Reg. No. TN/PMG (CCR) /814/06-08 Licence No. WPP 506/06-08 Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for under WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS R.N. 53640/91 INSIDE • Resolve to drive safely • The Tamil Marwari MADRAS • The many faces of love • What ails TN Cricket? MUSINGS • Tara goes Greek Rs. 5 per copy Vol. XV No. 20 February 1-15, 2006 (Annual Subscription: Rs. 100/-) Where was there flood control? Shortcomings need to be urgently addressed

(by Bharath Jairaj*)

Now that the NRI season is over, “And it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, it’s a hard, It’s a hard rain’s why don’t you drop the American accent a-gonna fall”. and change into something comfortable. – Bob Dylan

Till we meet again rrespective of whether the these “Eri Schemes” built Banqueting Hall (above) c. 1900. Note the narrow flights of steps in this As Chennai’s brief dalliance with Irecent monsoons were extra- houses on 1500 acres of lake- picture from the Vintage Vignettes Collection. The picture below is of Rajaji ‘nice weather’ ends, empty bountiful due to changing glo- beds and flood plains of Vela- Hall as Banqueting Hall is now known. This picture (by Reflections) taken a spaces, shaped significantly like bal climate patterns or the Rain chery, Kakkalur, Chitlapak- century after the picture above shows the broad flight of steps that was a 20th departed guests, punch holes in God responding to all previous kam, and . Century improvement. the city’s atmosphere – on entreaties at one go, there is no With the Government leading roads, in shops, in hotels. The doubt that its impact exposed the way, private builders were quintessential NRI-male – several shortcomings in city ad- quick to follow, destroying pre- shorts vaguely reminiscent of ministration and governance. cious eri-s. Empire-building eras, designer T-shirt effecting to be ordinary, The call for financial sup- When these were pointed and the ubiquitous mineral wa- port from the State suggests that out to State agencies by citi- ter bottle, et al – has disap- the floods, like the tsunami of zens’ groups (through com- peared. December 2004, are the result ments on the Draft Second Cultural sabhas no longer twang to of a natural disaster. But is this Master Plan and other commu- the sound of desi voices speak- correct? nications), these were sum- ing in strange cadences. Bou- Certainly, the monsoons marily dismissed with argu- tiques and popular clothing broke all previous records, and ments such as the Ambattur Eri stores enjoy a well-earned rest, it is possible that we may still (Continued on Page 2 ) after meeting the demands of have been flooded. However, it large hordes that realise that fashions back home tend to would be foolish to ignore the change between visits. Mani- actions and inactions of the – restoration tailor, that maestro of pavadai- State that allowed the mon- chokkas, has not merely up- soons to destroy so many lives, graded his sartorial skills, he’s possessions and livelihoods. bought a brand new TV, latest And ‘State’ here does not mean in progress model... this season is always so the political party currently in good for him. power. Indeed, irrespective of Famous sweet shops are empty. he rundown shelters of (by Shobha Menon) State receptions to VIPs, but who has been in power, State- T what was once the ing Hall for State functions. It more often for fairs, seminars, The podis, vadams, varuvals, sponsored or State-ignored de- chutneys, pickles, and different Governor’s brilliantly-uni- became Rajaji Hall on 9.4.48, functions, film shooting, etc. A varieties of chips – all readied struction of water bodies and formed mounted bodyguard renamed after Rajagopalachari, quadrangular open terrace per- and packed by end-November lakes has been consistently go- who flanked the stately silver the first Indian Governor Gen- gola enclosed by 23 columns – have more than justified the ing on in . painted gates opening on to the eral of India. Since Indepen- connects Government House zeal and foresight of their savvy Much time has been spent Government Estate have been dence, there has been no major (the Governor’s residence till creators by disappearing rapidly on the illegal encroachments repaired. The sweeping drive- improvement done here except Independence) with Rajaji off the shelves and into suit- on water bodies, deflecting fo- way that leads to Rajaji Hall for the laying of a mosaic tile Hall. The Hall used to be the cases. cus from several State-spon- looks spruced up, the landscape flooring in the verandah in Governor’s ‘sit-out’ or a venue Visitors, exclaiming over the vari- sored ‘encroachments’. Not so ety of ready-mixes, reflect on is being beautified and the 1949-50. The earlier giant por- for his tea parties. long ago, the Tamil Nadu fountain, embellished. And, in traits of British Governors (by The current restoration pro- how great it would be if they Housing Board (TNHB) con- could package instant ‘domes- a few moments, you walk up George Chinnery, Thomas cess is halfway through. It is ex- tic-help’. Sprinkle water, and structed a series of housing the elegant flight of steps... and Hickey, Robert Home, Tilly pected to cost Rs.1 crore – over hey presto, you get something colonies in what they euphe- there’s a transformation under- Kettle and others) have long three phases – and is being like Rosie from those old mistically called “abandoned way that promises to take you been replaced by those of lead- funded by the Centre. Only the Jetsons’ comics. lakes and tanks”. Executed into a bygone era in a hall made ers who have graced Tamil his- first phase has been completed And, no one says: “Yes, the pani- with financial assistance from magnificent once again. tory. Nor are there the spec- at a cost of Rs.35 lakh. The walls puri is to die for, but is the pani the World Bank and HUDCO, Originally built in 1802 to tacular banquets of a more lei- inside the Central Hall have made of mineral water?” commemorate British victories surely era or the State functions been restored as has been the Ah, well – till winter comes in Plassey and Mysore, this roof. “Lime mortar has been around again! The author works with CAG beneath the ornate chandeliers (Citizen consumer and civic Neo-Classical building soon be- of yesteryear. The Hall has Ranjitha Ashok Action Group), Chennai. gan to function as the Banquet- since been occasionally used for (Continued on Page 7)

CMYK 2 February 1-15, 2006 Highrise parking proposed SAFER DRIVING for shoppers A Centenary Year resolve oet Byron said, “A small Courtesy, considerateness slow pace of life but also a dis- (by Vidya K.S.) Pdrop of ink makes thou- and carefulness are the three ciplined life. Though perfection sands, perhaps millions, essential qualities that are re- is no trifle, it is trifles that But do we eeking an answer to the think.” Francis Hachatt said, quired on the road. Competing make perfection. The way we Scity’s lack of parking space, “Revolutions do not start in with a limited space and time use the horn, the way we really need one of the factors leading to bomb factories. They start in frame, the need for hurry may overspeed, the way we over- traffic congestion, the Chennai inkpots.” These thoughts be justified. It is true that the take, the way we show scant highrise Metropolitan Development seem no longer to be true since, pace of life today is hectic. But regard to Pedestrian Crossings Authority engaged consultants in spite of all the road safety or School Zones, the way we Wilbur Smith Associates Pvt. seminars and slogans, write- park at junctions and even the parking? ups and sign boards, irrespon- Compulsory way we start crossing the Stop Limited, to conduct a study of sible behaviour on the road and Line at signal points and get uring the recent festive the parking requirements for Dseason, special provi- the carnage on it are alarmingly helmet? ready to dart off even before the Chennai Metropolitan sions to control the traffic in increasing. t has been reported that the the red turns into amber, all area. The shapes and sizes of the and around the Pondy Ba- IGovernment of India is consid- show our impatience and how One of the solutions pro- car are getting sleeker and more little considerate we are to oth- zaar area were made by the ering making it compulsory for traffic police authorities. And posed is the construction of splendrous day by day, but the ers. Often such behaviour is they proved a success. multilevel parking complexes in behaviour of the man behind two-wheeler vehicle manufactur- not even intentional, but has The police marked certain the Chennai Metropolitan the wheel seems to be worsen- ers to sell ISI Standard helmets become habitual due to living routes for pedestrians and area. ing day by day. If enforcement along with vehicles. The AASI at a fast pace. Perhaps it is time is strict we argue or say it is ha- shoppers and ensured that “We have identified six ar- has been suggesting such a move we learn to slow down our pace rassment. If it is not strict, we of living itself. people followed instructions. eas where the traffic congestion for long time and it is hoped this One-way streets were desig- complain that the entire proposal will materialise and It would be the beginning of nated and traffic was re- is the maximum – Broadway malady is due to non-enforce- a great movement in this Cen- Bus Stand, MUC Ground in prove instrumental in preventing routed to other connecting ment. the numerous fatalities in two- tenary year if every member of roads to prevent congestion. CBD, the strip of land east of The actual state of affairs the Automobile Association of , the MTC Bus calls for urgent introspection wheeler road accidents. (Cour- Southern India makes up his “I couldn’t believe that tesy: Southern Motorist.) the traffic was so well con- Stand in T’ Nagar, the Govern- on our part. It is not enough mind to obey the rules of the trolled in dur- ment Estate at and even to be a defensive driver, road as a contribution to the ing the week of Diwali and Wallajah Road junction, and we have to be courteous and welfare of Society. In this Cen- great is the need for disciplined Ramzan,” recalls a resident the MTC workshop at Pattulo’s conscientious drivers, sensitive tenary year our appeal to mem- to the needs of other road-us- traffic and observance of speed bers is to take a pledge to abide of T’ Nagar. Road,” says D. Gunashekaran, – VKS ers. While the number of se- limits and traffic rules. In fact, by the rules of the road and to Public Relations Officer, nior citizens is on the increase, orderly traffic would move wear a helmet if you use a two- EDITOR’S NOTE: If CMDA. the inconsiderateness shown faster and more smoothly and wheeler. (Courtesy: Southern police traffic control can bring Once the detailed feasibility to them on the road, even at safely. Motorist, journal of the Auto- about such discipline, do we report is ready, a detailed pedestrian crossings, by the We have to consciously cul- mobile Association of South need multistorey parking project report will be prepared speeding motorists is appalling. tivate and practise not only a India.) lots? If it is presumed the and the actual construction will parking lots will improve the begin at the Panagal Park site, situation even more, that will transfer land to CMDA for ground floor, four upper floors land cost, will be approximately be so only if the traffic con- which has been identified as a implementing the project at the with a parking capacity of 290 Rs. 16 crore. — (Courtesy: The trol measures remain priority. The land-owning de- selected sites. two-wheelers, 360 cars and 20 Word, the lab journal of the stu- enforced. partments of Chennai Corpora- The Panagal Park complex commercial vehicles. The cost dents of the Asian College of tion have been requested to will have two basement floors, a of construction, excluding the Journalism.) WHERE WAS THERE FLOOD CONTROL? (Continued from Page 1) ings. The wetland 2005, the Chairman of the the elderly and the sick. But there are no easy-fix short- was similarly reduced in size Chennai City Disaster Man- Shouldn’t the State compen- term remedies. And the State “not (being) a source for re- and character. It doesn’t take a agement Committee reassured sate these persons? needs to move beyond seeking charge of groundwater since wizard to tell you that the im- residents that the city was pre- Several of these scandalous financial support from a water collects only during mon- pact of narrowing the river and pared for the monsoons. “All actions have been actively pro- citizenry that is losing faith and soon seasons”. The government destroying its flood plains as it freshly-laid roads have proper moted by the State and its vari- confidence in the capacity of also reassured citizens that “all approaches the ocean will lead margins for water to drain,” he ous agencies, making them cul- State to focus on the long-term. future impacts have been taken to flooding upstream. Yet our added (, August, 12, pable and responsible for much into account”*. We can see As Mahatma Gandhi once premier specialist agencies in 2005). Let us take this issue of of the damage that has been what they meant when they said, “The future depends on Government actively promoted “freshly-laid roads” a little fur- caused in and around the city. opened the sluice gates of the what we do in the present”. It is these activities. ther. There is no doubt that many remaining tanks and reservoirs upto the Government to do The and its Around twenty years ago, private individuals and compa- today, further flooding the riv- something more serious than banks too have been repeatedly persons seeking building per- nies have contributed to, if not ers and allowing over 18 months knocking down a few select built on, making space for large mission were required to indi- committed, equally heinous of water to flow to the sea! constructions or further relocat- office complexes, massive shop- cate and fix plinth levels using violations. But even there, the Riverbanks play a critical ing the marginalised sections of ping malls and apartment com- the road level as the reference. State, by offering a ‘Regulari- role in controlling floods. These our population. With elections plexes. The Buckingham Ca- Instead of maintaining these sation Scheme’ that allowed too have not been spared by round the corner, would which- nal was replaced by the MRTS, road levels, every single road in any violation, abuse or contra- State and its agencies. Three ever government comes to permanently changing the Chennai has been (merely) vention to be ‘regularised’ on years ago, a large government power be able to put aside the identity and purpose of the wa- blacktopped several times over the payment of a penalty, must housing complex was con- short-term and focus on the ter body. Large portions of the while relaying the roads. This take full responsibility for im- structed after reclaiming por- long-term? A government that Pallikkaranai wetland have causes the roads to disintegrate pacts caused by such tions of the , west can take action against the ter- been parcelled and sold. easily during the monsoon; it regularisation. of the Thiru-Vi-Ka bridge. A rible mistakes – committed by Smaller drains and channels has also increased the height of The State, with its lack of similar land-filling exercise was whichever previous govern- too have been systematically these roads steadily. Even as- planning and perverse schemes carried out on the opposite ment it be – from providing the destroyed. For example, a small suming that these ‘freshly-laid has, either directly or indirectly, bank. Closer to the estuary, a resources to stopping current channel that carried water roads’ have drains, what about caused the damage that we see large open space was converted attempts to destroy wetlands from to the the levels of older houses and around us. Unlike the tsunami, into a series of high-rise build- and lakebeds? A government Cooum River today has a buildings on either side of the this is no ‘natural disaster’, but that is willing to go back to the spanking new City Corporation road? Today, several of these one the State is responsible for. drawing board, involve citizens park with pristine lawns con- homes and buildings of the city This is not to underplay the *(Counter Affidavits of TNHB (including the marginalised) structed in it, altering (perma- are flooded because they are hectic pace of relief efforts. In- and Housing Department, GoTN and local bodies in developing a nently?) the flow of this natural below the height of the road! deed, despite several odds, sev- in W.P. No. 17914/93 – Con- prudent, yet sensitive, city waterbody. This has caused great physical eral of those who have suffered sumer Action Group Vs. Project plan? Director and other.) In an interview in August distress to occupants, especially were provided interim relief. February 1-15, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

the Cooum which is much fur- ther west. Dr. M.S. Jayaraman Sangita sans Sahitya 10, Srinivas Apartments ome rasika-s of have often the mellifluous Telugu language to portray vari- Turnbulls Road Sasked me: “Why, if raga-s by themselves give ous sentiments and emotions. Philosophy, theo- Save that money I Cross Street, us aesthetic pleasure, should one give equal im- logical doctrine, social ethics and morality are all Chennai 600 035 any civil disputes can be portance to sahithya (words)?” In fact, a rasika to be found in his kriti-s. There is no situation in Mresolved by effective, sin- Heritage lost argues that “the greatest musical compositions life, no sphere in our daily activities, which does cere and honest mediation of the West have no words. The purpose of art is, not find a place in Thyagaraja’s compositions. (MM, December 1st) by fair- he late S.S. Vasan’s house after all, to achieve the beautiful. Beauty can be He touches life at many points. He gives us so- minded well-wishers of un- Topposite Music Academy manifested in shape, taste or sound. For ex- lace and moral strength. If his sahithya is not questionable integrity and com- has already been demolished. ample, painting is the perfection of beauty of stressed, we will miss the visions portrayed and mitted dedication. Apart from The second one on the form and colour. A raga is the form given to this messages conveyed by him in his kriti-s. It is, same Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, beauty in sound. Therefore, the ‘shapes of sound’ therefore, unfortunate that there are rasika-s and relieving the courts of avoidable that Carnatic music strives after have no need even some talented vocalists who appear to con- litigation, matters can be re- opposite the late Dr. S. Radha- krishnan’s house, is in a dilapi- for words. It is a fallacy that beautiful words ex- sider Thyagaraja’s words as mere pegs to hang solved quickly at little cost. pressing various sentiments are necessary for the music on. This money can be usefully dated condition. The eastern music.” How right a connoisseur of Carnatic music utilised for the essential needs wall of the property has col- He goes on: “Mukhari and Nilambari, even was when he said: “Thyagaraja created certain of society. lapsed. The compound is now without words, evoke grief and pathos. Kalyani raga-s by the sheer force of his vast, musical ge- I know of several instances no man’s land. The soul of the has a feminine grace, Kamas is erotic, nius; the kriti was born in a creative flame of where people who could ill-af- once film emperor must be cry- Karaharapriya is dignified. Ananda Bhairavi is genius and the implicit raga then comes to light.” ford to squander their meagre ing over the pitiable plight of his soothing. A rasika gets a peculiar pleasure in lis- Hence, to emphasise raga at the expense of tening to Bhoopalam and Bilahari early in the sahithya is to put the cart before the horse! resources had been virtually ru- heritage. Will the government and the film world restore the morning. Todi makes a direct appeal to our * * * ined and condemned to hearts. The calm dignity of Sankarabharanam is penury, fighting cases in the wall, renovate the building and n his article on the Thyagaraja aradhana convert it into a museum with royal. Harikambhoji is suitable for love. Atana High Court over a worthless expresses anger. So, if raga-s by themselves have I(MM, January 1st) V. Sriram says that six stretch of boundary and mud the consent of Vasan’s heirs? emotional appeals, why is so much importance days prior to Thyagaraja’s death, Rama informed the composer that his days on earth were nearing wall between their dwellings. K.N. Narayana Pillai given to words in Carnatic music?” The end was bitter and resulted In truth, it is not possible to give a satisfac- their end. In the kriti Giripai (Sahana), the words Shrinidhi the composer uses are “padi pootalapai”, i.e. ‘in in permanent enmity between 3, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, tory answer to the rasikas who have no knowl- edge of the language in which songs have been 10 days from now’. neighbours who had been bo- 4th Street The composer formally took up sanyasa only som friends before the disas- Chennai 600 004 composed. Therefore, this is only an attempt to answer the question. a day before his samadhi. He did not give any trous litigation. Periyar’s support I know that there are many rasikas who feel detailed instructions to his disciples on the man- If the concept of mutual rec- fully satisfied by the emotional and intellectual ner of his burial. His only instruction to them onciliation is effectively imple- he biographical note on dimensions of raga-s. They forget or, perhaps, are was to intern his mortal remains next to his mented, people can live in an TMavoor Sarma (MM, De- not even aware of the fact that Carnatic music guru’s. atmosphere of harmony and cember 16th) reminded me of compositions express in words, unlike music in On the death of Thyagaraja’s only grandson, good neighbourly relations. The an election meeting that took the West, human thoughts and feelings. The ar- his wife, Guruvamma, took the idol (ekapeeta vigraham) worshipped by her father-in-law to fear of advocates losing practice place on one late evening in tistic materials used in Carnatic music composi- tions are not only ragas, talas, etc., but also lan- Chandrasekara Josier’s house in Varahappa Iyer is quite unfounded. Elsewhere January 1952 at Budalur, a Lane, . Thyagaraja’s grandson died an eminent judge has small town 15 miles west of guage – literary or non-literary, colloquial or for- mal. childless and Chandrasekara Josier was Guru- emphasised the need for hu- Thanjavur. I was then in my Through an unique blend of sangita and vamma’s maternal uncle. His only son, man approach when advocates school-final. Periyar EVR was sahithya, master composers like Thyagaraja Subramania Josier, also died childless. His represent cases of compensation the main speaker. Next to him have built dynamic structures. Unless both the sister’s son, Sundaram Iyer, inherited the house for accident victims, advising on the dais was seated a short, singer and the listener co-operate to appreciate in Varahappa Iyer Lane together with the idol free service in such cases. thickly built and dark complex- the sahithya along with the raga, they are bound placed there by Guruvamma. ioned man in a full-sleeved, to miss the vision projected by the composers. It Sundaram Iyer and I were well-acquainted D.V. Subramanian light-blue shirt. I still remember is absolutely necessary, therefore, to approach with each other and he was kind enough to share with me the information given here. On 6, Sriram Colony them both, because Periyar, an the compositions word by word, line by line, Theosophical Society Sundaram Iyer’s death, his sons retain the holy avowed anti-Brahmin, was sup- along with the raga, tala, etc. Adyar, Chennai 600 020 The aim of our music is not only to evoke idol in the same place in Thanjavur, i.e. in their porting a Brahmin against residence. A clarification another Brahmin, R. Venkata- emotions but also to describe, in words, scenes to our mind’s eye. Take, for example, Thyagaraja. M.K. Chubby Raj n my letter with reference to raman, the Congress nominee. He has portrayed all the important episodes in 403, ‘Sai Niketan’ Ithe ‘Rains in October’ (MM, Periyar began his speech by ad- the Ramayana in his kriti-s. He is unique in his 6, Lock Street, November 16th), I mentioned dressing the candidate, versatility as a master of sahithya. He employed Chennai 600 085 that the bomb dropped by a ‘Mavoor Sir R.S. Sarma ava- Japanese aircraft in October rgale’. Periyar’s support to its first page, ‘Periyar aadharitha match they again faltered to al- 1943 fell on the road leading to Sarma had aroused a deep in- Mavoor Sarma govindaa.’ low Delhi to draw the game and READABILITY Fort St. George gate east of the terest among the public and the thus lost the chance to enter the Dr. P. Arangasamy PLEASE railway line between Madras media in those days. knockout phase. Dear Readers, Sarma spent a lot of money Anjali Ammal Mahalingam Fort Station and Muthuswamy Engineering College In the basketball champion- on the election. But he lost by a As letters from readers Iyer bridge, and not into Cooum Kovilvenni 614 403 ship, we reached the semifinal increase, we are receiving as mentioned in the letter first few thousand votes. It was a tre- where, playing against the Rail- more and more handwritten cited. I visited that site as a mendous shock to him. Tamil Nadu losing ways, we led by 10 points even letters, many of them in a hand young man of 19 years. I should T.S. Chockalingam’s Dina- t is disconcerting to see for the 15 minutes before the long so small and illegible or large add that what runs close to sari, a Tamil daily now defunct, Isecond successive year Tamil whistle, but frittered away the and scrawled as to be un- General Hospital is the significantly captioned the Nadu teams participating in lead and lost the match. readable. Often this leads to our discarding a letter, par- and not election result in bold letters on national championships faring In volley ball, where we were champion for five years run- ticularly if some part of it is poorly, thanks to their spiritless unreadable. approach, lack of killer instinct, ning some years ago, we were OUR ADDRESSES and poor team spirit, in spite of thrashed by three teams after If you wish us to consider two early wins. your letter for publication, For matters regarding subscriptions, donations, non-receipt of their reputation of being strong outfits. There ended another re- please type it with enough receipts etc.: Chennai Heritage, 260-A, TTK Road, Chennai 600 grettable year. space between lines or write 018. Like thousands of cricket it using a medium hand, clearly For non-receipt of copies, change of address, and all other fans I too had expected our Will the coaches and re- spective associations chalk out dotting the ‘i-s’ and crossing circulation matters: MADRAS MUSINGS, C/o Lokavani Hall-Mark cricket team to figure in the the ‘t-s’. Press Pvt. Ltd., 122, Greames Road, Chennai 600 006. Ranji Trophy final. While the a plan and carry out a more in- On editorial matters: The Editor, MADRAS MUSINGS, C/o Lokavani team was unlucky to draw the tense training schedule to Many readers also try to fill Hall-Mark Press Pvt. Ltd., 122, Greames Road, Chennai 600 first two winnable matches, rain toughen the teams so that they every square centimetre of a 006. will acquit themselves credit- postcard space, making read- playing spoilsport, the team suf- ing or editing impossible. No personal visits or telephone calls, please. Letters received will fered heavy defeats at the ably in the tournaments next be sent from these addresses every couple of days to the persons hands of Maharashtra and year? Please help us to consider concerned and you will get an answer from them to your queries your letters more favourably reasonably quickly. Strange as it may seem, if you adopt the ‘snail Bombay. Thereafter the team M.R. Pillai played to its potential for once by making them more legible mail’ approach, we will be able to help you faster and disappoint H-64/5, Central Avenue for us. you less. against Bengal, defeating the ri- THE EDITOR val comfortably. But in the last Chennai 600 080 THE EDITOR 4 MADRAS MUSINGS February 1-15, 2006 The Marwari media man

Ramnath Goenka as a young man. from Madras hink Ramnath Goenka more than a lota and a nine cu- By 1929, he had begun to in- T (RNG) and the first thing bit long dhoti. He apprenticed dulge in yet another lifelong that comes to mind is his spir- under Sukhdevdas Ramprasad, passion – real estate, when he, ited battle against the Emer- dubash of Walker and Com- along with two others, pur- gency. Next would possibly pany. Taking up residence at chased 844 acres of land by come the vehicle that made 23 Peria Naicker Street, Elliot’s Beach. He also sup- this battle possible, namely the , with a family ported local charities, co-found- Indian Express group of papers named Chaudhri, he later ing an Ayurvedic dispensary that he founded and con- moved his family successively to and also a home for orphaned trolled. Last, perhaps, would Damani House, 8 Chinna children. Extolled by Gandhi at Ramnath Goenka, the Tamil Marwari. come Madras that is Chennai Naicker Street, and 1 Indore for his contribution to and the sprawling Express Es- Ramanuja Street, Sowcarpet. the spread of Hindi as a lan- chari, soonquit and was re- and also an increased number tates at the end of Club House The last mentioned residence guage, he acted as fundraiser placed temporarily by Khasa of pages. RNG, given his deeply Road, with its Hicks Bungalow later became the Moongibai for the Congress. It was during Subba Rao, formerly of religious sentiments, issued a that was RNG’s residence in Girls School, named after this time that C.P. Seshadri, or Swarajya. That same year, RNG special supplement on Sri the city and the old Madras RNG’s wife who passed away ‘Master’ as he was better had Pothan Joseph join him as Aurobindo with the first issue Club building which was sadly in 1966. known, came in to RNG’s life editor. Joseph had made a name from the new address. pulled down some time back. In June 1926, RNG com- as tutor to his son Bhagwandas. for himself with his ‘Over a cup Pothan Joseph, who had led Post World War II, Bombay menced independent business, Later, ‘Master’ was to become of tea’ column in the Bombay a campaign in the Express and Delhi began to increasingly as a partner of Murliprasad an icon at the Indian Express. Chronicle. By 1938, RNG with against Sir C.P. Ramaswami occupy centre stage in RNG’s Mohanprasad and Co., The Indian Express came help from Seth Jamnalal Bajaj, Aiyer, was soon outflanked by wheeling and dealing. But it dubashes of the Bombay Com- into existence in Madras in bought out Sadanand and ac- that brilliant lawyer turned was to Madras that he was to 1932 on 5th Sep- quired complete control over Dewan who invited RNG to be- return each time for, as his bi- tember when an the fledgling media house. The gin a Travancore edition. ographer B.G. Verghese puts it, Ayurvedic doctor, Andhra Prabha was launched There was discontent over his “it was from Madras that he Varadarajulu by him that year. salary as well. Joseph quit in had advanced on to the na- Naidu, who was Giving up his business with 1941 and Khasa Subba Rao be- tional stage”. running a ver- the Bombay Company, he con- came the editor. The ‘Emden’ The biography, Warrior of nacular weekly, centrated on the papers and vakil, N.D. Varadachariar, the Fourth Estate – Ramnath Tamilnadu, closed characteristically took a stance played a prominent advisory Goenka of the Indian Express it down and de- opposite to that of the then role during this crisis as is re- (Penguin-Viking), is a well cided to launch Government, then led by vealed in his diaries. Later, Jo- written, balanced account of an English daily. It C. Rajagopalachari. This was to seph and RNG were to come RNG’s life, warts and all and was published be the first of his many battles together once again for a short would have probably had the from the ‘Tamil against those in power. The pa- while in 1946, with the former old man chuckling in delight Nadu’ Press at 41- per also criticised actions by the moving once again to Madras had he been around to read it. 42 Mooker Mysore and Travancore and later to Bombay. However, It is a remarkably objective and Nallamuthu Durbars and was banned in by 1948, he quit and joined the honest look at the man despite Chetty Street, both States. However, RNG, on newly-started Deccan Herald. the fact that it was commis- George Town, discovering that the Trivan- The Express continued its sioned by the empire which he with its editor be- drum Railway Station was anti-Government stance dur- founded. Perhaps there is a ing K. nominally Government of India ing the War years, criticising message in this for all those who Santhanam. The property and not that of the the ‘Evacuation of Madras’ and commission so called biogra- paper soon floun- State, had his paper sold from also deciding to suspend publi- phies which are in reality ter- dered and was there and did brisk business. cation when the Government rible hagiographies. The city of taken over by S. In 1939, the Express became clamped down on the press in Madras figures prominently in Sadanand (later the first newspaper to an- 1942 following the Quit India the book and this account looks of the Free Press nounce the outbreak of World Movement. It resumed publica- largely at RNG’s associations Journal). In 1933, Ramnath Goenka, with Khushwant Singh and C.R. War II with a copy being given tion after three months. That with it. the Madurai edi- Irani of the Statesman, demonstrating against the pro- to Netaji Subas Bose to read out year, RNG also gave shelter to RNG was born on April 18, posed curbs on the press through the Defamation Bill, tion was launched aloud during a public meeting Jayaprakash Narayan who had 1904 at Dildarnagar, a village 1988. as was Dinamani, on 1st September at the Marina escaped from the Hazaribagh near Dharbhanga in Bihar. He its Tamil sister pa- pany of 169 Broadway. By Beach. prison and safely sent him on to was married at the age of 12 to per. Sadanand made the Ex- then, he had become promi- A fire on February 9, 1940 at Bombay. Several among Ex- the 10-year-old Moongi Bai. press a morning paper with news nent in the city, a man whom the Mooker Nallamuthu Street press’ staff went to prison for acts Educated till the seventh stan- on the front page contrary to Rajaji and Jamnalal Bajaj had office gutted the press and it of Satyagraha. All these were dard at Dharbhanga, RNG the then practice of having ads deemed fit to be invited to join looked as though all was over perhaps portents of what was to probably never matriculated, on it. However, with this white the Dakshin Bharat Hindi with the Express. However, happen to the Express and RNG but he studied at the Kashi knight too finding it difficult to Prachar Sabha of which he was with the generous help from during the Emergency years. Vidyapeeth for some time. He run, the paper would have col- later to become life trustee at Kasturi Srinivasan of The Despite labour problems, fi- came under the influence of lapsed had not RNG, who had the instance of Mahatma Hindu, who arranged for the nancial tightness and frequent Acharya Kripalani and Ma- earlier bailed Sadanand out by Gandhi. In January of the same Express to be printed at The ‘inspections’ from the Govern- hatma Gandhi. purchasing Rs.30,000 worth of year, at the instance of Sir C.P. Hindu’s Press, 100 Mount Road, ment, RNG managed to keep In 1919/20, RNG joined his debentures in the company, Ramaswami Aiyer, he was the paper rose from the ashes. his papers going. In 1946, he relatives in Calcutta in their taken it over through his Pub- nominated to the Madras Leg- The Express soon moved into managed yet another real es- yarn and piece goods business. licity Madras Limited on Octo- islative Council where, as was these premises, which had been tate coup when he bought 23 However, he was soon found to ber 1, 1936. With him now hold- his wont in later life, he sat with vacated by The Hindu when in acres of land belonging to the have dealings with the Bengal ing 51 per cent of the shares, he the nationalist opposition, much November 1939 it had moved Madras Club on Club House ‘terrorists’ and the alarmed became Managing Director of to the discomfiture of the Trea- to its present location, 200 Road, off Mount Road, for Marwari community prevailed the company. sury Benches. He was to make Mount Road, where it had in- Rs.14.85 lakh, when the Club on his uncle to have him sent Differences arose over speeches in favour of revoking stalled the latest machinery. moved to Branson’s Bagh on off to Madras which was far managerial control and the ban on Subramania The Express, interestingly, took Mount Road. This property, enough from trouble. Sadanand soon took RNG to Bharati’s poems and also over the rotary press left behind where the New Indian Express is According to RNG himself, court. The editor, Santhanam, favouring the boycott of the by The Hindu. This press en- he came to the city with no a protege of C. Rajagopala Simon Commission. sured a larger turnout of copies (Continued on Page 5 ) February 1-15, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

reader, have to force yourself not The many faces to cast this eager couple as villains. With Murari, you hen she first sets eyes on cannot help but Wher newborn child, the feel a tiny sense of mother “turns her head away of love ignoble satisfaction in horror”, because a “pink ooz- when Bhima ing mass” protrudes from below who moves easily among the After his surgery, he moves, doesn’t appear to his umbilical cord. The mother various cultures in which she almost like it is a foregone con- take to his future is very young, understandably has lived over the years, is clusion, into Murari’s ancestral parents at once. frightened. But with that one among them. When Maureen, home, Devasolai. And then the gut- single gesture of rejection, she horrified at the baby’s condi- And Murari, looking at the wrenching final writes herself and her husband tion, stretches her hand out, sad-faced baby, “thin and frag- good-bye, as the out of the script of his life for- holding out a finger, the baby, ile as a mosquito”, greets him a couple dart away ever. now seven months old, catches trifle awkwardly, with a “Hello into the airport, The baby’s first ‘home’ is an hold of it and smiles. Bhima, Vanakkam.” Bhima carrying Bhima, orphanage in Pondicherry. In That single gesture heralds tentatively reaches out and whose cries of time, he enters the well-or- the next chapter in the life of touches Murari’s arm, and “I “Uncle come, dered lives of Timeri N. Murari this courageous little infant. had become his father.” Aunty come” as he and his wife, Maureen, living Maureen decides to help the The book then gently, but beseeches the with them for nearly a year, be- child. The reader then experi- with the depth and power of Muraris to join him, fore being adopted by an Euro- ences the trials and tribulations quiet, intense emotion, traces wondering why pean couple. that beset this five-foot-five the growth of a bond between they are not follow- Murari’s book My temporary grey-green-eyed heroine, who father and child. Within four ing them into the airport, get Bhima teaches Murari that son – an orphan’s journey, pub- “enjoys a challenge”, as she days, the couple decides they fainter and fainter. For Murari, even work takes second place lished by Penguin India, cap- seeks medical help for the baby cannot possibly send him back it was as if “all the light had to a child’s needs. Murari slowly tures the core of the experience – the endless drives through to the orphanage. Overnight, been sucked out of my life.” finds himself getting over his – the happy moments, the this “elderly couple”, as Murari A year and twenty days “stiff and awkward past rela- heart-twisting ones, the mind- l by puts it, clueless about how to later, Murari and Maureen ar- tionship with babies and chil- dren.” Murari, by his own con- numbing demanding routine, RANJITHA ASHOK deal with babies, find them- rive at Bhima’s new home, for and the sheer wonder of seeing selves plunging into the giddy- his christening. He is a little fession, is “exasperatingly la- your world through your child’s ing routine that takes over a taller, and has put on weight, conic in conversation and shy”; eyes – quintessential elements chaotic traffic in the city, the home with a very small, and and now speaks French, Ger- “not used to children”, someone in the lives of parents, tempo- setbacks, delays, the bureau- very ill, baby – sleepless nights, man and Spanish, while slowly who “tolerated children”, and rary or otherwise, the cratic shenanigans, which bouts of crying, constant chang- forgetting English and Tamil. who preferred to “baby” his worldover. The story is played would baulk anyone else, but ing, figuring out nutritional He is loved, has a large ex- dogs. Destiny apparently de- out in Madras. Maureen. needs, and dealing with an un- tended family, and has found a cided to show him otherwise. From Pondicherry, the little The baby’s condition is ending stream of hired atten- “safe harbour.” This incredibly compassion- one makes a “pain wracked given a name – vesical exstro- dants. And learning about That is comfort for the ate couple, through whose bumpy journey” to the bustling phy, a medical condition in Bhima – his heart-rending Muraris, closure of sorts. home other orphaned children city and an orphanage referred which the bladder is outside the night terrors, his need for con- Could they, should they, have passed in the process of to as Orphanage No.1, a de- body. And yes, it is possible to stant human contact and reas- have kept Bhima? Friends ap- being relocated, although none pressing place, filled with sad si- operate and correct, although surance, as he slowly learns that pear to have strongly advised as young and ill as Bhima, have lence, like all orphanages, the operation is both long and not all human beings are be- them to do so. Others told them indeed earned ‘rohnin’ – get- where babies are “kept in an in- high risk. trayers; his favourite toy is a that by letting him go, they ting rid of bad luck – by caring ner room in iron railed cots, like The baby is now given a large tortoise with buttons; he were “doing the best for him.” for him. tiny cells.” This baby, in order name – Bhima. loves the dog, Apu, his bulwark There are also rules about the The book also provides a to distract himself from pain And he is “slowly seeping against fear; and he instinc- age differences between the fact-filled appendix, with a and loneliness, repeatedly into our daily lives,” says tively reacts to images of adopting couple and the child, wealth of ‘must-know’ informa- bangs his head against the iron Murari, as yet to lay eyes on Ganesha, learning to decorate laid down “in black and white” tion about adoption in India bars that surround him. him. them with flowers, pressing his by the Ministry of Social Justice and the various processes in- One fateful November day, In time, funds are organised hands in a namaste. and Empowerment, Govern- volved. I’ll talk about them next a group of women members of through the efforts of OWC Murari, in the first few ment of India. fortnight. the Overseas Women’s Club members, and little Bhima is op- weeks, refers to him as their Very Madras details weave (A related feature visit the orphanage. Murari’s erated on successfully. Like his ‘house guest’, a defence in and out of the story, a source next fortnight.) wife Maureen, energetic, de- august namesake, this is a mechanism which does not ap- of delight to those passionate termined Australian Maureen, fighter. pear to have withstood Bhima’s about the city they call home – advances. When Murari, un- names of prominent citizens, consciously echoing proud par- descriptions of the Spencer THE MARWARI ents the worldover, writes of Plaza, referring to the former Bhima’s doings, his intelligence, Spencer’s as “The Harrod’s of MEDIA MAN A reminder to our readers you are tempted to step into the Madras”, descriptions of the FROM MADRAS book and warn him about the Madras Club, the Madras mon- l It’s that time of the year again. With the Madras Musings year temporariness. soon and its effect on city roads. (Continued from page 4) coming to an end, it is time to remind subscribers to renew their In the end, you recognise Bhima is put up for adoption, published from even now, subscriptions (Rs. 100 a year) and readers who have not yet sent classified as a ‘special needs this journey of 11 months for in their subscriptions to do so. The annual subscription for Madras what it is – a love story, where became Express Estates. child’, which “condemned him With Independence, RNG Musings is Rs. 100/-. to a possible life of exile”, largely Bhima is the teacher, a guru to Murari. moved to Bombay and Delhi, All subscriptions acknowledged by us from January 1, 2006 because Indian parents who Through Bhima, Murari ac- with the Indian Express follow- and subscriptions that we receive between now and April 16th will want to adopt prefer healthy ba- ing him. His Madras connec- bies. And India is still not really knowledges the power of karma be considered as annual subscriptions for the year April 16, 2006 tion was, however, always strong “a physically-handicapped- and destiny. Even Bhima’s af- to April 15, 2007, Volume XVI. As for those who have sent in their fliction proves to be an integral though it must be admitted that friendly country.” The Muraris, Bombay increasingly became subscriptions between April 16, 2005 and December 15, 2005, with the help of Shaila, the so- part of the road that his life is please renew your subscriptions as and when they fall due. destined to travel. A healthy the nerve centre for his business. cial worker, choose a certain There were tough days ahead Madras Musings, unfortunately, does not have any staff, but only European country as Bhima’s Bhima, given his background, might very well have joined the both personally and on the busi- a couple of part-time volunteers to help and, hence, is in no position future home, and find a couple ness front and he fought all his to send you reminders. who “fell in love” with Bhima’s thousands of child labourers in a country that “has the most ap- battles with enjoyment, spirit When sending in your subscription, please send it to Chennai photograph. With the Muraris, and courage and not always in you then helplessly wander palling figures for child labour”. Heritage together with the coupon that appears on page 7, duly Bhima forces Murari to exam- a straightforward fashion. This through the bewildering laby- is what made him a fascinating filled in, in full. We look forward to an enthusiastic response from rinth which characterises adop- ine his own views on family ties, readers, old and new. filling the book with gentle, at personality and a delightful sub- tion processes in India. ject for a biographer. — THE EDITOR When Bhima’s adoptive times sad, reminiscences of parents arrive, you, as the childhood and days gone by. Sriram V. 6 MADRAS MUSINGS February 1-15, 2006 What ails Tamil Nadu

efforts, appreciate honest striv- amil Nadu ended another ing, admonish them when they TRanji Trophy cricket sea- cricket? go astray and, more important son on a disappointing note, than anything else, instil in touching a new low by failing them the realisation that to qualify for the semifinals af- cricket is essentially a team (Current Affairs questions ter a considerable gap. At one game. Even if Mumbai cricket are from the period January stage in the final league fixture has seen better days, these at- 1st to 15th. Questions 11 to against Delhi at the tributes are still very much evi- 20 pertain to Tamil Nadu host team was in real danger of dent in it, leading to perfor- and Chennai.) being relegated to the Plate mance beyond the on-paper group of teams. Ironically, 1. Who is the first recipient of the strength of that team in recent Tamil Nadu was also tantali- India Science Award 2004 insti- years. Sadly, we in Tamil Nadu tuted by the Government of India? singly in sight of an outside tend to give little importance to chance of forcing a victory in Badani Badrinath 2. Why was an Indian, Prashant these traits. We neither appre- that game and actually making Chandra, an industrial designer, in seemed to have any confi- East Zone, has also had to bide ciate good performance, nor the news at the CES in Las Vegas, it to the last four. dence, thanks to the constant his time. chastise players when they dis- recently? “What ails Tamil Nadu chopping and changing by the Keen competition for the appoint with their attitude. We cricket?” is a lament as often re- 3. What is M30402457 in the field selectors. In fact, some of the league title among mainly com- prefer to make fun of them of mathematics? peated by cricket followers as bowlers, Ramkumar in particu- pany-sponsored teams has also when things go wrong or drop the complaint that our players 4. Who became the first player to lar, seemed to have lost their meant that the rivalry has oc- them when things go even are not given a fair deal by the score centuries in both innings of nerve after being dropped from casionally spilt over beyond that worse. I make no excuse for his 100th Test? national selectors. At least one the State team for no obvious level, and causes cooperation to poor performance, but the aver- politically-oriented outfit 5. Nivruti Rai, an IT professional reason except that of failure at become a pipedream among all age Tamil Nadu cricketer is an threatened to disrupt cricket in working in Intel, has achieved a higher level of cricket. Jesuraj those really concerned about insecure being. This not my what distinction? the country in the country if bounce back after being simi- Tamil Nadu cricket forging a personal opinion but that of some of our players like He- 6. From which three places did the larly disciplined, that too in a winning combination. At the those closely associated with Pakistan President, Gen. mang Badani or Lakshmipathi crucial match versus Mahara- same time, though the in- the game and its players. Musharraf, suggest India with- Balaji were continuously side- shtra, but not everyone is made creased facilities border on We in the media are no bet- drawing troops to resolve the mili- lined by the national panel. of such stern stuff. world class, the competitive ter. Obsessed with international tancy problem in J & K? Somehow, these demonstrators The batting was reasonably edge seems to have deserted cricket, most of us consider it 7. Which author rejected the 2005 rarely ever demand better per- consistent but came apart in the the playing arena, with bats- infra dig to even watch domes- Sahitya Akademi Award for En- formance by the State team in all-important matches. He- men enjoying perfect batting tic cricket. No talent spotting glish which was announced the national championship, so has been done by any of us for recently? wrapped up are they in the in- decades; only when one of our 8. With whom has Air India signed dividual fortunes of their l by V. RAMNARAYAN players explodes on the scene the largest single commercial order favourite cricketers and so with stunning displays and con- in Indian aviation history? It is throughly convinced by the vinces the national selectors do worth $11 billion. conspiracy theory that keeps mang Badani suffered a lean conditions against strong oppo- we sit up and take notice. In- 9. Who recently emulated Prakash out deserving Tamil Nadu can- patch but recovered well after sition and the bowlers exploit- creasingly, there is hardly any Padukone with a straight ninth se- didates for national stardom. I the selectors replaced him as ing underprepared wickets comment on the State’s perfor- nior national singles crown in bad- wonder why it never strikes captain with Badrinath, to re- against the weaker sides. The mances, nor is there any serious minton? them that cricket is a team lieve him from the burden of result is that both batsmen and analysis of its performances dur- 10. During what ritual did over game and that winning the captaincy. Though the ploy bowlers come to enjoy exagger- ing the season. On the other 300 pilgrims die at this year’s Haj? Ranji Trophy is possibly the seemed to work well and ated reputations on the hand, we lavish column-metres most emphatic way of stating * * * Badani made a big hundred strength of their local exploits, on international cricket stars the case for including our play- against Bengal, following it with only to be found wanting in the 11. Who is the Chennai Open and their tantrums. ers in the Indian team. more runs in the next game, it hard grind of the real world out- 2006 champion? The only way Tamil Nadu There were a number of rea- seemed possible the new cap- side. This is an unfortunate cricket can improve its record 12. Whose house on Thiru- sons why Tamil Nadu fared so tain might lose form on being paradox. I remember that the at the national level is for all the manjana Veedhi in Thiruvaiyaru is poorly this season. The first and anointed, when Badri failed league produced many more being made into a memorial? various constituents of the most obvious one was that the with the bat. He dispelled all results when we played on mat- game to make a concerted ef- 13. Which veteran parliamentar- weather played spoilsport in two such notions with a double hun- ting wickets and had to win a fort to find a solution. Sporting ian received the Tamil Nadu crucial encounters in which the dred against Delhi, suggesting match in a single day. You had wickets that will test the skills Government’s ‘Periyar Award’ on team had to be satisfied with responsibility sits well on him. to produce something special to and technique of the players is January 2nd? minimum points, despite being Starting with the axing of force a result in the limited time one way of separating the qual- 14. Which talented musician has well placed. The other major Sadagopan Ramesh last season, available. Perhaps the ity player from the flash in the created the ‘Melharmony con- reason was the poor bowling the the State’s think tank has been Association’s and corporate pan. Stability in team composi- cept’, to show how fusion can be a team throughout the season, treating its players with a heavy sponsors’ generous support of tion is another vital ingredient rewarding exercise? except for some outstanding hand, appearing to discipline three-day league cricket, with of success. (Can we have a 16- 15. Which Governor was respon- work by some of the medium players on occasions for per- inevitable increases in their member squad identified for sible for the purchase of the then pacers, with Rajamani Jesuraj ceived lack of effort or attitudi- cricket budgets to unprec- the season and try to stay with Lodge, now the Raj Bhavan? leading the pack. The spinners nal problems. They have also edented levels of spending, has it, by and large? Can those in 16. Trambak Rubber Team won were especially disappointing, demonstrated a touching sense produced results the opposite of the eleven be assured of their the Ruia Gold Cup, the national despite the gallant efforts of of loyalty towards some other their intentions. The higher tenure at least for four matches symbol of supremacy in which veteran off spinner Aashish senior players, for example, S. levels of remuneration have in a row? Can we have a steady sport, in Chennai recently? Kapoor, whose inclusion in the Sharath, who has been the perhaps made the players more opening pair, not experiments? 17. Who directed such critically team was a sad reflection of the State’s most prolific batsman. comfortable and complacent Can we consistently pick the acclaimed films like Mullum available bowling resources. This season too he has been rather than hungry for success. best bowlers we have, rather Malarum and Udhiri Pookkal? Left arm spinner R. Ramkumar among the runs and at least on On its part, the Association than overdo the horses for 18. In what way is Valaiyodi, was in and out of the team and, one occasion saved the side the should go beyond making avail- courses policy?) Maybe the me- launched recently, a pioneering by the end of the season, was blushes by playing a courageous able the best of facilities to the dia and others interested in the venture? but a shadow of the bowler he knock in adversity. Yet, it is dif- players, though, even here, State’s cricket can assist the 19. Name the new Chief Informa- was last year. The other left ficult to escape the conclusion Karnataka, with a considerable Association in its talent-spotting tion Commissioner of Tamil arm spinner received few op- that the selectors have erred on number of former cricketers in- efforts. Last but not least, it’s Nadu? portunities and, low in confi- the sentimental side by persist- volved in the administration of time past cricketers played a 20. Name the newspaper from the dence, he too bowled below par, ing with this very fine player in the game, is reported to have constructive role in developing State that has become the first in though he obliged the captain the evening of his career and stolen a march over Tamil the Tamil Nadu team of the fu- the country to appoint a ‘Readers’ with wickets on the few occa- denying a talented youngster Nadu. I believe the need of the ture. The tide has to turn, for Editor’ as an independent, full- sions he bowled. S. Sriram and like Shrivasudeva Das opportu- hour is a band of caring admin- not only does the State have time, internal ombudsman. S. Badrinath were both part- nities. R. Satish, another very istrators – in the mould of the abundant talent, it also enjoys time spinners who made no promising player, who came late V. Pattabhiraman – who the most passionate support for (Answers on page 8) major impact. No bowler back after a successful stint in encourage the players in their the game in India. February 1-15, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

When Banqueting Hall Subscriptions and contributions l Since Volume XIV, No.1 (April 16, 2003), Madras Musings has been was built priced at Rs.5 a copy, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: Rs.100/-. Please t was in 1799 when ‘Seringapatnam’ fell to the British that February 4: Bharata Natyam per- make out your cheque only to CHENNAI HERITAGE and send it, ILord Edward Clive decided to raise a memorial to mark the formance by Nancy Boisset, from together with the COUPON BELOW, to CHENNAI HERITAGE, 260-A, defeat of Tippu Sultan as well as his father Robert Clive’s victory France, who has been studying TTK ROAD, CHENNAI 600 018 or C/O LOKAVANI-HALL MARK PRESS at Plassey in 1757. The job of erecting the commemoration build- the dance form in Paris and Ma- PVT. LTD., 122, GREAMES ROAD, CHENNAI 600 006. dras since 1997. (At Alliance ing was entrusted to John Goldingham, a Danish Astronomer/ An ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION of just Rs.100 covers only a part of Francaise, 7.00 p.m.) Engineer who, as a friend of Governor Clive, had been entrusted our costs. Corporate support and YOUR support will continue to be in 1800 with extensions to and the remodelling of Government February 10 and 11: He Who Burns essential for Chennai Heritage and Madras Musings to play a greater House. His brief was to build a commemoration hall worthy of is an exploration, by Wendy role in creating awareness about the city, its heritage and its environ- British achievements at arms in India and to integrate it Jehlen, through dance, text and ment. We therefore look forward to your sending us your contribu- harmoniously with the architectural splendour he had created in music of the figure of Iblis, Satan, tions IN ADDITION TO your subscriptions. Government House. as understood in some Sufi tradi- Designed in the style of a Greek Temple, with a soaring flight If in the coming year Chennai Heritage receives repeated support tions. from those of you who have already made contributions, and if many of steps in front, breathtaking Corinthian and Ionic columns This dance-theatre piece is more supporters join the bandwagon, we will not only be able to keep and friezes on the pediments detailing the victories, the building directed and choreographed by was completed in 1802 at a cost of 74,000 pagoda (Rs.2,22,000). award-winning American chore- Madras Musings going, but also be able to continue awareness-build- Inaugurated with a grand ball, it served as the Governor’s Ban- ographer Wendy Jehlen who is ing exercises on on-going projects as well as undertake one or two queting Hall. It was this Hall that set the trend for the imperial currently in India as a Fulbright more such exercises. style of construction that became a hallmark of British buildings scholar. Jehlen, who has trained Therefore, please keep your contributions coming IN ADDITION across the world, from Jamaica to Tasmania, from New York to in Bharata Natyam, which she TO YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS. If, say, you send in a cheque for Rs.500, South Africa. has studied since the age of seven we will treat Rs.100 of it towards subscription to Madras Musings for The main structure has been unaltered except for the remod- as well as in Capoeira (Brazilian 2005-06 and the remaining Rs.400 as contribution towards the causes elling during 1875-95. The terrace was enclosed by arcaded veran- Martial Art), West African Chennai Heritage espouses. dahs on all four sides in 1895. The open terraces were enclosed by dance, American and European We look forward to all readers of Madras Musings, and those arches linked by columns and low walls, all part of the later Modern and Contemporary expansion, but remain harmonious architectural additions. The newcomers who want to receive copies, sending in their subscrip- dance styles, incorporates her tions. We are indeed sorry we can no longer remain a free mailer. superb flight of steps is a consequence of the two original narrow training in all of these dance — The Editor flights being widened. forms in her choreography. – Shobha M. CHENNAI HERITAGE Rajaji Hall Restoration 260-A T.T.K. ROAD, , CHENNAI 600 018.

(Continued from Page 1) From that level you can actu- I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) / ally look down into the ornately I have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it used in all reconstruction, and embellished Central Hall with hereafter. special care taken so as not to its awesome grandeur, replete disturb the heritage structure. with 18 entry doors, and 34 fans l I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for Rs. 100 (Rupees The lime has been sourced form (15 from the height of the ter- In the performance, Jehlen is One hundred) payable to CHENNAI HERITAGE, MADRAS, as Pollachi and is of a special kind race) and look up in awe at the joined by Pradhuman Nayak, a subscription to Madras Musings for the year 2005-06. because it has about 70% cal- ornate roof. The two extreme recent graduate of National l As token of my support for the causes of heritage, environment cium oxide content. The lime ‘restored’ and painted corners School of Drama and by Palani, and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, I send Chennai mortar used is fermented for 15- of the roof have, however, been an actor/dancer from Chennai. eritage an additional Rs...... (Rupees 30 days by adding gallnut and affected by an ugly dark fun- The music is created and per- jaggery and grinding well. The gus “due to the unprecedented formed by Rajasthani percussion ...... ) mixture is kept for a month for rains,” an official explains. virtuoso Gagan and by Delhi- based sarangi player and vocalist Please keep/put me on your mailing list. it to be strengthened. A few de- Strangely, the Archaeologi- cayed planks in the teak- Anil Misra. (At Alliance Name : ...... cal Survey of India (ASI) and Francaise, 7.00 p.m.) wooden flooring have also been the State Department of Ar- Address: ...... replaced it recounts a Public chaeology have not been in- February 8-18: Fault Lines, an exhi- Works Department official. volved on a sustained basis in bition by S. Murali. Although he ...... The main hall is built on a the whole process – except for is a noted academic, specialised in theory and aesthetics, Murali ...... basement of arched cellars and official representation on com- is surrounded by a colonnaded has continued to be equally com- mittees, that are more “an eye- mitted to and involved in his pur- Note: Overseas postage Rs. 550/year extra. Cheques for overseas post- terrace – a later addition. The wash than anything else”. suit of art. His work is non-tradi- age alone payable to M/s. Lokavani Hall-Mark Press Pvt. Ltd.. All other Ionic columns were once Sometime in the early 1990s, a tional and experimental. Ab- cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. coated with ‘Madras Plaster’ to three-member committee in- stract, no doubt, but at every give them a marble-like appear- cluding two foreigners was ap- point invoking nature and the ance. The walls of the base- pointed to submit a report on natural. (At Alliance Francaise) ment range in thickness from Senate House Conservation Fund the heritage building. This Till February 16: Krishna Leela, an l 80 cm to 215 cm, over which proved to be quite “ad hoc”, exhibition of drawings and paint- The Senate House Restoration and Management Trust appeals to Ionic columns of 65 cm dia and so the ASI was asked to ings by Keshav, who began his all alumni of the and heritage lovers every- reach upto the second floor. give an official analysis. Then career as a freelance cartoonist where to contribute to the Senate House Conservation Fund which The colonnaded terrace flank- again, in 2004, the ASI was for Ananda Vikatan in 1983, before the Trust is managing for the purpose of restoring Senate House to ing the Central Hall is enclosed asked to submit a conservation joining The Hindu as a cartoonist its old glory and maintaining it thereafter in the same condition. Cheques should be made out to the Senate House Conservation by arcaded verandahs covered report on the building. Mean- in 1987. (At Ashvita.) Account and sent to the Registrar, University of Madras, Chennai 600 by Madras Terrace. Eight while, the consultant senior February 18 and 19: Massala Festi- Queen Post teak wood trusses 005. Contributions are eligible for benefits under Section 80-G of the conservation expert, who was val featuring a French street art Income Tax Act. with beams, joists, and purlins supposed to have been “con- group in a show comprising fixed support the roof of the main sulted throughout” the restora- as well as movement-filled per- Dear Registrar, hall. The entire roofing ar- tion, says that the only matter formances for all age groups. Here I am pleased to enclose a cheque for Rs...... rangement is concealed with he was involved with was the is circus, acrobatics, clowns, mu- as my contribution to the restoration and maintenance of sic and lots and lots of laughter! ornamental Plaster of Paris and Venetian door panelling. He Senate House. Kindly acknowledge receipt. a gunny false ceiling. (At Alliance Francaise.) suggested glass panes as the Name: ...... Work has not been going on damaged panelling would be February: 20-25: A retrospective of since May 2005, as funds for the difficult to replicate.” art documentary film maker Address: ...... second and third phases Pierre Coulibeuf. His first film in Suffice it to say that though ...... awaited. Once funds are re- restoration of this historic build- 1987 was a short adaptation of the ceived, the entire work is ex- artistic and literary work of ...... ing itself is a laudable effort, it Pierre Klossowski. Since then, he pected to take no more than would have been truer to the ...... another six months. As you has been adapting various aspects cause of heritage if it had been of contemporary art to the screen I am an alumnus/alumna/heritage lover and wish the project all climb onto the terrace that has more scientifically handled, in (Michelangelo Pistoletto, Marina already been relaid and continuous consultation with Abramovic, Michel Butor, Jan success. My college was ...... coloured with red oxide, you experts having knowledge of Fabre...) (At the College of Fine Date: ...... Signature: ...... notice that the parapet has been heritage architecture and its Arts.) repaired and pillars replastered. restoration. 8 MADRAS MUSINGS February 1-15, 2006

artist Indrapramit Roy – had Cleveland’s Tyagaraja to be based on the art of the period, and the production was to reflect both a contemporary as well as a special archaic feel. Aradhana Festival Tara had to meet many un- precedented challenges in cre- ating Sophocles’ Antigone he largest attended (over ing young artistes are also show- had 60 contestants with the big- T3000 from all over the cased. gest percentage increase in the Tara goes Greek world) Carnatic music festival instrumental music category. Of particular note this year outside India is the Cleveland (by A Special Correspondent) was Ravikiran’s concert, the in- The children were very tra- Festival. ix years ago, Tara of (2001), the first book in the teresting aspect of it being the ditional while at the aradhana, Apart from a 45-minute lunch S Chennai began its publish- series. Its production involved realisation that the aradhana comfortable with Indian cul- break, it was music from 9 am to ing relationship with the J. Paul over 250,000 individual screen sponsors might have achieved ture (prostrating at the feet of 10 pm, except for a couple of Getty Museum in Los Ange- pulls of ink onto paper by their goal. Accompanying him the vidwans in public) while lecture demonstrations and a les. The collaboration has hand. Antigone won the Inde- on the violin were young completely at home with their dance recital, at the 28th Festi- taken it into the world of mu- pendent Publishers' Award as Akkarai Subhalakshmi and Western orientation elsewhere. seum art publishing and has Outstanding Book of the Year val. Vellore Ramabhadran. The This alone is a justification for resulted in several awards. for Best Bookcraftsmanship. The entire festival was dedi- other two accompanists, how- the untiring efforts of the It began in 1999, when the then publisher of the Getty – The second in the series, cated to the memory of ever, were from North America countless numbers of volunteers Sophocles’ Oedipus the King Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer and – Karthik Venkataraman, a and organisers in making the Christopher Hudson – was taken with Tara’s unique style (2004), received two awards in M.S. Subbulakshmi. The con- competent khanjira player who aradhana a success. of book art. He was interested in 2005. It was the winner in certs of Sudha Ragunathan, grew up in Toronto, Canada both the Association of The same six persons who in Tara's handmade ‘Book- Savitha Narasimhan and (Vice-President of an IT Cor- American University Presses’ started this effort are still very craft’ project, which produces Neyveli Santhanagopalan fea- annual competition and in the actively involved in organising books made entirely by hand. tured songs popularised by MS. Each book is individually book category of the American and running the aradharana – Association of Museums’ T.M. Krishna (who learnt l by screen printed on handmade Cleveland Balasubrahmanyan, Publications Design Competi- many pieces from Semman- paper and then trimmed and V.K. VISWANATHAN Gomathi Balasubrahmanyan, tion. The third and most re- gudi) presented songs associ- sewn together by hand. He Cleveland V.V. Sundaram, cently published book is Euri- ated with Semmangudi. His su- asked Tara to create a series of Gomathi Sundaram, Toronto four books especially for the pides’ The Bacchae (2004). perb concert created the ambi- poration in the USA) and Ravi Plans are now being made for Venkataraman and Padma Getty, based on classical Greek ence, involvement and passion Balasubrahmanyan, an excel- the final book, Euripides' Venkataraman. They are plays, to complement the of a typical Semmangudi con- lent ghata artiste, finishing his Hippolytus, to be released this helped considerably by Flute N. museum’s collection of antiq- cert. Ph.D. in Robotics in Pittsburgh. summer. Ramani and Srimushnam uities. Can anyone ask for a better rep- At Tara, authors Gita Wolf In reflecting on the project The format for the concert resentation of the goals and Rajarao with regard to the artis- and Sirish Rao had to adapt part of the festival is a well set tic as well as other needs of the Chris Hudson says, “I hope achievements of this festival? the text for a general reader, that forward-looking interna- one. Except for the concerts by festival. while remaining faithful to the tional publishers will look to major artistes from India (for This brings me to what is This ‘miracle’ in Cleveland, original. The illustrations – by India... for creative book-mak- which, from the second day probably the greatest service the well-known contemporary which started with less than 30 ing...” onwards, a nominal fee is this festival is rendering to the persons in attendance in a small charged) the public is invited to Indian Diaspora here, espe- church with a concert by Saroja attend free. Typically the first cially the children growing up Answers to Quiz Balasubrahmanyan accompa- concert starts at 9 am. This and in North America. Twelve 1. Prof. C.N.R. Rao, the chairman 7. Arundhati Roy; 8. Boeing; 9. nied by two Cleveland resi- the 7 pm slot feature major years ago the festival started a of the Scientific Advisory Council Aparna Popat; 10. The stoning of dents, Rama Rao (violin) and artistes. It is interesting to note youth competition with just ten to the Prime Minister; 2. He is the the three pillars at Mina. Ramnad V. Raghavan (mri- that most of the 1 pm and some contestants. This grew to 180 in first winner of the Chairman’s danga), has blossomed into a of the 2.15 pm artistes had their 2004. This year, 287 contestants Award of $ 50,000 for his innova- * * * major festival showcasing the start in the talent competition participated. The winner, a 15- tive design of a cool backpack PC 11. Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia; 12. best from India, encouraging (which is referred to below). year-old from New Jersey, for school children; 3. It’s the larg- The composer Tyagaraja; 13. Era Saranya Sivakumar, not only budding artistes in North est prime number announced so Sezhiyan; 14. The chitraveena ex- Every year there is at least won a tambura, she gave a good America and in serving the In- far, having a whopping 9.1 million ponent, N. Ravikiran; 15. Thomas one nagaswara concert, a flute concert with professional ac- dian Diaspora in exemplary digits; 4. Ricky Ponting; 5. She is Munro; 16. Bridge; 17. concert, a veena concert and a companists. fashion. May the Cleveland the first woman recipient of the Mahendran; 18. It’s a Tamil Harikatha or namasankeer- Miracle long continue. (Cour- Overseas Citizen of India card; 6. browser for the Internet; 19. S. tanam. Every year two promis- The under-12 girls’ category tesy: Sruti) Baramulla, Kupwara and Srinagar; Ramakrishnan; 20. The Hindu.

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