers of Royal Engi- rity, honesty and his oratory. He logged. sion Press, Madras. He wrote ar- neers published from Woolwich, was one of the key members of Cruising along on the Red ticles on varied engineering England. In this paper, consist- the Indian National Congress Hills Road, Ambattur, we spot- themes in this journal. After sev- ing of four parts, he describes the from Madras Presidency. He was ted huge blocks of stone besides eral years of stay as the Madras physical details of the Doric Col- the giant water pipes as we also a Mayor of Madras from Mint Master, he was appointed umn lighthouse. 1939 to 1943. It was during that caught a first glimpse of the lake the Calcutta Mint Master, from term that Madras was struck by a opposite Velammal institutions, where he retired in the route of * * * Statue of S.Satyamurthi Satyamurthi better remembered with obelisk and foundation Omayal Achi College of Nursing ill-remembered. and completion plaques. famine and the onus was on Colonel. An innovation Smith and several warehouses and Work on the Doric Column Satyamurthi to place the pro- introduced, while at the Madras spare parts dealer showrooms. lighthouse commenced in 1838. names and often point to many As we drove along Poona- from where the south of Chennai posal of the Madras Corporation Even as we were wondering how Mint, was adjusting weights of The Government of Madras an- others than the ones you are mallee High Road, past Tiru- gets its water. Chembaram- before the British Government construction was allowed so coins using diameters of coin looking for. Anyone looking for verkadu past a sign board that bakkam was once known as for building a reservoir at Poondi. nounced on 13 December 1843: The project was completed in close to the lake (the lack of ur- pieces, instead of their thick- a lake is eyed with a lot of suspi- says Thirumazhisai, there is an- Puliyur Kottam and was one of ‘The light is of the flashing record time, but Satyamurthi did ban planning is so in your face), nesses, which resulted in the de- cion and asked questions “Eri other insignificant looking one the 24 kottams, or villages, that description and the duration of a left turn on to the highway past sign of a novel machine. This paarkanuma yaravathu aalai that directs the searcher to existed in the later Chola period not live to see it commissioned. the flashes to that of the the arched entrance of Puzhal machine was capable of weigh- paarkanuma? Vari ezhutha Chembarambakkam. Since we in Thondamandalam which had The tablet commemorating eclipses or dark periods is in Jail took us to the Red Hills res- vandirikeengala?” (Do you want overshot it, we retraced our steps Kanchipuram as its capital. Back completion was unveiled by ing 20 or 100 blanks to the ac- Governor Arthur Hope on June ervoir. What greeted me as soon Red Hills Reservoir (All pictures by the Author). (Continued on page 7) 6 MADRAS MUSINGS February 1-15, 2016 KNOW YOUR

(Current Affairs questions are from the period January 16th to FORT BETTER 31st. Questions 11 to 20 pertain to Chennai and Tamil Nadu.) (Continued from page 1) 1. Name the player who became the first German woman tennis player to win a Grand Slam singles title after dispense justice to the natives of Madras, was established in 1640. Steffi Graf did in 1999. Though this was to be steadily superseded by the Mayor’s Court, 2. Name the freedom fighter, known the Court of Admiralty and the Court of Judicature, it had a long as ‘Punjab Kesari’, whose sesquicen- life, lasting well into the . Those who sat in judgement were tennial birthday was celebrated on essentially magistrates and the senior-most among them was January 28th. called the Chief Justice. The judges were designated Judge-Advo- View of North Street by Francis S. Ward. 3. Who was the official State guest at cate. Besides there was a Town Clerk who maintained the records the Republic Day Parade this year? and also functioned as a Notary Public. The Choultry Court exer- kind for on December 29, 1808, this was where Sir George Barlow 4. How did Lance Naik Mohan Nath cised jurisdiction over small causes, customs, sale of property and disembarked to take over as Governor of Madras. Goswami make news recently? the registration of slaves. Most fascinatingly, this was also the gate where the Pidari 5. According to a shocking, recently- Amman was brought all the way from Black Town each year dur- released World Economic Forum Successive Governors of Madras pondered over whether it (WEF) report, oceans will have more needed to be presided over by an Indian or one of their own coun- ing the month of Chithirai. The Goddess was of such importance of what environmentally destructive trymen. We do know that the first magistrate was Kannappa, the that the Collector of Madras would wait on Her and offer a gold item than fish by 2050 if the ongoing Adigar or headman of Black Town. Later, such worthies as Kasi bottu or thali (symbol of marriage) and a red silk saree. This cel- practice of dumping continues? Viranna also sat in judgement over here. As Fanny Penny wrote ebration was of sufficient antiquity for the Government to revive 6. Which small Northeastern State rather mockingly in her account, “they unhesitatingly gave their it in 1828 at its own expense when the hereditary trustees failed has formally become India’s first fully judgement without the aid of a lawyer, barrister or jury”. to continue the practice. It is not clear when the tradition was organic State after it successfully That was not the only connect that this street had with the given up. implemented organic farming prac- On a more down to earth note, the first drainpipes of the Fort tices in around 75,000 hectares of ag- law. In the 1790s, the Courts of Judicature that initially func- ricultural land? tioned from Charles Street moved to Choultry Gate Street, which were laid here and these took the sewage all the way to 7. The second volume of whose mem- became renamed as Court House Street. In the beginning of the Royapuram. The Army canteen, which is now a part of the oirs, titled The Turbulent Years – 19th Century, when the Supreme Court was formed, it too oper- King’s Barracks building, now stretches right across the western 1980-1996, was released by Vice ated from the “old Court House much undermined by bandicoots” side of North Street. On the eastern side is what can only be President Hamid Ansari recently? before it moved in 1817 to First Line Beach. The first Town Hall termed a desecration of Fort St George – the Namakkal Kavignar 8. Which African country recently of Madras was also at Choultry Gate Street and it was from here Maligai. This multi-storeyed structure that ought never to have made news because of a law that that in 1688 it moved to St Thomas Street. been built within the Fort, houses several Government depart- makes it mandatory for men of the Among the most famous residents of Choultry Street was Coja ments. However, its story or, more importantly, the history of the nation to marry at least two wives? Petrus Uscan, the famed Armenian who gave our city the space on which it stands needs to be told. More on that next 9. India has overtaken Thailand to fortnight. become the world’s largest exporter of Marmalong Bridge, the steps to St Thomas’ Mount and the St which grain? Mathias Church at Vepery. He was in many ways indispensable to 10. Which two actors have been the British and was among the few Armenians who were allowed named new brand ambassadors of the ‘Incredible India’ campaign to markets the nation as a tourist destination? G by Sriram V. Madras’s Doric * * * 11. Apart from Chennai, which other column lighthouse Tamil Nadu city figures in the first to live within the Fort. In 1749, when the English returned to batch of Smart Cities Mission? Fort St George after the French left, Coja Petrus was in even (Continued on page 5) 12. Apart from superstar Rajinikanth, greater favour for he had defied the erstwhile conquerors right from Pallavaram. Work was which other Chennai resident has through. He became the only non-Englishman to retain his house completed at a cost of Rs. been chosen for a Padma Vibhushan, within the Fort even as every other property was confiscated. Till the ratio of 2 to 3 – but as the 60,000 (£ 7500) in 1840. The nature of the motion is recip- the nation’s second-highest civilian the 1770s, long after he was dead, Fort consultations referred to corners of the pedestal were award? rocating instead of rotator, covered by four supporting the “house belonging to the Estate of the said Petrus situate on the above ratio merely 13. Founding history. With whom did structures, which enabled in- Francis Day negotiate a treaty for the Choultry Gate Street.” Today, it is impossible to see any house on expresses the average pro- clusion of tightly compressed establishment of the English Com- this thoroughfare, for it is completely dominated by the King’s portion of the light and dark pany in what later became Madras? Barracks. intervals, which are them- staff quarters within the pedes- 14. The 1965 award-winning film Interestingly, this corner of the Fort may have been witness to selves variable, according to tal. Oonche Log starring Ashok Kumar perhaps the first instance in Madras of someone in power appro- the position of the spectator. Smith superintended the The rapidity of movement is and Raj Kumar was based on which priating public space for personal use. Agent Edward Winter built lighthouse until a trained team adjusted, that the duration of play? his house on Middle Street and this was to serve for long as the (one superintendent, one assis- 15. One of the earliest coins of the the flashes will vary from 0 Governor’s residence, till Fort House was put in good order by sec. to 48 sec., and that of tant superintendent, one head- Madras Presidency was the ‘Three man, and six assistants) took Swami’ pagoda. Who were featured Nathaniel Higginson in the 1690s. But Winter also managed to the eclipses from 0 sec. to 72 on it? encroach quite a bit. Fort St George consultation books of March sec., the sums of the dura- over its day-to-day manage- 16. Who was the King of England 16 and 17, 1674 record that it was ‘resolved also that y’ streete tion of light and darkness ment from October 1845. when Madras was returned to the betweene Middle & the Choultry Gate which Sir Edward Winter bearing, however, in every The light apparatus to sit British under the treaty of Aix-la- in his Agency walled up and appropriated to his own use, be againe position, the constant ratio atop the column was designed of 2 to 3.” Chapelle in 1748? opened and the wall thrown downe, it appearing by certificates and built by Smith using local 17. Name the first English newspaper that it hath been a free streete, and of great use…’ This would The column for the light- materials. Since its delivery was of the Company in Madras that was appear to be the connecting passageway between the two streets house was 125’ [38 m] tall. delayed, the oil-wick lantern of started on October 12, 1785. at their northern end and it still exists though rather shabbily Popularly referred to as the the first lighthouse was tempo- 18. The Great House in Charles Street rarily shifted. With the new in Fort St. George, owned by maintained. Doric Column, this structure Shawmier Sultan, was given a name Middle Street was a prominent thoroughfare as long as the matches with the Grecian pil- lantern ready in 1843, this (after the Company took it over in the Governor lived there. was perhaps its best known resi- lars in bearing a fluted exterior lighthouse became fully opera- 18th Century) that all of us are famil- dent and it is relevant to point out that one of his two female and slightly wider base than the tional from January 1, 1844. iar with. What name? associates, Catherine Nicks – lived immediately to the rear, on top with no carving or orna- The lighthouse, endowed with 19. Thirunavukkarasu started a Choultry Street. The other woman companion, Hieronima de mentation. Many 19th Century a first class, fixed flashing light, popular publishing firm in 1955 and it Paivia, the widow of a prominent Portuguese Jew who traded in buildings featured Doric col- serviced vessels sailing in the after a character in Kalki’s Ponniyin umns, as part of the then popu- Bay of Bengal up to a distance Selvan. Name the famous institution. diamonds, lived in Gloucester Street, the lane that flanks Middle of 15 miles (24.14 km) until 20. Name the last hotel that was in Street on the other side! The area immediately outside the lar neo-classical architecture. the complex where the IOB HQ is lo- Middle/North Gate was what is intriguingly referred to in the Charnockite (= Pallavaram 1894. cated on Mount Road. records as a ‘watering place’, the meaning of which is not clear. It gneiss) used to build the Ma- (Answers on page 8) would appear to have been deep enough to receive vessels of some dras column was extracted (To be Concluded) February 1-15, 2016 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

dictable rain patterns ruining produce, called The Place to their crops, and this was the Bee (it is housed in India’s reason he undertook his second only bee museum) and this is Walking to walk from Baba Budan Giri in where Pushpanath’s walk Chikamagalur to Mysore in De- ended. This walk coincided cember 2011. It took him 15 with the COP21 in Paris in days to complete and he met December 2015. campaign close to 30,000 people, with Along the way, he wants to many of them joining him on work towards bridging the the walk for some distances, a urban-rural divide, bringing the is name is Pushpanath that poor people can improve common practice in all his stories and the plight of the H Krishnamurthy and he their lives and livelihoods and walks. There are also walkers farmers and growers to the walks. Known to friends as have a say in decisions that across the globe who walk in students and people in the Push, the call that urges him on, affect them. Pushpanath truly their own towns, in their own towns and cities, and in turn in all his walks, is ‘Go Push Go’, believes that this world and all countries, in solidarity with taking back stories of encour- just like the name of his website its inhabitants deserve a better Pushpanath and his walk, send- agement and hope to the ing him messages of encourage- www.gopushgo.co.uk. On it he life and a brighter future. He no ‘Push’ in the Nilgiris. farmers and growers, that they explains in a few simple lines longer works for Oxfam but ment. are not alone. “Who I am”: a passionate cam- continues to walk. Perhaps it was after this lihood to less privileged people Pushpanath, now 64 years paigner for social justice and the His first walk was at the end journey where as he walked, he living in developing and under- old, was planning on doing this eradication of poverty, he of November 2009 from Oxford collected the stories of farmers, developed countries. walk alone, but the day before worked nearly all his adult life their courage and determina- to Copenhagen, to coincide “Those who practise fair he set off, 28-year-old Pondi- for Oxfam, helping bring about with the end of the COPl5 tion, their innovative ways to cherry entrepreneur, decided a positive change in the world. cope with the vagaries of nature trade comply with the ‘Ten climate summit there. That was principles of Fair Trade’ while join him. So on November And under “Why I do this”, he 595km and he was angry then: and a changing climate, that he 10th, undeterred by continuous says, “As a strong follower of shifted his attention to the involving in production, trade “I am so angry about the way or any other activities related to rains, spurred on by well over a Gandhi’s principles, the deci- that the African people, the promotion of fair trade. He then hundred people from Pondi- sion to walk to demonstrate got involved in setting up a Fair income generation. The stan- developing countries, who have dards are set to give a fair deal cherry and Auroville, school one’s feelings resonates strongly done so little to cause climate Trade City in India, the first of and college students, journalists within me. I walk not only for its kind. “Through this venture to artisans, farmers and produc- change, are the first to suffer, ers who are remaining margi- who could not get enough my own inner peace but more and lose their homes. But we hope to promote sincere of the two walkers, with words importantly I walk for those stories of sustainable growth nalised from the mainstream of Gandhi said that we should use domestic as well as interna- of encouragement from the who cannot walk. I talk, for that anger as energy. This is a which in turn favourably affect Government of Puducherry, those who cannot talk. Ulti- climate,” he said. He believes, tional trade. The compliance of personal walk of redemption.” the standards leads towards represented by two of its Minis- mately, I stand for those who His second walk was 500 km, “Working with children is the ters and the local MLA, the are powerless.” realisation of fair prices for their products in international as well French Consul General and Mahatma Gandhi’s famous as domestic markets.” most importantly, a beautiful sentence, “The world has G by Sunaina Mandeen poem of encouragement from enough for everyone’s need, but While this movement is his wife, Pushpanath and his not enough for everyone’s gaining ground worldwide, it young companion of the road, has yet to pick up in India. And greed,” which runs along the and this time in India, in way forward. But preaching to and about twenty escorts who that is precisely what motivated bottom of his opening page Karnataka. It was done to high- them will only alienate them. cheerily walked with them to Pushpanath to take up his sums up what Push is doing, light ecological issues, particu- Sharing stories, on the other Auroville, set off on his 450km fourth walk, of 450km from making others realise its vali- larly climate justice and hand, can help them see walk. Pondicherry to Ooty. Why from dity. biodiversity, with specific the consequences of our Pondicherry? Because, this is His backend team consists of emphasis on small coffee grow- actions. They make their own Oxford Famine relief, or where many interesting initia- a determined young lady who ers, and coincided with the choices.” Oxfam, was set up in Oxford in tives originate! A dynamic has mapped his course, and who COP17 summit in South 1942, in the middle of World Less than a year later, he was young woman (an ex-student of keeps everyone informed of the Africa. Having worked earlier War II to lobby with the off on his third walk, from the Ashram school) who runs almost daily changes that hap- with the coffee growers of this government an ensure the sup- Garstang, the world’s first an apparel enterprise in pen, either due to weather, or region between 2001 and 2006, ply of vital relief to civilians in Fairtrade Town, to Keswick, Pondicherry, being committed the availability of the host for he had brought them all to- Belgium and Greece. Today, both in the UK. On this walk of to sustainable practices, became the night, or Pushpanath him- gether for an agreement on over 70 years later, they work in 141km in August 2012, he was Fairtrade certified several years self who decides to swerve from pricing. He had managed to put over 90 countries. It is a global joined by fellow activists to raise ago. Not satisfied with that, and the course or walk extra miles together 20 million signatures movement of millions of people awareness for Fairtrade and to hearing about the concept of to go and meet some students on a petition from 4 million cof- who share the belief that, in a celebrate the lives and work of Fairtrade towns – there are only at a college nearby. fee growers and brought to- world rich in resources, poverty small-scale farmers. 1900 of these worldwide and Pushpanath carries no gether some of the biggest isn’t inevitable. Working di- The term “fair trade” was none in India or even in South- money, just his backpack, and names in the coffee industry for rectly with communities, Ox- first used by the United Nations east Asia – she decided to his trusted pair of shoes. He re- a stabilisation of coffee prices. fam’s ultimate goal is to enable soon after World War II to de- launch a movement to make lies on the hospitality and the But when he revisited them in people to exercise their rights scribe a form of equitable trade not just Pondicherry a Fairtrade warm hearts of people. And 2011, he found that climate and manage their own lives. To relationship between develop- town but to make Puducherry these he finds almost every- change was wrecking havoc in achieve this, they work with ing and developed nations that and Auroville India’s and where. From the policeman their lives due to higher wind communities and try to influ- took into account the compara- Southeast Asia’s first Twin who walks a few kilometres with speeds and increasingly unpre- ence the powerful to ensure tive disadvantage of the devel- Fairtrade Towns. This was more him and offers him a cup of tea, oping nations. Pushpanath told than enough to bring Pushpa- to the farmer who invites him me that for him the first attempt nath to Pondicherry, and set off to his home to share a meal and at fair trade was made by on his walk. Between Pudu- a story or two, to villagers, local Gandhi, for salt and indigo. cherry and Auroville, there are business people, industrialists, And therefore the Dandi march already 8 Fairtrade organi- to people his growing group of is what inspired him to take to sations and it is fertile ground friends unearth from their con- walking, to raise awareness of to make not just businesses but tact lists who open their doors these issues and to bring people also, commercial establish- wide for him and end up getting together. Fair Trade is “a trad- ments, and education institutes inspired in return. ing partnership based on dia- become a part of this. And why “While walking, I narrate logue, transparency and respect Ooty? Because in Kotagiri near positive stories, stories of hope. that seeks greater equity in in- Ooty is where another ex- I try to visit as many people as ternational trade. It contributes student of the Ashram school possible; everybody is a poten- to sustainable development by has his organisation working in tial ally,” says Pushpanath. And offering better trading condi- the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve this is what makes him an ‘ev- tions to, and securing the rights with indigenous communities eryday hero’, who does what his of, marginalised producers and with eco-development initia- heart inspires him to do, as he workers – especially in the tives. They have a new ‘slow quietly walks along, bringing South.” Fair Trade is the alter- food’ restaurant, a recent people together, and inspiring native mode of trade, which concept as opposed to fast food, them in return. (Courtesy: Sri ‘Push’ and fellow-walkers. aims to extend sustainable live- and using locally grown organic Aurobindo’s Action) 8 MADRAS MUSINGS February 1-15, 2016 ‘Kutcheri in the Park’ creates record... he monthly event – ‘Kutcheri in the Park’ – TT Srinivasaraghavan, says, “It is gratifying Torganised by Sundaram Finance on the first that this event has been acknowledged as the Sunday of every month at Nageswara Rao Park, longest running open air mike-less kutcheri in the Mylapore has entered the Limca Book of Records country. When we launched ‘Kutcheri in the with a national record for the longest open air Park’ 10 years ago, the idea was for this to be a mike-less kutcheri for children. launch pad for young budding musicians. Over ‘Kutcheri in the Park’ completed 10 years with the last decade, it has served as a platform for a kutcheri early in January TT Srinivasaraghavan, over 1000 children to showcase their talent in an Managing Director, Sundaram Finance Ltd., re- informal park setting. For many of them, this has Portaarasan (ceramics) and ceived the certificate from the Limca Book of been their first kutcheri, and a number of these Bharathi Raviprakash (wearable Records. young ‘unsung’ children have since moved on to art). This multi-disciplinary ex- According to the Limca Book of Records, perform in sabha-s and won laurels in the hibition explores nature in the timeless theme of the tree of life “Sundaram Finance has organised over 100 Carnatic music field.” Till February 28: From Earth to (at Apparao Galleries). Earth – Devotion and Terracotta kutcheri-s during the 10-year period, with chil- Sundaram Finance has been organising mike- Till March 24: Akshar, an exhibi- Offerings in Tamil Nadu Photo dren from overseas, including the Middle East less kutcheri-s since February 2006. The event is tion of lyrical calligraphic paint- Exhibition on Ayyanar Cult in and the US, also having participated in the event. open for children aged 15 years and below. Every ings in large formats by Rajeev Tamil Nadu by Julie Wayne. The event has given young children ample op- month, children, selected by an audition commit- Kumar (at Apparao Galleries @ Julie Wayne is a photogra- portunities to showcase their musical talent to tee at Sundaram Finance, perform in the open The Leela Palace). pher from France who has spent Till March 28: Stories of Architec- the world.” environment at the Park. (Courtesy: Mylapore over a decade researching and ture, an exhibition of paintings Times.) photographing the ritual prac- inspired by architecture, featur- tices of the ancient cult of ing Dhanush Kodi, Ritendra Ayyanar in Tamil Nadu. Her ex- Roy, Anjali Reddy, Chelapathi ...& Mylapore also hosts an hibition including over 100 pho- Rao and Lalit Sharma. This col- tographs (at DakshinaChitra). lection has been edited giving Till February 28: Mother Nature – Art Mart the curation a direction of ‘The Luminous Smiles: Water colours t the fag end of the annual Mylapore Festi- and over 1000 artistes from all over Karnataka Structure’ as the primary focus by Ashesh Joshi, Auroville, who val, two young artists get an idea as the last and outside exhibit their works and sell some of (at Sandy’s Cenotaph Road). A is a self-taught artist. His love for Till February 27: Mirth & Colour of the ‘mike-less’ concert series in Nageswara Rao them. the harmonies of Nature often by Sophie Jo, Shipra Bhatta- Park got underway. We decided to try it out in our city. finds its way into his brush paint- charya, Shruti Nelson and Can we use this park space to duplicate what And so, on February 7th the first Art Mart, or ings. Agathe Patil. This exhibition Bangalore has been doing so well for many years ‘Ovia-santhe’, was held at Nageswara Rao Park, in Till February 30: Tree of Life, explores the idea of joy (at – the Chithra Santhe? Luz. About 60 artists from Tamil Nadu set up mixed media works featuring Apparao Infinity). A public display space on a busy, verdant Ban- their works at simple, make-shift spaces in one Gaurang Shah (textiles), galore road (that is shut down for traffic one Sun- corner of this popular park and welcomed visitors day) for young artists and a space where people to take a look at the paintings and buy them if can interact, soak in and even buy a piece of art they felt any work deserved a place in their draw- The Chennai Bird Race for a small sum of money. A project of Karnataka ing room. Chitrakala Parishanth. The Art Mart was a community driven he Ninth Edition of the gap of 20 years, the White These two artists had just got back from the project. Not corporate-funded. Making it work TChennai Bird Race was Rumped Vulture at Pulicat by Bangalore event – an event that is now huge in well was the public’s support. held on January 26th. 28 teams the team comprising Dr. scale and visitorship. An entire roadside is – Vincent D’Souza of Mylapore Times was one participated, of whom two did Prasanna Sriya, Vikas Madhav marked out day-long, 8 am to 8 pm, for the Santhe of the organisers. Green Birding, i.e., using only and Kedar Baskar. This team public transport for commuting. also spotted the Red Crested The highest number of species Answers to Quiz Pochard at Pulicat. The team 1. Angelique Kerber, the new Australian Open 11. Coimbatore; 12. Dr. V. Shanta; 13. sighted was 136 and five teams spotted more than 100 species. led by Ramashree spotted the champion; 2. Lala Lajpat Rai; 3. Francois Hollande of Venkatadri Nayak of Wandiwash; 14. K. Balachander’s White-bellied Sea Eagle at the France; 4. He was awarded the Ashok Chakra; the Major Chandrakant; 15. Vishnu with his consorts The two Green Birding Teams highest peacetime gallantry award, posthumously; 5. Bhudevi and Sridevi; 16. Charles II; 17. The Madras each spotted 62 species. Kelambakkam Backwaters. Plastics; 6. Sikkim; 7. President Pranab Mukherjee; 8. Courier; 18. Admiralty House; 19. Vanathi The highlight of this Bird (Courtesy: Madras Naturalists’ Eritrea; 9. Rice, shipping 10.23 million tonnes in 2015; Pathippakkam; 20. Ambassador Hotel. Race was sighting, after a long Society Bulletin) and 10. Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra. * * *

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