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• Short ‘N’ Snappy

• Looking at globalisation MADRAS • Urban growth & heritage • A modern temple builder MUSINGS • 150 years of the City Police Rs. 5 per copy Vol. XVI No. 19 January 16-31, 2007 (Annual Subscription: Rs. 100/-) Do pedestrians have a place in road safety? “Let‘s keep this safely...my realtor tells me that even the prices of the toy (by Sriram V.) building blocks in Chennai are about to shoot up!” oad Safety Week was the older students help the Robserved in the first week young ones to cross and make How many zeros...? of January in Madras that is their way to school. Policemen, Are you, like so many of us, su- Chennai. It witnessed the usual if on duty in the vicinity, help. premely number-challenged? rituals of flagging off process- But all this is a makeshift ar- If so, you probably lead a life ions, distribution of sweets, and rangement and varies depend- marginally protected from rallies held by students. My con- ing on the day and time. shocks set off by all those cern, however, is that road l The most striking New Year greeting we received was one from the Alliance ubiquitous percentages and In places where the footpath Francaise with this computer-generated picture on its front. The following safety in this city may remain a statistics spelling doom and has been left largely as it used to information was provided at the rear: Digital palimpsest – interactive multime- utopian dream. disaster so frequently pre- be, political parties think noth- dia slide; © Artist B2FAYS – 3D Graphics Kupuraj. Project presented in The pedestrians, who remain sented. ing of displacing a stone or two collaboration with Alliance Francaise of Bangalore, Mumbai and Hyderabad. But, be warned – You are not the most marginalised section and planting their cutouts and [email protected] immune. on our roads, continue to get a temporary hoardings, thereby There are exceptions that make raw deal. Most of the roads in further deter users of the side- As for pedestrian crossings, effectively cutting off walking even the number-numbed the city are being developed or walk. This is especially true of ensuring that the zebra signs are space. In other areas, it is the come leaping out of their modified keeping only the mo- the broad sidewalk along painted periodically is observed over-stuffed chairs. steel structure which supports torists in mind, as evident in the Radhakrishnan Road, and in more in the breach. Vehicle Like when Chennai talks real hoardings that has eaten into rapid reduction of pedestrian particular where it fronts the owners, however, feel that these estate these days. the footpath. The junction pathways. In many areas, espe- Electricity Board office (the old are of limited use, as pedestrians What’s happening to this city? boxes and transformers of the cially below the flyovers, there Tram Shed). Shops and com- cross any-which-way-they- Everyone knows that any Electricity Board also claim search for a roof over your are no demarcated footpaths for mercial establishments also please and wherever it takes their share of the space. These head means dealing with the pedestrians, putting them at claim their share of sidewalk their fancy, thereby putting structures also make ideal uri- All-Time Champions of Eu- grave risk. In places where the space, putting up signboards themselves in great danger. nals and the stench and stains (Continued on page 7) phemisms – one single tiny sidewalks have not been done and displaying their wares. window in a small box be- away with altogether, they have comes ‘mind-freeing space been considerably reduced in with a sweeping panoramic view’, or a single shelf ‘the width. In areas such as UNESCO initiative to help ultimate global kitchen’. But Royapettah, the sidewalks are even said Champions cannot not even a foot wide, making disguise the fact that you will most users move onto the road. urban Indian heritage pay for this little box with The narrowing width also bags of gold doubloons. means that pedestrians who are n order to strengthen Indian cities and towns to cope with rapid industrialisation since the turn Which is fine for a successful on the sidewalk are almost Iof the century, and, more recently, globalisation, UNESCO has formed the Network for Indian pirate, but which, for the rest brushed past by vehicles at the Cities of Living Heritage. Its mission statements are: of humanity, is jut a bit extreme ends of the road, much. thereby increasing the risk of l Projection of the Indian city as a unique cul- l To raise awareness of the exceptional variety Who comes up with these fig- tural resource; of living heritage in Indian cities, as well as ures? accidents. The reduction in width has also been accompa- l Preservation of its distinctiveness, diversity the benefits and potentials of its conserva- Are there secret meetings and cultural identity; tion; where people with impassive nied by an increase in the height l Promotion of heritage and creativity as the l To promote local community participation in faces talk numbers out of the of the kerb, making it difficult driving force for urban and cultural develop- all heritage matters; sides of their mouths, sealing for the elderly to climb on and ment, employment generation, and balanced l To advocate development into vibrant 21st not merely the monetary fate get off them. Schoolchildren are socio-economic growth; and Century centres with modern amenities, ap- of aspiring house-owners, but the worst sufferers, especially in l Encouragement for setting up a ‘Cultural propriate transport systems, and vital econo- that of their social stars as crowded areas. Knowledge Database for Cities’ through a mies without losing historical assets; well? This correspondent spoke to network of its member cities. l To work towards the alleviation of inner city These ‘high-end’ dream homes, students studying at the poverty through financial and technical em- gobbling up sky and earth The objectives of this Network are: powerment of its inhabitants; and space, are beginning to look Calavala Cunnan Chetty High School in Perambur and found l To foster development of cities and their citi- l To support Indian cities to participate in and increasingly ominous, night- zens; profit from existing international networks of mares waiting to pounce. that most of them were of the l To strengthen their traditions, cultural iden- heritage cities such as the UNESCO Cre- Are those thick branches on all view that crossing the road near tity, crafts, historic urban spaces, architec- ative Cities Programme. — (Courtesy: those tall trees beginning to the Gandhi Park or opposite the tural fabric and social neighbourhoods, while Virasat, the journal of INTACH.) look strangely attractive? Railway Station was eternally mainstreaming conservation as part of over- Ranjitha Ashok fraught with danger. Some of all sustainable development; (Also see pages 4 and 5)

CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS January 16-31,2007 Citizens of the world are Recording without just people a qualm he Man from Madras spoke into the phone and then Press AFTER the Press had y wife’s mother was born in Poland. Her father was born in TMusings, who was rather kept the phone on during the been invited for it. This re- MLatvia. We got engaged in Paris and, not long after, we were actively on the move during the duration of the song. This was sulted in more confusion, but married, moved to South Africa. Our son was born in the U.S.A., recently concluded Music Sea- obviously for the benefit of the the ostensible reason was that but very soon after that we moved to Guatemala, and some of his son, is concerned at the num- person at the other end of the many speakers would have to first words were in Spanish. My daughter was born in Guatemala ber of illicit recordings that line! And MMM thought be frank in their assessment were going on at the various “phone a friend” was a feature and this, if reported, would but shortly thereafter we moved to Chennai and, as a result, she sabha-s during concerts. The of quiz contests alone. not have made good reading does not sing do, re, me but, rather, sa, pa, sa. proliferation of electronic gad- or listening. Come on officers, In India, I continue to eat my favourite Italian pizza and gets, such as mobile phones Which way? what happened to the Right to Japanese sushi. Of course, I also love Indian food, which I began that can also record video, and Information? eating in the U.S. as a child, and ate regularly when I lived in South minuscule handycams that defy he ATP tennis tourna Africa. Less than one mile from my in-laws’ house, in New detection, is now threatening Tments are now a regular On the blink Brighten, Minnesota, is a restaurant called Udupi Cafe, where you what is an intellectual property. and a much looked forward to can get marvellous dosas and idlis. In all this, MMM is sorry to fixture on Chennai’s annual alking about the police, calendar. The stadium itself is T In India, I use the internet to check the scores of my favourite say, it is the Non-Resident In- The Man from Madras a pleasure to be in with com- Musings would like to draw baseball team, and watch cricket on the television. While I’m do- dian who is the worst offender. Coming down with the latest fortable seats, and the ambi- their attention to the fact that ing that, I am also downloading NCAA basketball games to watch gizmo, the NRIs appear to have ence making up for whatever the electronic clocks that later on my iPod, which was designed in Hyderabad and assembled no qualms about attempting small deficiencies there may be. were installed at all the traffic in China. If I’m mistakenly billed for the wrong games, it’s no prob- such recordings and at places It is, however, the parking signals that indicated the time lem. I simply pick up my mobile phone and dial direct; the call is have even made attempts to arrangement that needs to be left for the lights to change answered in the U.S. and bounced back to Chennai, where it is brazenly set up video cameras looked into. have ceased to function at answered by someone who very well might have passed me by on on stands to carry on with such That such a large stadium most locations. In some Mount Road several hours before. recordings. When artistes ob- should have a parking lot that places, they work partially, in My children go to an Indian school, and share their classroom ject, they stop for a while and is not commensurate with the the sense that the display seating capacity is a design works only for a few digits and with children from more than ten countries. They try each other’s then, having moved to a less visible corner of the audito- flaw. But there could have been at times only for parts of a food, sing each other’s songs and are learning, from an early age, rium, resume their activities. better arrangements for accom- digit, thereby giving a Morse that people are people all over the world. If my children learn noth- These concerts are then up- modating the cars that spilled Code kind of feel to the whole loaded onto the WWW where exercise. MMM remembers the l Excerpts from a speech by CHRISTOPHER M. WURST, they are shared by a larger SHORT Deputy Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General, group. To be fair to those who week when these clocks were Chennai, at a National Seminar on ‘Globalisation, record, they do not expect a ’N’ launched with great fanfare, Labour and Family: Opportunities and Challenges’, monetary return, but what they SNAPPY when it was said that aware- organised at the Manonmaniam Sundaranar University do not realise is that this is ba- ness about the time intervals improved traffic discipline. in Tirunelveli, shortly before his tenure of duty in sically unethical and that they over to the side streets. There Ground realities were differ- Chennai ended a few months ago. are depriving artistes of what is were barricades galore and ent, for the road users of their bread and butter. much confusion in traffic Chennai are an imaginative MMM was witness to an in- movement. Also, given that an ing else from our global lifestyle, I hope that they take to heart that, lot. People used the clock as a trepid committee member of international tournament was convenient indicator for esti- though different cultures may superficially appear to be radically the Music Academy detecting in progress, The Man from Ma- mating the time when their different, people have the same needs and desires and pleasures such an attempt by a woman dras Musings would have ex- own lane would be allowed to and pain throughout the world. There is an emerging global ethic, with a mobile phone. The of- pected that there would have move on and having waited a set of shared values that include individual responsibility, eco- fender, rather than apologising, been more signposts close to till the time left was in single began arguing about her rights the venue directing those who nomic and social justice, nature-friendly ways of life, tolerance for digits would accelerate and to record and even thought she were new to the place. But the diversity, and freedom. Indeed, the smaller the world becomes, the proceed BEFORE the lights could get away with it by com- number of people asking for di- more essential it is that we all live together comfortably. John A. changed and not AFTER, as plaining that the committee rections in the vicinity of Challenger, in a recent issue of The Futurist magazine, outlined his was expected. If the man member had been rude. Such Valluvar Kottam had to be seen top ten candidates for jobs of the future. These included: The Man- upfront was law-abiding and brazenness on the part of an to be believed. ager of Diversity, The Offshore Outsourcing Coordinator, Offshore educated person was most waited, then those behind Outsourcing Engineer, Corporate Age Advisors, Corporate Historian, amazing to those witnessing the The police way would honk impatiently or, Chief Health Officer, and Eco-Relations Manager. incident. MMM was glad to no- better still, form lanes by A common theme in these possible future professions is a more tice that the Academy pasted he City Police began its themselves and vroom out, holistic approach to working together and working globally. In fact, notices at all entrances and ex- Tsesquicentennial celebra- thereby adding to the chaos. MMM has also noticed I would argue that globalisation is much more a process of the world its from the next day, warning tions early this month and against illegal recording. How kicked it off in not the most policemen encouraging those coming together than it is the, often misguided, notion that much of an effect this had, people-friendly way. The waiting to move on, even as globalisation implies a takeover of the world by Western culture. MMM is not certain about, but Rajarathnam Stadium was the the waiting time for lights to The more we know about different cultures, the greater our toler- it is surely a beginning. venue and the Chief Minister change came down to single ance, empathy and productivity. Be that as it may, allow me just a The only solution to this inaugurated the festivities – digits. Be that as it may, the few minutes to debunk some myths on globalisation and how it is problem is a blanket ban on all which the public deserved to clocks did serve a useful pur- often wrongly associated with Western, or even specifically Ameri- gadgets and, in particular, the see. But not only was the gen- pose and MMM is all for their can, culture; sometimes it is known as the “McDonaldisation of mobile phone which, despite all eral public little seen, but it was repair and restoration. the world.” requests, is rarely switched off also faced with several roads in On the subject of traffic lights, MMM wonders why Harvard University Professor Samuel P. Huntington points out by those attending concerts. the vicinity of the venue Many do not even switch to the blocked by traffic jams, as a re- these are religiously turned off that “the essence of Western civilisation is the Magna Carta, not silent mode and some, when sult of many other roads cor- at most junctions during peak the Magna Mac.” He says, “The fact that non-Westerners may bite the phone rings, do not think doned off. Surely, an event of hours? Instead, we have a into the latter has no implications for accepting the former.” Yet twice about answering it and the police, by the police and for posse of policemen standing people continue to insist that Hollywood, McDonald’s and speaking into it even when a the police could have been around often issuing contra- Disneyland are eradicating regional and local eccentricities. But is performance is in progress. organised in a more public- dictory orders adding to the this so? Common decency is obviously friendly fashion, or is The Man problems on the road. The Americans, after all, did not invent fast food, amusement parks a thing of the past. from Madras Musings asking for Man from Madras Musings or the movies. Before the Big Mac, there was – depending on where What took the cake, how- too much? once made bold to ask a po- you live – fish and chips or, say, samosas. [And, just remember, you ever, was the behaviour of a The actual celebration of liceman about this and was told that it was easier to con- cannot get a McTikka burger in this town, but I can and do get woman seated on the stage at a 150 years was recorded in a performance where the crowds rather uninspiring set of dis- trol traffic with a manual pres- Masala Vada and Bonda in New Brighten, Minnesota!] Before far exceeded seating capacity plays, of which more inside. ence rather than depend on Disneyland, there was Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens...And in the and several listeners had to be But a seminar organised on the the lights. Something is rotten first two decades of the 20th Century, the two largest exporters of seated on the platform close to same day would have been in the state of our traffic is all movies around the world were France and Italy. the artiste. Came a song and more interesting to write about that MMM has to say. the woman dialled a number, had it not been closed to the – MMM (Continued on page 8) January 16-31, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 3 A committee of experts Tree thoughts ransplanting of trees is an to provide the answer... Telaborate subject and we he article ‘Clearing the Mullaperiyar confusion’ (MM, his ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the could learn lessons in this area TDecember 1st) was somewhat of a disappointment. The is- law...” (Article 60 of the Constitution). from China. Thousands of trees sue required more than the casual treatment it got in the article. As a layman, I feel that the Supreme Court should have asked are transplanted in a well-struc- The greater disappointment was that I did not get what I expected the two States to negotiate before pronouncing its judgement and tured manner on either side of from a distinguished person like Ramaswamy R Iyer: an objec- not after it had pronounced it, when it was is final and binding on the highways in China, and the tive analysis and a viable solution to resolve the tangle. I regret to all. The Supreme Court normally is intolerant of any kind of density of the “forest” provides say his article was one-sided. transgression of or attempt to transgress its decision and comes a green cover of fifty to a hun- The dam belongs to Tamil Nadu, but stands on land leased upon the offending party like a ton of bricks. dred metres depth which pre- out by Kerala in 1886. Even a house owner, if he wants to enter a Like ‘Asterisk’ who had a phobia that the sky would fall on his vents traffic pollution affecting house rented out by him, has to get the permission of the tenant head, the Kerala Government is apprehensive about the dam occupying the rented house. Otherwise, the house owner would bursting if the water goes above 136 feet. If such views are allowed the tenements. This can be be guilty of trespass, civil or criminal, depending on the intention to be entertained, then the people below the Himalaya may ap- seen for miles and miles at a of the trespasser. prehend that the Himalayan range, which according to geological stretch. The article is silent on the maintenance repairs undertaken experts is on a seismic zone, may come down and crush them. All Full-sized trees are trans- from time to time to strengthen the dam and the inspections done those living in temple towns having tall gopuram-s may appre- planted with the support of by experts regarding the safety of the dam. It does not refer to the hend that the old gopuram-s would tumble down during an earth- props, and the trunk is wound 1970 agreement between the Government of Kerala and Gov- quake and might start agitations for the removal of the with coir ropes, which are kept ernment of Madras ratifying the agreement of 1886 between the gopuram-s. There are many ancient and weather-beaten struc- State of Travancore and the Madras Government, stating that tures still standing tall and safe in many parts of the country; this wet. This goes upto just below the “rights, liabilities and obligations of parties under the princi- dam does too. the ground. pal deed have devolved on the Government of Kerala and the I do not want to take sides. It is in the interest of both States to The Tree Walk, initiated by Government of Tamil Nadu, they being successors in interest.” contain the situation and not allow the situation to get out of Nizhal, is another positive expe- In 1970, of course, the present Kerala Cabinet was not in office control, as it is tending to go. Both States as neighbours are inter- rience. A participant comes to and the Idukki project had yet to come into existence. This case, dependent and nothing should be done to shake their mutual know so much about the in my opinion as a layman, is a classic example of the failure of goodwill. many high constitutional authorities failing to discharge, or acting The only way to find a solution appears to be to form a Com- neighbourhood. Many persons in violation of, their constitutional responsibilities. mittee of Experts drawn form other countries, with representa- from different walks of life, but Article 144 of the Constitution specifically says that all civil tives of Union, Tamil Nadu and Kerala Governments associated with a common interest in trees, and judicial authorities should act in aid of the Supreme Court. with the committee as assessors, to make a scientific study of the participate in it, and it is a The decision of the Supreme Court, as the highest court, is final. safety of the dam as it exists and the possible seismic effect that happy feeling to find that so It was to get over the decision of the Supreme Court that the would pose danger to its existence. The committee may be free to many of them are knowledge- Kerala State Assembly passed a new law to oversee the safety of suggest compensation by Tamil Nadu to Kerala for the use of its able in the various ecological dams in that state. waters. Of course, the expect committee’s finding should be bind- and botanical aspects of the All Ministers, both in the States and in the Union Govern- ing on all parties to the dispute and the committee should be subject. A lot of information is ment, in their Oaths of Office expressly agree, inter alia, “to bear asked to submit its report within a reasonable time. gathered and exchanged at lei- true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established” (Third Schedule of the Constitution). The Presi- M.G. Balasubramanian sure, and in this work-a-day dent of India, who is President both of the Union and also of all 15, IV Seaward Road, Valmiki Nagar world, you are reminded of the the States, in his Oath of Office says, inter alia “... to the best of Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600 041 sonnet Leisure, wherein the poet says, What is this life, if full of care, ... And here’s a suggestion We have no time to stand and stare. egarding the different views on the Mullaperiyar dam The total reduction of carbon dioxide generation against that We walked, stood and stared Rexpressed in Madras Musings in the last few issues, I note of thermal power would qualify the project to claim US$2 to 5 at the verdant foliage and felt so the following from a map of the region made in 1910-1913 by per tonne of CO so sequestered on an annual basis as per the 2 much the richer. But more than the Surveyor General of India. Kyoto Agreement. that, it gave us a feeling that The maximum lake level above M.S.L. is 2861ft and the dam It is in the national interest that the entire water gets di- some concerted effort is needed. is at 2862 ft. The inspection bungalow is at 2935 ft on a hillock verted to Tamil Nadu as, apart from generating hydro-electric To quote a billboard in Banga- next to the dam and there is a regulator to control the height of power, the water is put to much better use by the farmers. A lot lore, that goes somewhat along water nearby, so that water (surplus) could be let off into the of waste land too would be cultivated. If it goes to the Idukki the following lines: Periyar River. Near the Kumili end of the lake there are the project, it only generates hydro-electric power and the water sluice gates and tunnel to take the water to lower camp. The This Earth and its wealth are goes on to the Arabian Sea. After all, Kerala is a water-surplus powerhouse and penstocks are not marked in this map. state, especially during the Southwest Monsoon (June- not our inheritance or legacy from If the Tamil Nadu Government is not allowed to raise the September), when Tamil Nadu starves during this period, as it the past. water level beyond 142 feet, perhaps it has to think in terms of depends on the October/December rains. They are a loan taken from the having the water level regulator changed from the dam end to I do not think there can be any legal issue to this. In 1970 the future. the Kumili end and installing a few tunnels to allow the surplus water to get into the Vairaven Aru, so that the farmers can get lease was raised six times. If need be, a fresh lease needs to be R. Shanker looked into. 3, “Indra”, 12th Cross Street the benefit of the water almost immediately, provided the Vaigai Indira Nagar, Adyar Dam and such other water regulators are in place. K.V.S. Krishna Chennai 600 020 At a later date, this extra water could be used for a hydro- electric project, increasing the existing capacity of the power 2A, Parkland Apartments, Kamala Bai Street Trees unwanted house at the lower camp, Cumbum Valley. T.Nagar, Chennai 600 0017 ome of the problems about Strees which Shobha Menon groaning under acute water making the whole vicinity in- grievances and not just antipa- least six inches and then fill it listed (MM, December 16th) shortage. sanitary. Whenever there was a thy or malevolence! with gravel for two inches fol- are really worrisome, but she All was well until the plant function in any house on the lowed by sand and then only tar M. Sethuraman tries to sweep all of them under took root and became a tree. street, the guests parked their the road. By this, the road level the carpet as she views the issue Adambakkam Then it began to shed leaves cars and two-wheelers under Chennai 600 088 was kept at the same level as be- through rose-tinted glasses. into my compound, which I had the tree for shade. This spilled fore. This scheme was given a I am a tree lover. Not so long to sweep regularly. One fine over and blocked the entrance The highs & lows go-by and the authorities now ago, I took pains to contact the morning I found that the guard to my house. If I protested the n connection with MMM’s re-lay the road without digging Forest Department and re- cage had disappeared the previ- reply was, “I will remove it Iremarks on ‘ever-rising lev- them. As a result, the road lev- quested them to plant a tree ous night. When the tree rooted shortly”, or “There is enough els’, I refer to a Public Interest els have kept increasing each near my house. In a few days, a itself well, my troubles started. gap between the cars. You can Litigation (PIL) filed before the time the re-laying work is taken small sapling with a guard cage Hawkers and vendors took rest move through it!” Madras High Court. The PIL up, pushing the levels of the was dumped at my doorstep. I under it during the hot season, These may be small irritants seeks appropriate direction to residential complexes to low was told that I would have to which is understandable. But but they become cumulative in the Government to formulate a levels causing inundation. plant the sapling and erect the others spent time there noisily, course of time. I am not com- fixed rule for relaying roads cage around it myself. I engaged playing cards. They spat all plaining, but want to point out without raising the level. It was V.S. Jayaraman some labour and had the work around it and threw leftover to Shobha Menon that house- emphasised in the PIL that, pre- 31, Motilal Street done. I watered the plant regu- eatables and packings. Some owners wanting to cut down viously, the authorities prior to T. Nagar larly, even when Chennai was would urinate at the base trees have substance in their re-laying the road used to dig at Chennai 600 017 4 MADRAS MUSINGS January 16-31, 2007 January 16-31, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

Taking a look at urban Said at the Seminar...A modern

l How do I make this heritage stretch without destroying it in any manner? Does that mean I leave it as it is? Or do I adjust, accom- development & heritage modate all the modern conveniences and retain the facades? For a large segment which is commercial, I think this would work. temple So perhaps I think we come back to the cliche of ‘different strokes t was just a one-day Seminar commercial enterprises? Or tra- dinated. It is time for all con- book Soul and Structure of Gover- for different folks’ and each piece of heritage, which we define as Ion Delhi and Urban Develop- ditional water bodies filled with cerned segments of Government nance in India cites examples of anything which is less than 100 years and more than 50 years old ment in New Delhi, but there industrial waste? Or roads and concerned organisations to the nexus between the politically – I am using the thumb rule because till date nobody has defined were many who responded to choked with pollution? Or for work together and ensure that influential, land grabbing build- for me what is heritage. It is something that I have inherited. Fine. But I have also inherited the slums. So do I preserve those? These builder INTACH’s invitation and voice the common man’s misery multi- Delhi remains what it is: one of ers and greedy entrepreneurs are the sort of different levels one is struggling with. the growing concern among in- plied by absence of good plan- the great historic cities of the that has resulted in urban may- formed citizenry about urban de- ning and governance; that too in world. It could be a model for ur- hem. He stated: “Multiplicity of Sindhushree Khullar, Chairman, NDMC hen Dr. Alagappa building came into being. Dr. velopment of the national capi- an age of knowledge and tech- ban development for all other authorities does create prob- * * * WAlagappan, an U.N. ca- Alagappan continues to be asso- tal. It was widely accepted that nology? We boast of 5000 years historically and culturally en- lems but in any metropolitan The World Bank says that the efforts to preserve heritage are reer official, came on leave from ciated with some of those planning and development have of history and heritage, but we do dowed cities of India. town there will be certain prob- fragmented, which obviously means that we need to work together New York to Chennai in the temples to this day. He has taken not yet been fully linked to an as- not walk the talk that would The seminar held up a mirror lems of coordination, control to look at heritage in a holistic manner and not simply as conser- summer of 1970, he was sum- a deep and abiding interest in the sessment of the long-term envi- treat our cities, historical sites to Delhi, and by inference to all and direction. But my experi- vation of one building, or a market or whatever... We need to do moned for a full morning Nadi growth of the Sree Meenakshi ronmental impact on people. As and cultural assets like we should State capitals that are afflicted ence is that we lack urban dis- some thinking about why conservation has not taken off in India. reading by Lord Agastya at the Temple at Houston. He was also Chairman INTACH S.K. Misra – as the wealth of the nation. with problems similar to Delhi cipline. What we have is a dis- The obvious reason that comes to mind is that conservation is residence of O.V. Ragu. There, called to help the Hindu said in his inaugural remarks, INTACH took the initiative – of urban growth that converts eased type of democracy that is seen as anti-development, rather than pro-development. I need to the Sage said that in a city, the Temples in London when they stress that conservation and development are not mutually exclu- name of which would begin with were being built. “Delhi is now bursting at its to organise the seminar to bring once gracious cities into un- creating indiscipline; we sive... We have legal frameworks which have been changed all seams and the problems seem in- together city planners, builders planned sprawls, obliterating criticise issues of planning over the world. Yes, we inherited them from the British. But look the letter ‘N’, Ganesha will take Dr. Alagappan’s earlier years surmountable. We have a popu- and policy makers to explore their distinctive character or when the real issue is honest what the British have done to the same legal frameworks, whether a small abode. Dr. Alagappan at the Besant Theosophical lation explosion, rising pressures ways and means whereby the identity. Rapid urbanisation has implementation of decisions. it is planning policy guidelines they issue every year or whatever. was also asked to come the fol- School and the influence of great on land, various other problems compulsions of development had a bulldozer effect on envi- Whenever a Master Plan has Why can’t we also move on? lowing day when he was told how Theosophists like Dr. Annie like traffic, congestion, pollution, could be reconciled with those of ronment and ambience, destroy- been prepared, due consider- Ratish Nanda, Conservation Consultant this Ganesha temple would be Besant, Dr. G. S. Arundale, parking, and there seems to be conservation. At present a mul- ing heritage that should be pro- ation has been given to the the forerunner of a new move- Rukmini Devi Arundale, K. really no concern for heritage”. tiplicity of agencies, like Delhi tected and preserved for future likely expansion of population, * * * ment to build Hindu temples in Sankara Menon and others have Is there any reason why Development Authority (DDA), generations to cherish and expansion of areas, require- l There is nothing called midway that assumes development and different parts of the world, espe- made him truly an ecumenical highrise buildings should meta- New Delhi Municipal Corpora- proudly claim as their own, a ment of various sections of so- conservation are counterpoints against each other and they have cially in the U.S.A. He was asked person and symbols of all reli- morphose into concrete jungles? tion (NDMC), Municipal Cor- legacy of the country’s chequered ciety, the need for green belts, to meet midway... what we call ‘midway’ needs to be defined con- to take on the task of getting it gions have been incorporated in textually and that context is given by the heritage value and grade Or spaces filled up with garbage poration of Delhi (MCD) and history. and for preservation of histori- done. the New York temple. that is assigned in the listing of that particular heritage. And must The Ganesha temple in New York. dumps? Or green belts nudged Urban Arts Commission, are ma- The Chief Guest at the semi- cal heritage. But it is in the be the factor that drives development... Delhi is actually a collage Dr. Alagappan teamed with When Dr. Alagappan called C.V. Narasimhan, Under Secre- on Kanchi Paramacharya, who out by encroachments? Or resi- jor stakeholders, actively in- nar was former Urban Develop- process of implementation of character districts. It has historically many different communi- Kalakshetra colony to be granted Visudhi Chakra: Tiruttani tary-General of the United Na- was on a walking tour in Gul- dential areas encroached by volved but not necessarily coor- ment Minister Jagmohan, whose (Continued on Page 8) ties. It has different built forms mediated by different historic pe- for this purpose. High quality Ajna Chakra: Palamudirsolai. tions, to organise an ecumenical bharga in 1985, and asked him riods and therefore reflects separate character in separate areas. standards have been maintained We cannot possibly have a set of byelaws that can be universally Board of Trustees including the whether it would be a good idea While the Arupadai Veedu in the construction of this applied... we need to modify or sensitise the building laws as a tool spiritualist Hilda Charlton, who if all six Skandas were placed in temple near Kalakshetra gives temple. used for development. The unique morphology of the city needs was close to Lord Skanda, and one temple, as this would help the pilgrim/devotee the opportu- To save our living to be met through an interface that is between urban design and Joanne Punzo Waghorne, in E.C. Grigg. Narasimhan was in- devotees to save time on travel nity to see all the six manifesta- her book Diaspora of the Gods – heritage conservation. vited to be the President of the and focus on worship, the Sage tions of Murugan in one temple, K.T.R. Ravindran Modern Hindu Temples in an the seventh temple, the Mayila- India’s diversity needs to be School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi Urban Middle Class World duparai Saravana-bhavayai l Urban development played on to by building infra- (Oxford University Press), nar- heritage * * * temple, will become the seventh and heritage conserva- structure, conserving and pro- l by K.V.S. KRISHNA rates all this and more. She l Kuala Lumpur in the 1970s was an absolutely beautiful town. battle house of Lord Murugan. tion make good business moting heritage. To boost this relates the six battle houses of After the destruction of the houses, villas, street patterns, the This is currently being built on partners, says MINJA as a contradiction with general tage-based activities, with the thought, Yang said, “UNESCO Lord Murugan representing the whole territory of regional management of what made Kuala the outskirts of Kundrakudi, aspirations towards development support of FICCI and CII, con- has launched the Heritage Pass- Trust. Tirumalai-Tirupati smiled and advised Dr. Alagap- six chakras within each one of us, YANG. Lumpur – Kuala Lumpur, what did they do? They decided finally enroute to Palani, by Dr. Ala- – a ‘living’ heritage has this ad- servation could generate employ- port with the idea to develop the- that it was not possible to keep the capital in chaos, so they made Devastanam, the Endowment pan to undertake the construc- as follows: he UNESCO World vantage. According to UNESCO ment opportunities. “Jobs cre- matic itineraries, identifying Putrajaya, they made a brand new town. This is a pity...What is Department, Government of tion of such a temple. The Sage gappan. THeritage List has 800 natu- Director (Delhi), Minja Yang, ated through heritage are double small towns and villages. After happening in NOIDA, what is happening in Gurgaon, is also a Andhra Pradesh, and the Chief offered to secure the needed Muladhara Chakra: Tiruparan- Prof . Waghorne says in the ral heritage sites of which 300 are “it’s an affirmation of a way of the amount than jobs created travelling under difficult condi- pity. There was this opportunity, a fantastic opportunity that has Minister of Andhra Pradesh took land. At his request, the then kundram preface to her book, “Dr. cities. Not a single Indian city is life. Valorising of the past to cre- through agriculture,” Yang af- tions on bumpy roads, having been lost... In terms of grandeur and urban planning... New Delhi an interest in providing the ex- Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Swadhisthana Chakra: Tiru- Alagappa Alagappan is a major on the list. A rather worrisome ate a future. Culture is collective firmed. If Puducherry’s houses, seen fantastic sites, tourists are in my opinion is world heritage class. I think it would be a great ternal inputs, including expert M. G. Ramachandran, and the chendur force in the construction of new thought, given the vast, rich res- memory; we have to understand Darjeeling’s railroad, Jaipur’s forced to go back to the nearest pity if we were to continue with unplanned, chaotic, uncontrolled Sthapathis, trained workers, Minister RM Veerappan enabled Manipuraka Chakra: Palani ervoir of ‘heritage’ we boast of – it to qualitatively improve the side-walks could be used along construction... because at the end of the day, no matter how many sculpture and stonework. 26 grounds near the sea by Anahata Chakra: Swamimalai temples worldwide.” district capital, to spend the fly-overs you make, it is never going to be enough. on the streets, in our homes, lives of the majority. these lines, it would serve the night in rather sub-standard, ex- The New York Ganesh courtyards, people, palaces, mu- Infrastructural development in dual purpose – the past would pensive, hotels. We want to draw Minja Yang, Director, UNESCO Temple, set in an urban area in seums, forts terms of improved housing, sew- live on into a lucrative future. importance to the adaptive reuse * * * Queens, was consecrated by His Urban development should age, hygiene, access to water to The rich-poor divide has been of many havelis, forts, palaces, l Heritage conservation needs reasoned prescriptions, as it is tan- Holiness Sri La Sri Pandarimalai use heritage as an ingenious so- improve the living environment the bane of any major move- which are languishing and con- gible or intangible. It can be natural or man-made... Some of heri- Swamigal on July 4, 1977 (the lution to technical challenges. It is a part of heritage conservation ment. “People feel heritage and tage is inherited and, therefore, if of lesser economic value, is con- American Independence Day). vert them into small boutique sidered dispersible by the inheritor, irrespective of views by soci- is important to reconcile urban concerns.” culture are a luxury. By the time hotels. Four states, including Meanwhile, Dr. Alagappan Bordeaux and Kochi have ini- we reach that level of comfort, ety. Legal safeguards are therefore necessary to ensure that heri- was also helping to organise the evolution with the realities of Rajasthan, are partnering tage conservation is part of a development process. cultural uniqueness of each soci- tiated discussions to converge a the entire incredible heritage will UNESCO on this.” external inputs from Andhra ety. True social cohesion and technical data bank, conduct ex- be gone. That’s why UNESCO is UNESCO has created and Prof. E.F.N. Ribeiro, Director, Association of Pradesh for a group headed by a cultural regeneration will happen change programmes and study constantly coaxing the govern- endorsed a network of Indian Urban Management & Development, New Delhi Dr. Rajagopal in Pittsburgh only if heritage works as an asset tours to learn from each other. ment and local authorities to first Cities of Living Heritage, linking which was building a Venka- to people. Vrindavan, a city along a river, understand the value of what you 20 cities through India. “It will management. We need to look Foundation, to take action. This teswara Temple. This temple too A living heritage coexists with can learn much from restoration have and then plan around it. serve as a secretariat to have a into their statues and adapt their is where the government needs was consecrated by His Holiness the present age. Adaptive reuse efforts by similar cities along riv- Though heritage is a non-renew- data base for all ‘good’ practices. programmes to other parts of the to coordinate, support and link Pandarimalai Swamigal two days of crafts, traditions, built heritage ers in France. “As an inter-gov- able source, ‘living’ heritage is a Experiences in one corner of In- country as well. Intellectual in- such groups,” Yang stated. later, on July 6, 1977. to generate economic sustain- ernmental body, UNESCO feels thriving force. But once you lose dia are not known in another; we vestments need to be shared. Public awareness and infor- This prompted other groups ability will stand in good stead for that there are many experiences it, you’ve lost it all. Built heritage need to pool in information and “UNESCO can’t make things mation dissemination are vital. in Houston, Los Angeles, San all “modern-isms” that are a real- from different parts of the world, is a concern, we risk losing it be- make it available to all states. happen. The local governments, “To value what we have requires Francisco, Nashville (Tennes- ity now. If heritage is about the including third world countries, cause it’s impossible, financially The Hampi Rural Heritage Man- city authorities, NGOs, univer- cross-fertilisation of ideas and in- see), Poughkeepsie (new New wonders of our culture, it has to that can be instrumental in help- and economically, to recreate agement Authority is the first of sity research groups need to find formation. Heritage manage- York) and Chicago to contact be contextualised with people’s ing local authorities into design- later. Skilled artisans and labour its kind. Kochi has adopted its out what are the human, cul- ment needs to be a part of the Dr. Alagappan for advice and livelihood, tourism and all other ing pro-active strategies based on are dying away unlike the crafts heritage bye-laws. There are vari- tural, tangible and intangible re- curriculum. Real heritage should help on developing well-planned revenue sources. A quest to pre- the way of life of the population,” industry that survives because of ous specialised public institutions sources of an area, mobilise a and well-endowed temples – and The Arupadai Veedu Murugan Temple, established on 26 grounds near Kalakshetra Colony, Adyar, by Dr. Alagappan serve heritage should not be seen Yang added. If we could use heri- its economic viability.” that are dealing with heritage body, like the Jaipur Virasat (Continued on Page 8) a whole movement of temple- in 1985.

CMYK 6 MADRAS MUSINGS January 16-31,2007 A brief peep into Police (Current Affairs questions are from the period December 16th to 31st. Questions 11 to 20 pertain to Tamil Nadu and growth Chennai.) (by A Special Correspondent) 1. The elections in which Gulf country were held on December o mark the beginning of its day, Sir Edward Richard Henry 16th, the first since their Inde- Tsesquicentennial year, the (1850-1931), one of the pio- pendence in 1971? office of the Commissioner of neers in forensic science, who 2. What is the official name of the Police, Chennai, held an exhi- had trained E.A. Subramania An early police station. much-talked about American bition recently at the Raja- Iyer of the Indian Police, and Congressional Act relating to rathnam Stadium. It was a two clerks in the art of finger- quell mobs. The present nuclear pact between India and rather modest show, with even printing, established a finger- strength is 34 horses. the U.S. that was signed by Presi- The fourth booth, titled dent George W. Bush on Decem- more modest publicity, and at- print bureau at the Madras City tracted a modest turnout, Police Office. Photos of Sir Ed- Arms and Weapons, had a ber 18th? range of weapons that included 3. Saparmurat Niyazov, who was mostly from families with police ward and other pioneers in the connections. The general pub- field were prominently dis- an 1856 Patten Musket, a 1902 an authoritarian life President of England Lee Enfield Company’s his country for many years, passed lic, it would appear, were not played in the stall. away on December 21st. Which particularly appointed to. Bolt Action Rifle, 1917 mus- The third was on Uniforms country? Which was a pity, for whatever kets, a 1936 Light Machine and had wooden models with 4. For which crime was Saddam was available was interesting, Gun and later arrivals such as uniforms that traced the Hussein hanged on December even if rather indifferently dis- the AK 47. There were also a changes that have taken place 30th? played. number of pistols. in what policemen and women Various models of pistols on display. 5. Which global diplomatic figure The 150-year-old force The last section was on the wear. The best of the lot, which retired on December 31st after 10 which, according to The Hindu, Band and had mannequins dis- dusty registers in which com- attracted maximum attention, years in charge? “today comprises 121 police sta- playing the uniforms of those plaints were lodged. were the ceremonial ones. The 6. Name the place in NOIDA tions, 35 all-women police sta- playing the clarinet, the alto sax, The exhibition itself dis- where skeletons of children were plaque next to the uniforms for tions and nine outposts, to- the trumpet and several other played commendable effort. But recovered leading to interna- mounted police had plenty of gether policing an area of 894 instruments. It was interesting to what it showed was that, like tional disgust and condemna- information, some of which was sq. km with a population of 7.8 note that the Indian Armed most Government departments, tion? very interesting. The Mounted Forces entered the Guinness there was little effort to involve 7. Name the one half of the cre- million,” classified its displays ative team behind Tom and Jerry into five categories, each of and Yogi Bear who passed away which had a stall. recently. The first was titled Commu- 8. With which cyber-major did nications and had displays of all NASA sign up recently to make the communication equipment space data available on the web? used by the force, ranging from 9. Who was Shane Warne’s the Blake Telephone of 1880, 700th Test victim, a wicket he all polished wood and gleaming took on December 26th? brass, to the Bakelite (black) 10. Gerald Ford, who passed telephone that was extensively away recently, set the record for being the U.S. President to live the longest. When was he elected President? * * * 11. Name the Reserve Inspector in the City’s police force who rep- A display of uniforms. resented India as goalie of the hockey team in three Olympics? Police Force was established in Book of Records for playing knowledgeable experts in put- 12. For which work was Akilan 1926 in accordance with GO Amazing Grace on October 23, ting up and documenting the given the Sahitya Akademi Ms No 511, Judicial, dated July 1950 with 4459 musicians under items on show. Those in atten- Award? 28, 1926. It was headed by a one conductor. An eyecatching dance at the booths were 13. Which social scheme was re- Some of the oldest phones... once used by the Police. Sergeant of the Mounted photograph here showed the friendly, but had no extra infor- launched by the Tamil Nadu Branch and had 15 horses ex- present Chief Minister in a suit mation on the contents of the Chief Minister on December used everywhere till the 1980s taking the salute at a parade dur- exhibition. There was no infor- 31st? clusively for headquarters. After and gadgets such as the walkie sufficient training had been ing an earlier Chief Ministership mation on some of the sensa- 14. Who is the Tamil Nadu Min- ister for School Education? talkie, wireless communication given to both men and officers, many years ago. tional crimes that the State po- devices, and the latest laser- Apart from the exhibition lice has unravelled and re- 15. What is housed in a colonial 41 horses were added and used bungalow at Egmore, built in based equipment now being for patrolling the respective was a stall titled Helpline, solved. There was no roll call of 1852 and originally owned by used. sub-divisions. There were which listed the various com- famed officers or at least a list of Arumuganatha Mudaliar? The second was devoted to stables at the Vepery Veterinary plaint cells that the police force names of Commissioners of Po- 16. Simple one. What does the the Tamil Nadu Fingerprint College, Flower Bazaar, Tri- has and how these could be lice who have served the city initial ‘K’ stand for in the name of Bureau which, it was stated, is plicane, Mylapore and Saidapet. contacted. There were also on from 1856. Beyond the first the renowned film-maker K. one of the oldest in the whole The Mounted Police were display books written by police name, that of J.C. Boulderson, Balachandar? world, having been established mobilised in case of emergen- officers, some of which were on and those of some well known 17. Which global sporting legend on August 22, 1895. On that cies and were also sent in to sale. Outside, in the grounds, later incumbents, such as F.V. played cricket with children of were replicas of the Triplicane Arul, there was very little infor- the tsunami-affected people at and the Anna Nagar Police Sta- mation. the Chinnurpudupettai village on tions, depicting the old and new I hope that the celebrations December 23rd? in terms of construction styles. will not stop with just this dis- 18. Which is the odd one out in More interesting was the open play and will involve year-long respect of the District in which it is located: Ulundurpettai, Pattu- air display of the interiors of the celebrations, including semi- kottai and Gingee? police stations themselves and nars, case studies, and talks and, 19. Who was the illustrious son the manner in which they had above all, will involve the pub- of Kakarla Ramabrahmam and changed. From the era of the lic in an effort to create a pub- Seethamma? hat stand and the petromax, lic-friendly image of the police. 20. Haridwaramangalam A.K. they had moved to the laser jet For starters, how about a dedi- Palanivel is considered one of the and the mobile phone. One as- cated police museum open to best player of which instrument? pect, however, appeared to the public, say, in Government (Answers on page 8) The pioneers of forensic science. have remained common – the House, Government Estate? January 16-31, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

Do pedestrians have a Subscriptions and contributions l Since Volume XIV, No.1 (April 16, 2003), Madras Musings has been place in road safety? priced at Rs.5 a copy, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: Rs.100/-. Please make out your cheque only to CHENNAI HERITAGE and send it, together with the COUPON BELOW, to CHENNAI HERITAGE, 260-A, (Continued from page 1) These displaced blocks are very of providing an escalator, as has hazardous, especially at night, been done in the Egmore TTK ROAD, CHENNAI 600 018 or C/O LOKAVANI-HALL MARK Pedestrians, on the other hand, when they can be hit by any Station, may also prevent PRESS PVT. LTD., 122, GREAMES ROAD, CHENNAI 600 006. are of the view that vehicle road-user. Two-wheelers in par- jaywalking and encourage An ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION of just Rs.100 covers only a part of owners rarely stop when some- ticular run a great risk of acci- people to use the overbridge in our costs. Corporate support and YOUR support will continue to be one is attempting to cross on dents. Practically the only pe- the interests of their own safety. essential for Chennai Heritage and Madras Musings to play a greater the zebra marks and so what dif- destrian crossing being effec- What about the subways? role in creating awareness about the city, its heritage and its envi- ference does it make to anyone? tively used in the city today is Most pedestrians, especially ronment. We therefore look forward to your sending us your contri- To prevent pedestrians from the one on Anna Salai near women, are wary of using them butions IN ADDITION TO your subscriptions. making sudden darts across the SIET College. A permanent po- for fear of being accosted by If in the coming year Chennai Heritage receives repeated sup- road and to also deter vehicles lice presence and a traffic light beggars and ruffians. There was port from those of you who have already made contributions, and if from usurping the lane belong- that works non-stop have en- a time when the police assuaged many more supporters join the bandwagon, we will not only be able to keep Madras Musings going, but also be able to continue aware- ing to traffic in the opposite di- sured that pedestrians and ve- fears by posting guards at both ness-building exercises on on-going projects as well as undertake hicle-users are on their best ends of subways, but this ar- rection, the city police and co- one or two more such exercises. ordinating agencies, such as the behaviour at this spot. It is a pity rangement, like much else, has that the success here has not become erratic. The lights in- Therefore, please keep your contributions coming IN ADDITION Highways Department, have TO YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS. If, say, you send in a cheque for Rs.500, been emulated elsewhere. side subways are non-functional built medians along the centre we will treat Rs.100 of it towards subscription to Madras Musings for lines. While these may have What of the foot overbridges at many places and the seepage 2005-06 and the remaining Rs.400 as contribution towards the prevented vehicles from spilling that have been put up in places of water, a perennial problem in causes Chennai Heritage espouses. over, the average pedestrian like Nungambakkam High many, has only added to the We look forward to all readers of Madras Musings, and those still does not think twice before Road, Haddow’s Road and woes of the user. newcomers who want to receive copies, sending in their subscrip- attempting to cross, even if it Perambur? Hardly anyone ever In the ultimate analysis, any tions. We are indeed sorry we can no longer remain a free mailer. means having to climb over a uses them. The very thought of attempt at improving road — The Editor median. Often the heavy on- climbing all that way puts off safety for pedestrians has to be rush of traffic forces such pedes- most pedestrians and they pre- done the whole year round and CHENNAI HERITAGE trians to stand on the top of the fer to run across the roads. In not during one particular week. median, a most unsteady perch this connection, the foot Also, solutions for smooth 260-A T.T.K. ROAD, ALWARPET, CHENNAI 600 018. from which a fall would result overbridge that has been traffic movement have to take / in their being immediately run planned to connect the Stanley into account the needs of I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) I over by passing vehicles. Hospital with its paediatric pedestrians. have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it here- In several places concrete block, for which the foundation The police will have to incul- after. blocks have been used instead stone was laid recently, may cate a sense of road discipline l I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for Rs. 100 (Ru- of permanent medians. These provide the answer. The among vehicle users and among pees One hundred) payable to CHENNAI HERITAGE, MADRAS, as blocks are displaced very easily overbridge is to be provided the pedestrians too. Perhaps it subscription to Madras Musings for the year 2005-06. by heavy vehicles and are often with steps and a lift and if this is also time that pedestrians also displaced by cyclists and idea is successful and if imple- themselves banded together l As token of my support for the causes of heritage, environment twowheeler-users trying to cross mented at other locations it and demanded an increased and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, I send Chennai the roads with their vehicles. may prove beneficial. The idea share of road space. eritage an additional Rs...... (Rupees ...... ) by Sabrina Siga where she cap- tures the essence of the thor- Please keep / put me on your mailing list. oughbred (at Taj Coromandel). Name : ...... Till January 22: Stylised Depiction, an exhibition of paintings by A. Address: ...... Loganathan, retired professor, January 19: Bharata Natyam, an evening of golden hits from Government College of Fine ...... dance performance by Divya the 60s and 70s presented by the Arts, Chennai, who has over 40 Murthy and group (at the Divine Mother Society (at years of experience in painting ...... Narada Gana Sabha, 6.30 p.m.). Kamaraj Memorial Hall). and ceramics (at Dakshina- January 19: The World of Women January 20,26,27 & 28: Oh God! Chitra Art Gallery). Note: Overseas postage Rs. 550/year extra. Cheques for overseas in Dance. Panel discussion and a comedy of biblical proportions January 23: Scriptwriting work- demonstration of dance. Speak- by Evam (at Sivagami Pethachi, postage alone payable to M/s. Lokavani Hall-Mark Press Pvt. Ltd.. All shop by Peter Venn, film screen- ers: Lakshmi Vishwanathan: 7.15 p.m.). other cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. ing of Planet Earth: Caves, work- “The Concept of Feminine January 20-February 28: Vasantha shop by Laura Marshall, and film Grace” Leela Samson: “Identities Vizha – annual children’s mela screening and discussion When of the Dancer” Malavika Saruk- with bullock cart rides, shadow animals talk by Jane Goodall. (at kai: “Shifting Perspectives” puppets and special activities (at British Council) Senate House Conservation Fund Padmini Chettur: “Pushed” DakshinaChitra). January 24: Erik Truffaz Quartet l Moderate: Sharada Ramanathan Till January 21: Metamorphoses – The Senate House Restoration and Management Trust appeals to (at the Museum Theatre, 7.00 (at Kalakshetra, Open Air The- decentering Gendered Spaces, a all alumni of the University of Madras and heritage lovers every- pm) atre, 6.30 p.m.). group show put together by where to contribute to the Senate House Conservation Fund which January 24: Workshop on the role January 19-26: Photography Exhi- DakshinaChitra, Apparao Gal- the Trust is managing for the purpose of restoring Senate House to of films in conservation by Jer- bition Under Over by Parvin leries and Sunita Kohli, chair- its old glory and maintaining it thereafter in the same condition. emy Bristow, Film screening and Dabas (at Apparao Infinity). person of National Women’s Cheques should be made out to the Senate House Conservation discussion Paranormal Pigeons, January 20-31: A Season of Seeing Museum in Arts (at Lalit Kala Account and sent to the Registrar, University of Madras, Chennai public lecture by Jane Goodall, – Frame 2. An exhibition of Akademi). 600 005. Contributions are eligible for benefits under Section 80-G and Film screening and discus- Gita’s work Earthlight. Paralleling January 21: The Odd Couple, a sion Life on the Undergrowth: of the Income Tax Act. this exhibition, two of Gita’s comedy about two opposite Invasion of the Land (at British films will be screened. Echoes of friends stuck together by Evam Dear Registrar, Council). Freedom, which is being pre- (at Chinmaya Heritage Centre, I am pleased to enclose a cheque for Rs...... January 25: An evening of John miered here, is about painter and 7.15 p.m.). as my contribution to the restoration and maintenance of Keats’ poetry. A selection com- arts educationist R.B. Bhas- Till January 21: Painting Exhibi- Senate House. Kindly acknowledge receipt. piled by Renuka Rajaratnam and karan. Red Symphony peeps into tion of the works of Dr. Norman read by Sashi Kumar (at the Name: ...... the art, life and complex motiva- L Guide. From January 24-31. British Council). tions behind the work of abstract Group show by James Manickam January 26: Odyssey Quiz 2007 Address: ...... artist Achuthan Kudallur (at the and his group artists. open to all above 14 (at Music British Council). January 27-February 2: Group ...... Academy). Till January 20: Sacred trees by show by R. Rajendran and his January 27-February 10: An exhi- ...... Deidi Von Schaewen, a renowed group. bition of paintings by Sakti international photographer and (Both above at Lalit Kala Burma. There will also be an ...... film-maker. This exhibition is Akademi). exhibition of the artist’s photo- organised as part of the Tree of Till January 22: An exhibition of I am an alumnus/alumna/heritage lover and wish the project all graphs in Apparao Infinity Life Festival in collaboration with the works of Kathleen Scar- success. My college was ...... during the same period (at Prakriti Foundation (at Nagesh- borough (at Artworld). Apparao Galleries). Date: ...... Signature: ...... war Rao Park). Till January 22: A View from the January 20: Gaate Rahe Mera Dil, Saddle: an equine art exhibition (Continued on page 8) 8 MADRAS MUSINGS January 16-31,2007 Citizens of the world Urban development are just people and heritage (Continued from page 4) of values, whether you want to be a just and fair nation, or (Continued from page 2) plains why its culture has been Yet there remains a large that things go wrong, and this just carry on and live under so popular for so long in so many group of people who feel that is primarily due to the type of cultural self-deception, confu- Richard Pells is a History places.” “What Americans have the word “globalisation” means politics that this country is sion and chaos...” Professor at the University of done more brilliantly than their that American culture is taking pursuing...If you go on UNESCO was represented Texas, as well as a senior competitors overseas,” he says, over the world. Here’s a local regularising all illegal struc- by its representative in India, Fulbright lecturer. He asserts “is repackage the cultural prod- observation: Idli and dosa will tures, allow residential proper- Minja Yang, and landscape ar- that the cultural relationship ucts we receive from abroad and never be replaced by Domino’s ties to be converted into com- chitect Nikol Ballomay. Yang between the U.S. and the rest then retransmit them to the rest pizza and Chinese food. Being mercial areas, permit higher said that out of 800 World Heri- of the world over the past 100 of the planet.” able to watch great films from FIR at the drop of a hat, with- tage Sites worldwide, as many as years has never been one-sided. So Europeans, Asians, and around the world will not mean out considering the implica- 300 were city-centric, and ex- “On the contrary,” says Pells, Latin Americans flocked to Ti- that there won’t continue to be tions involved, what then can pressed dismay that not one In- “the United States was, and tanic, as they once did to Gone a steady stream of movies from you expect?” dian city was on the list. continues to be, as much a con- With The Wind, not because Kamal Haasan, Jyotika, Vijay or In a nutshell he said it all. The quintessential recom- sumer of foreign intellectual those films celebrated Ameri- Vikram. Your classical dance There are lessons to be learnt by mendation to emerge from the and artistic influences as it has can values, but because people forms, epic poetry and literature all metropolitan and satellite discussions was that public par- been a shaper of the world’s en- all over the world could see have been around longer than towns in India. As Jagmohan ticipation and debate be initi- tertainment and tastes.” some part of their own lives re- the U.S. has even existed. Ap- concluded: “If you have to re- ated before the Government or In his article “Is American flected in the stories of love and preciation for American jazz, form the very basics, you have the Private Sector embarks on Culture ‘American’?” Pells out- loss. In the end, American mass Japanese theatre and Latin to reform your attitudes. It is new projects accompanied with lines that as a nation of immi- culture has not transformed the American novels will only en- an issue of social and cultural an environmental impact as- grants from the 19th to the 21st world into a replica of the hance your knowledge. reforms, fundamental change sessment – thereby ensuring a Century, “the United States has United States. Instead, Globalisation is a two-way proper understanding of issues, been a recipient as much as an America’s dependence on for- street. Soon I'll be able to get a the requirements of the local exporter of global culture. In- eign cultures has made the Starbuck's Coffee in Chennai. community, and the goodwill of deed, the influence of immi- United States a replica of the But I can turn on the TV, in the citizens. — (Courtesy: grants on the United States ex- world. Washington DC, and watch INTACH Virasat) Sun TV or Jaya TV. Never for- (Continued from page 7) get that as the world encroaches QUIZ ANSWERS into your lives, those things that January 28: Vintage Car Display SAVE OUR LIVING influence your lives are sud- the Madras Heritage Motoring 1. United Arab Emirates; 2. denly available to the world, of- Club, with about fifty Vintage Henry J. Hyde United States-In- HERITAGE ten for the first time. If we are and Classic cars and twenty two- dia Peaceful Atomic Energy all open-minded and smart wheelers. The convoy will depart Cooperation Act of 2006; 3. enough to grab hold of those from Palavakkam to Dakshina- Turkmenistan; 4. For killing at (Continued from page 5) the roadside, have coffee, listen Chitra at 9.30 a.m. (at Dakshina- least 148 people in Dujail in to folk music, take in colours, things from around the world Chitra, 10.30 a.m.). 1982; 5. Kofi Annan; 6. Nithari smells, sights and sounds of the that we truly appreciate – be January 29: Merzhin: Rock with a village; 7. Joe Barbera; 8. Google; include how regular people place. they products, art forms, strong Celtic inspiration by a 9. Andrew Strauss; 10. He was lived, in mohallas and streets, Urban development and clothes, work habits, beliefs or group that has performed at never elected! He was Vice-Presi- not just what the kings did or heritage conservation make interpersonal behaviours – our more than 100 concerts (at IIT dent when President Richard the wars they fought,” Yang good business partners. Yang is lives can only improve. And campus). Nixen stepped down. said. tireless in her work, she strives though your children may end Till January 31: Between waves and * * * Tourism is a growing sector to spread the word, UNESCO’s up in careers that are unimagin- shores, an art exhibition by Ka.Ty 11. R. Francis; 12. Vengayin Deslandes. (at Alliance Fran- that should be viewed in an concerns and its effort to link able to you now, you'll still be Mainthan; 13. ‘Varumun Kappom caise). Thittam’; 14. Thangam Then- overall context of a develop- living heritage cities to broaden able to recognise them. Citizens ment strategy. Not all tourists February 2: Three Raagas, a jazz narasu; 15. The Chennai Police and share a database are bound of the world are really just trio (at the Taj Connemara). want to hop from one monu- Commissionerate; 16. Kailasam; for success. – (Courtesy: The people! — (Courtesy: AIRC February 3: Darb Al-Harir, an 17. Roger Federer; 18. Pattuk- ment to another. They want to Hindu Sunday Magazine.) News, the Newsletter of the evening of world music featuring kotai. It is not in Villupuram; 19. stop by, stroll, watch a crafts- American Information Re- French, Algerian and Indian art- One of Carnatic music’s trinity, man beat copper, buy bangles by Mita Kapur source Center, Chennai.) ists (at DakshinaChitra). Tyagaraja; 20.The thavil.

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