Registered with the Reg. No. TN/CH(C)/374/18-20 Registrar of Newspapers Licenced to post without prepayment for under R.N.I. 53640/91 Licence No. TN/PMG(CCR)/WPP-506/18-20 Publication: 1st & 16th of every month Rs. 5 per copy (Annual Subscription: Rs. 100/-) INSIDE  Short ‘N’ Snappy  The Music Season  The Bharati Debate  Cre-A Ramakrishnan  Ranji Trophy, 1934

www.madrasmusings.com WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS Vol. XXX No. 12 December 1-15, 2020 A new reservoir OLD AND NEW ­after 76 years ¶ n November 21, 2020, the Poondi ­Reservoir scheme was as much and yet it took us 76 OUnion Home Minister, approved in August 1940 and years to build a new facility. Amit Shah, inaugurated the the foundation stone laid on It is not as though nothing fifth reservoir of the city, locat- the 8th of that month. The has been done in the interim. ed at Thervoy Kandigai in Thi- construction was completed We have had the Telugu Ganga ruvallur District. It will have four years later, by when Sa- scheme, we have harnessed a capacity of one thousand tyamurti was dead. The storage the Palar, requisitioned the million cubic feet (1 tmcft) and facility was rather appropriately and also got is expected to go a long way in named Satyamurti Sagar in his the Chemparampakkam water- solving the water crises that memory. With a capacity of body to cater to our insatiable the city faces in most years. It 2,573 mcft, it is of course small- thirst. Desalination plants have has taken us 381 years since the er than the new one at Thervoy come up and bear a significant founding of the colonial city of Kandigai but contrast the time part of our water demand, no Madras that is Chennai, for a matter what the environmental fifth storage facility. What is impact and energy costs be. In even more significant is that  by The Editor the interim many photo op- · this is the only such reservoir portunities have been created to be built since Independence! by the plastic pots. And we We are not certain if that is a have on occasion had railway record to be proud of. taken – the latest addition was wagons bringing us water. A mooted in 2012, with actual Hollywood star was moved The last time a reservoir work gaining momentum only to comment on our situation, was planned and executed in 2018. The cost incurred has when after having suffered for the city was in the 1940s. been Rs 380 crores. The pop- floods and a cyclone in two It was the brainchild of S. ulation of the city at the time consecutive years, we ended Satyamurti, who was Mayor work began at Poondi was 8 of Madras in 1939/1940. The lakhs or so. It is now ten times (Continued on page 2)

Cancer Institute fights the

Our OLD, taken in 1940, shows the then Mayor of Madras, Covid challenge S. Satyamurti, (1) with Sir Arthur and Lady Hope, at Poondi and (2) walking with Sir Arthur Hope at the Jones Tower, Red l As a continuation of last ing and lodging. In addition, delay in treatment stretching Hills. Both the photos, taken probably on August 8, 1940, when issue’s feature on how 40 per cent of the patients are to as much as three or four the Governor laid the foundation stone for the , non-profit healthcare in- treated free of cost while the months. This posed an ethical are from the TV Rangaswami (Ragami) Collection, now with stitutions are coping with rest pay a nominal amount. dilemma to the institute – on the Roja Muthiah Research Library. It is incredible that despite the pandemic, Madras When the pandemic emerged one hand, they had to shield the huge growth in the city’s population, it has taken 76 years Musings reached out to in March, the unprecedented the patients and their families distinguished oncologist public crisis posed new chal- from the pandemic, but on the for a new reservoir, declared open at Thervoy Kandigai. Our Dr. V. Shanta, Chairman of lenges to the hospital and other, they had to take a call on NEW, courtesy , is a view of the same. the Cancer Institute (WIA), patients alike. how long it is possible to defer Adyar. treatment. “Early common cancers are curable,” said the  by Our Special doctor. “Advanced disease can he Cancer Institute is Correspondent T­perhaps one of the city’s be controlled and if untreated, most notable medical chari- will progress to the stage of pal- liation. Palliative care could not ties. Dedicated to the cause of “There was an increased be denied.” With patients un- providing excellent, affordable need for psychosocial support,” able to reach the hospital in the care for cancer patients, the explains Dr. Shanta. “The pa- early days of the pandemic, the institute is equipped with more tient had to not only bear the institute’s income took a sharp than 500 beds and a research fear and panic caused by cancer, dip as well – revenues that are division as well. Normally, the but also the pandemic.” When crucial to the functioning of a hospital allocates more than the lockdown was enforced,­ charitable institution. 50 per cent of its beds to the the lack of public transport needy, who receive free board- resulted in patients facing a (Continued on page 2) 2 December 1-15, 2020 A NEW RESERVOIR (Continued from page 1) Prescription Friction with water brought in from the up being water starved the very mofussil? At the other end, it is he Woman from Madras in moderation. But it gets family installed two bins, one next season. And all along we also a failure of us the people. TMusings has many pet her goat when medicines and for wet waste and one for have extracted ground water Even a simple scheme such peeves. Getting honked at ­supplements enter the picture. dry. But, as (Wo)MMM soon with no let up. as rainwater harvesting is met while waiting at a red signal, Apparently, some feel it is ­discovered, one must nev- All of this points to the with opposition. It is a well- for instance. (Wo)MMM will smart to take unprescribed er take things for granted. sheer apathy of the leadership known fact that most large real never understand what pur- ‘preventive’ medication­ against Some used the red bin for wet pose this could possibly serve covid. (Wo)MMM feels this waste and the blue bin for and the failure of the bureau- estate developments give this cracy that should be planning unless, of course, one is an makes about as much sense dry, while the rest did exactly the go by. That such a scheme ambulance, which is seldom as keeping one’s house per- the ­opposite. So instead of for the future. The political is mandatory for approvals is the case. Lately, since the pan- petually wet to prevent a fire. segregated garbage, the family class has always been happy got around by bribing, or worse, demic began, (Wo)MMM has (Wo)MMM recently read an ended up with divided garbage. to wait for Chennai’s water simply putting up a couple of had to suffer one of her biggest article about a doctor who was (Wo)MMM pounced upon the problems (flood and drought) so-called soak pits, with no pet peeves – health myths. left flabbergasted at a patient issue at tea-time, clarifying the to reach flashpoint and then follow through on the rest of There are some who believe who had contracted Vitamin D matter while luring the family appear with some firefighting the system. Ultimately, we get that they are on par with doc- toxicity out of the blue, until it together with chai and bis- measures, milking the publicity what we deserve. tors when it comes to identify- came to light that said patient cuits. With the message suc- in the process. The bureau- The completion of Thervoy ing and treating garden variety had been taking the vitamin cessfully delivered, everyone crats have been quite content illnesses, based on their years supplement once a day in the switched the bins they were Kandigai is no cause for com- of experience taking all sorts belief that it would prevent using, bringing us all back to with pushing paper. Imagine placence. With it, Chennai of medicines, kashayams and covid. According to the article, square one. Happily, we got it a metropolis reaching a point still has storage for one full year powders for an assortment of the recommended dose for the right the next round onwards, of going without water. In only, while our droughts are ailments. This qualification, patient was reportedly once thanks to the mater-by-law of what way is it commendation known to extend beyond that. (Wo)MMM feels, ought to a week. It’s not just Vitamin the glittering eye – third time’s worthy to celebrate the arrival A few more reservoirs will not dissuade them from offering D either – according to news the charm, as they say. of railway wagons of water or hurt and let us hope we don’t advice to others, but instead it reports, pharmacies are seeing Then there was the process tankers careening on the roads need to wait another 76 years. seems to instil in them a mys- increased sales of prescription of collection to get used to. As terious, unshakeable self-con- drugs and even oxygen cylin- (Wo)MMM understands it, fidence. And so, there is much ders. That these get sold with- the new vendors collect trash advice from dubious quarters out a legitimate prescription once a day, whistling as they Cancer Institute & Covid on identifying, preventing and is, of course, another problem make a pit-stop at each house. treating the coronavirus, with altogether. The first couple of days, the (Continued from page 1) ­organisations in procuring the result that those less cyni- (Wo)MMM can only imag- trash went uncollected. An PPEs and implementing pro- cal than (Wo)MMM are falling ine how hard this situation inquiry with the maid brought The situation has report- prey to all sorts of strange must be for trained medical forth an indignant complaint tective guidelines against the counsels. Rinse your nose, professionals. They study hard – “He comes every morning, edly improved with the relax- pandemic. “We cannot be some say. Stand in the sun, say to bag a college seat amidst stops outside our house and ation of lockdown norms and adequately thankful to them,” others. Rinse your nose while intense competition, train for then whistles softly on pur- the availability of inter-state said the doctor. transport – between June and The institute has also taken October, the institute has seen steps to implement touch-free a steady pick-up in attendance SHORT ’N’ SNAPPY sanitisation devices. These, in both the general and paying under the name of Sukhada- wards. But funding remains ram, were from the Confedera- a challenge. The overall bed tion of Indian Industry, Young standing in the sun, say the years in general and specialised pose so that I don’t hear!” she strength has gone down by 50 efficient ones. Alternatively, medical fields and then finally burst out. This extraordinary Indians Group and Greater per cent in adherence to Covid if one were to believe a cer- open their practice, with a claim was followed up with the Chennai Corporation. These guidelines affecting the income tain video that (Wo)MMM stethoscope ready at hand wait- ­collection team who resolved were ­installed at the institute levels. Like other medical in- stumbled upon, steaming is ing to see patients – and then the matter quite easily, strik- in April. The device allows stitutions, the reduction in the best way to prevent and people decide to follow ‘free’ ing a friendship with the maid the foot to operate the soap cure the coronavirus. There’s health advice from friends and in the process. income is accompanied by an dispenser and the tap, as well. nothing wrong with steam- family who gather random con- New disciplines take a lit- increase in cost. “In general, “Similarly, around 50 foot-­ ing, of course, (Wo)MMM tent from unverifiable social tle time getting used to – it treatment costs cover the cost operated hand sanitizer stands finds it quite soothing when media posts instead of consult- ­usually takes a few unforeseen of initial diagnosis, treatment were kept in strategic places she’s down with the common ing their family doctor. hiccups before one settles type, radiation, chemotherapy, cold. However, some have (Wo)MMM cannot wait for down in a new routine. But all around the campus for pa- surgery or a combination of the taken to wielding it like a a coronavirus vaccine to hit the one supposes that it is worth tients, ­attenders, visitors and above,” said Dr. Shanta, point- weapon against the corona- market – not only will it help making the effort to cultivate a staff to disinfect their hands,” ing out that cancer treatment virus, ­aggressively steaming get rid of the virus, but it will good habit. (Wo)MMM wishes shared Dr. Shanta. is expensive on its own. This themselves in a manner that also hopefully put an end to the the new vendor all the best in is only set to increase further, Speaking of the future, Dr. reminds (Wo)MMM of the annoying quackery doing the instilling good garbage disci- mater preparing vegetable rounds. Until then, however, pline in our city. with the pandemic necessitat- Shanta pointed out that the kootu for lunch. Similarly, the let’s leave the medical advice ing the use of RT-PCR testing, pandemic has imposed certain breathing exercise of kapal- to the experts, shall we? protective garments such as necessities that will change abhati is widely touted as an Trending PPEs as well as intensive hy- the institute’s style of func- effective preventive measure t used to be that milestones giene and sanitation practices tioning, including treatment. for covid. There’s also a for- Bin Win Imeant something – an oc- prescribed for Covid control. The doctor feels that cancer ward which keeps popping up new vendor has taken casion to remember or com- “These may also need addition- management can never be as on What’s App groups that Aover the waste collec- memorate a landmark event, al staff,” explained Dr. Shanta. ideal as it was before the pan- (Wo)MMM finds particularly tion in a few areas in the city. usually after a decade or more. (Wo)MMM sees their small, (Wo)MMM finds herself puz- The Chief Minister’s Com- demic, unless the virus is com- aggravating. It is a sort of game that invites people to white vehicles putt-putting zled by the latest social media prehensive Health Insurance pletely controlled. “We cannot hold their breath for a certain around on a regular basis. They trend to celebrate the one, two Scheme (CMCHIS) is helpful predict how it will impact amount of time, assuring them look quite compact compared or three-year anniversaries in alleviating costs, though long-term results,”­ she said. that if they can achieve this to the giant garbage trucks that of events, usually contempo- only to a certain extent – the “There will always be a need feat, they certainly have not seemed to diligently plan their rary movies or songs. These scheme does not cover the full for compromise in treatment contracted the coronavirus. route so that (Wo)MMM got posts feature a variety of clips cost of cancer treatment. Fur- for some reason­ or the other.” In (Wo)MMM’s opinion, this stuck ­behind them on her way to and stills, usually accompa- ther, the number of patients Dr. Shanta also feels that the game was probably designed wherever she went. (Wo)MMM nied by nostalgic comments covered under other forms of ­underprivileged will bear the for the lungs of a blue whale, understands that the new vendor hearkening back to the ‘good medical insurance is also low. not a human being. It does is doing their best to educate old days’ of a whole year or burden more heavily than citizens on the need to segre- two ago. Even worse are the Public donations proved to be ­other sections of society and nothing but induce panic in people who cannot hold their gate their household garbage. 6-month ‘anniversary’ trends of great help to the institute hopes that major philanthrop- breath for the monstrous du- They were certainly successful in – since when were anniversa- in these times. “Support from ic organisations and ­industries ration the game demands. (Wo)MMM’s own household, ries ­reduced to mere months? the people and the families of continue to participate in (Wo)MMM supposes where garbage segregation re- (Wo)MMM is left wondering survivors were of great help,” cancer control. “The struggle there’s no harm per se in cently graduated from idle talk if she is growing deeply ­cynical shared Dr. Shanta. The hos- against cancer continues and doing most of these things – to real action. as she grows older. She hopes pital also received generous Cancer Institute (WIA) will one feels that a few of these At first, it seemed easy not. help from service-oriented continue in its mission,” she practices are rather healthy enough to implement. The –(Wo)MMM individuals, companies and concluded. December 1-15, 2020 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

French. My “affair” with India My last visit to the city was in Didier Sandman is now 47 years old. I met Mr. February 2019. I hope to be 23 rue du Moulin de Pierre Muthiah in Madras in 2003. back as soon as the sanitary sit- 92130 Issy-les-Moulineaux His sister, Mrs. Meenakshi uation allows it… and, maybe, [email protected] Meyappan was known to me. I meet you then. went to his house and he gave me several printed copies of Madras Musings. I was sorry to find out that he died last year. I loved his writing. I have sev- Jesse Owens’ Visit Remembering Muthiah eral of his books in my library: Madras Discovered, At Home Thank you, Donors esse Owens had also visited am writing to you from Paris in Madras, The ­Spencer Legend, J to thank you for the pleasure his book on the Connemara We today, publish donations received with thanks. School, during his stay I that reading Madras Musings hotel… I guess I am a Muthiah – The Editor at Madras. The renowned edu- gives me. fan. I certainly shared with cationist K.Kurivila Jacob hap- Rs. 100: Nandana Divya, Narayanan, Bhamini Shankar Madras has always been a him a curiosity for the past, a pened to be the Headmaster special place to me. ­Between certain nostalgia, a passion for Rs. 400: R.S. Pillai, Ramana Rao A.V., G. Rangarajan, T.K. then. The school magazine for 1974 and 1978, I visited places which have a history. 1955-56 contains photographs ­Madras many times and lived Ganapathy of this great athlete. I was a stu- in the city for several months. I A year ago, I found your dent then. I am in possession of Rs. 500: K.M. Vedapuri, R. Sridharan remember the magazine Aside. presence on the internet, and this magazine. I read Madras Discovered. I was, I must tell you that it made me Rs. 900: J. Balasubramanyan, P.S. Seshadri, Dr. Sanjay then, active in the travel indus- extremely happy to see that M. Dhanasekaran you are continuing Muthiah’s Chandrasekhar, Electro Charitable Trust No. 555, 9th street try after having taught history and worked as a journalist. work. I now receive your excel- ‘C’ section, lent newsletter. Rs. 4900: P.R. Sundaravadivelu West Extn In 1980, I authored the first Chennai 600101 travel guide of in I still visit Madras regularly. Rs. 5000: S. Satyabhama

Architecture and Art Chandar Seetharaman is a practicing Architect from ­, Chennai. For the past 36 years, he runs the organ- isation CS ­Designs Pvt Ltd. His wife Vidya Chandar is also an Architect. The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of architects with more than 25,000 active members. It plays a major role in promoting the profession of architects by organising and uniting the Indian practitioners in this field and aims to enhance the aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession both in practice and education. This year the IIA NATCON 2020: ­Transcend was held online on July 11th and 12th. A sketching contest was held calling all members to ­submit their sketches themed – “Pride of your hometown”. Chan- dar submitted this pencil sketch – ­“Umbrella Repairman in ”. He was declared the winner under the category – pencil sketch. At our ­request he sent us the sketch and also two others featuring the ­Mylapore temple. Chandar can be contacted at ­[email protected] – The Editor 4 MADRAS MUSINGS December 1-15, 2020 December 1-15, 2020 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

Curtain-raiser to the The ‘new normal’ Kutcheris of Music Season A collector looks back

was born in 1939 in Madras film songs in Telugu, Hindi and question her (that was the start along. And I had two dealwood Margazhi 2020 Ito Rajah R.J.K. Ranga Rao, Tamil, in that order. At that age, of the critic in me), she would boxes made to snugly accommo- popularly known as the Za- without any schooling, I had an explain to the best of her ability. date 78s. My two school-going n 1965, a ten-year old boy, ­Brahma Gana Sabha, Ham- mindarof Chikkavaram, and ear for classical music too but My other exposure to dance was nephews, Kumar and IR. Radhakrishnan, attended sadhwani, Karthik Fine Arts, Rani Saraswathi Devi, after two these were limited to songs used through film, and on stage, when Mahesh Kumar, were with us. Chitti Babu’s Veena concert at Narada Gana Sabha, Rasika daughters. Delirious and eager for classical dance, mostly in we were in Madras for three sum- They helped me in buying and Sri Rama Samajam in T. Nagar. Ranjani Sabha, Sri Krishna Gana to convey the good news to his Telugu, but one or two in Tamil mer months. lugging the records back to our He was awed by the ‘Kuyil’ sound Sabha, Sri Parthasarathy Swami mother, Father crashed his Ford and Kannada. For some reason, it was the compartment. This happened in that emanated from the vee- Sabha and Sri Thyaga Brahma tourer into the gatepost. We were My exposure to classical Hindi film that held me with its Calcutta, Benarass, Allahabad, na when Chitti Babu played a Gana Sabha. royalty and childbirth took place dance happened when I was songs and dances. Lucknow and but not in Bharathiyar Song. He trotted “We planned to do a stage at home. This was Orattah, a four. Bobbili, then in Vizag Dis- Helen, the eternal naiad, the where the prices were high. back home with fascination, and concert in the beginning of 2020 rented house where the M.O.P. trict and now in Vizianagaram, only item girl all of whose dances Our targets were old record deal- a new thirst for Carnatic music. but had to cancel it due to the Vaishnav College now stands. had a temple to the deity of the you could enjoy with your maid- ers and second-hand markets. R. Jayanthi, a nine-year old pandemic. So, we are going vir- It was a sizzling summer, I have royals. Venugopala. A dancer en aunt. Not an inch of exposure One dealer in Allahabad girl in 1968 had gone to T.N. Ses- tual this year,” confirms Mahesh been told. Consequently perhaps. of that temple, Gaddibhuktha (She wore body-stockings) nor a said that all the unsold 78s hagopalan’s concert at Tyagaraja Venkateswaran, the founder of I am still sizzling, now taken up by Seetharam, was also the court single movement aimed below were stored in the godown and Vidwath Samajam in Mylapore. MadRasana. They have chalked song-and-dance, now captivated dancer of the Bobbili Estate, the belt. Apart from socials and sent us there with two helpers. She recalls how she was mesmer- out a six-day programme from by literature. Happily, these ha- whose ruler was my father’s elder fantasies, she danced in myth- After swimming through the ised by his gripping voice that December 18 to December 23, ven’t been childhood pastimes or brother, R.S.R.K. Ranga Rao, the ologicals too. Her Sundaranga dust, we found a stack of re- day. Only if Jayanthi and Rad- 2020. The virtual concerts were youthful infatuations. They still Rajah of Bobbili, at one time the in Bhookailas (K.N. Dandayud- cords, and picked up thirty or hakrishnan realised then that recorded in outdoor settings – in hold me tight, enrapture, entan- Premier of . hapani Pillai’s choreography) forty. As we spent nearly three they would get married, settle in Rina’s Avenue, ECR and in Ka- gle and inspire me. Due to this connection, is still a show-stopper after 70 hours and returned awash with The royal look – on turning a major. the US and plan their visits to lakshetra. “We want to capture I was around three when my Seetharam finishing her duties years. dust, I thought the prorietor India to not miss their favourite nature, with the birds chirping artistes performing in the Sabhas and the leaves rustling. One of ­logging in from overseas, with services online. “The caterers come to the back-stage and mother’s wind-up gramophone at the temple, would come every would demand a hefty sum. I gories. And the major section, (a part of her dowry) fascinated morning to the ladies’ quarters * * * hesitantly asked him how much. of Madras. the concerts was even shot in a season ticket being USD 120. will set up multiple stalls all over give me feedback; some even film records, by the language Margazhi kutcheris are pre- the rain”, says Mahesh. Each me. Once or twice a week, I of the palace where male chil- I am asked frequently when I He simply said “Take them!” At Those who buy a season ticket the city and supply food during comment that my saree looks and title of the film. dominantly donning a virtual day, there would be one artiste would sit still as my mother heard dren also would be housed till started my collection (of 42,000 that moment I wished him half therefore get 15 concerts for the concert duration with the good.” But it was not a bed full of Speeches by Gandhiji, Neh- garb this year. “I am really happy performing from 6.30 to 9 pm. the price of 12. The concerts help of apps like Swiggy and thorns for the performers, there a few 78 rpm records. By the time their teen years. She would do a 78 rpm records, from 1904 to the ‘punya’ I gathered in the ru, Madan Mohan Malaviya, that organisers have taken that The season pass is for Rs. 2,600, will be free for viewing by the Dunzo”, says Harishankar. BVB were some ‘roses’ too. “One good I was five, I was requesting that few chores for the Rani (Laksh- 1973 when they were discontin- pilgrimage. Subhash Chandra Bose, Lord extra step to not miss the Mar- while the ticket for each concert members of the Music Academy, will be giving food packets to the thing is you could schedule and particular songs be played for misubhadra, my mother’s eldest ued, in 40 national and interna- Once before going to Banga- Baden-Powell (founder of the gazhi tradition of kutcheris, and is Rs. 500. all of whom will receive a link audience consisting of different reschedule [virtual concerts]. me. By seven, I could do all of it sister). tional languages). I ask them in lore, I took out advertisements Scout Movement), Benito Mus- are providing virtual concerts as The Music Academy is also via email. items at the end of each concert. For live concerts, the schedule by myself. Afterwards she would gather in English, Kannada, Telugu solini (in Italian). Discs of Bose’s a substitute for audiences across taking the virtual route this Though most of the Sabhas Radhakrishnan’s uncle, is usually made one year prior. In Before her marriage, Mother us children and recite simple and Urdu dailies, stating that INA, songs led by Capt. Laxmi. the world”, says Sudha Raghuna- Margazhi with the support of of Madras are going virtual this 82-year-old R. Vanchinathan this virtual world, it is a lot more had learnt veena in her native poetry, mostly on Krishna. All  by I wanted to buy old 78s, giving Recitations of her own poetry than, the Carnatic star. HCL ­Concerts. The programme Margazhi, Bharatiya Vidya Bha- goes crazy over Carnatic music flexible. So we can easily change Nuzvid (she was the third daugh- would disappear after a few min- my hotel telephone numbers (no V.A.K. Ranga Rao by my goddess of verse, Sarojini The Federation of City Sabhas is scheduled from December 24 van has resorted to the good old concerts. But he is not tech savvy the date. Suppose we say that ter of the Zamindar of Telaprole) utes, but not me. The previous cell-phones, 1985). My nephews Devi. (FCS) is organising a series of to 31, 2020. “The ticket-link live concerts. “For decades, we enough to operate a gadget and the co-artistes are not available and retained a taste for records night, I’d have seen her dance The author is a renowned dance (the same duo) were studying Rare languages? Asian: Ne- more than 70 virtual concerts will come up in the Music Acad- have been having live concerts watch a virtual kutchery. To help on Monday, then the organisers by veena-playing vocalists. But in the deity’s procession around critic, film historian and collector Engineering there. On their of gramophone records. pali, Konkani, Sinhala, Burmese, from December 15, 2020 to emy website by early December and we didn’t want to change senior Rasika-s like him to watch would ask us to come on Tuesday, she also had cosmopolitan taste the palace and ask her about two-wheelers, I would visit the Badaga, Goan, Chattisgarhi, January 15, 2021 via Vimeo, for where people can pay. The se- and so, I too developed a lik- them. Thrilled that a five-year callers’ homes, taking along the Christian lyrics and sermons in members. Others can watch it nior concerts are paid while the ing for a vast variety of music: old noticed them well enough to file containing the particulars of a dozen tribal languages (Gar via Kalakendra YouTube chan- junior and sub-senior concerts records I already had. I would ac-  by turn: When did you start learn- etc.) Foreign: English, Italian, nel. “The general public may are free”, informs V. Sriram, Padmaja Jayaraman ing your mother-tongue? quire whatever I did not have. A Neapolitan, Latin, French, many have to pay around Rs. 3,000 for secretary of Music Academy. In the late 1940s I was given few would insist that the whole kinds of Russian and Chinese, the entire season to watch the Each senior concert is priced lot should be taken. Some would kutcheris,” reveals Harishankar at Rs. 250, and the season pass Rs. 10 as my weekly pocket mon- Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, etc. that. The government has given ask for a high price. I would bar- Krishnaswami, the secretary is Rs. 3,000. The concerts will ey and with it I would purchase I wrote columns about gramo- permission to hold live kutcheris two records without fail. I had gain and bring it down to Rs. 10, phone records in Telugu, ­English of the FCS which comprises be priced at USD 10 for those which I could afford. too”, says K.N. Ramaswamy, no idea then that this seed would and supervised translations in BVB’s director. The concerts grow into a banyan tree. Same thing happened on visit Tamil and Kannada. In Screen to Hyderabad. A distant caller, will take place at the open- In the early 1970s the man- weekly from Bombay, I wrote a air premises in Bhavan’s Rajaji on reaching told me that he had ufacture of 78 rpm records was fortnighty column, The Sounds Vidyashram School, only six records. I was disap- stopped. I bought LPs, EPs, SPs of Music. In the beginning, the from November 28 to December pointed but wonder of wonders, and, a little later, Super-7s but space allotted to it was less than 19 2020. There would be tem- four had been on my wish-list for I continued to acquire 78s from half a page. Within a few months, perature-checking, hand-sani- decades! On one of my visits to second-hand shops. Only those I was given almost a full page. It tisation, and distanced-seating Sudha Raghunathan. All pictures courtesy: MadRasana. I liked. Then a thought struck the National Film Archives of covered music in almost all Indi- arrangements in the premises. me. There were people collect- India, I found nearly 300 records an languages, old and new. They would even provide masks ing stamps and rare books apart with an old dealer in Pune. It helped me and others dis- if the audience are not wearing the virtual concerts, MadRasana which won’t be possible in the from match labels and cigarette Many relatives, friends and cover the fact that there were proper ones. Since the concerts has partnered with an elder- case of live concerts,” remarks packs. Then there were indi- strangers parted with their hoards, record-collectors all over the are free, entry will be on a first- ly-care service centre, Prayojana, singer Sandeep Narayan. viduals and institutions given to oft-times even without my asking. country. Most collected records Above: Abhishek Raghuram and below: Ramakrishnan Murthy. come-first-serve basis, with a which will offer technical sup- The duration of virtual kutch- repairing and maintaining the This foraging came to a rest by of one language; some special- limit of 200 people in the premis- port via phone or in person. eris is going to be shrunk to two houses where the famous poets 2000. There were no records ised in one genre. Others limited es. Drive-in car facilities will also It has been a different expe- hours, in contrast to the three- and composers lived. But there available at a reasonable price. their acquisitions to those of a be available, a maximum of fifty rience for performers too. Most hour live kutcheris. According were none collecting 78s (so I My collection is well-ar- particular singer or music-di- cars being allowed. of their concerts were recorded to Harishankar, although the thought; happily; I was wrong). ranged. To start with, classical rector. “I have thoroughly enjoyed prior to the Season, which will virtual kutcheris would be of the So I started to collect every 78 music.... Western, Hindustani One happy result was that kutchery kitchens run by stal- be aired on the scheduled dates. same format as the live ones, rpm record I did not have, no and Carnatic; first the instru- associations were established to warts like Chellappa, Pattappa, Sudha Raghunathan shares the number of items would be matter what the content, lan- ments, then the vocalists, in save old-time records, discuss Mount Mani and Arusuvai Na- her ‘major missings’: “It was lesser in a vocal concert. “In a guage, as long as the disc was in alphabetical order. Non-film their content, felicitates the tarajan. That was also one of like celebrating Diwali without Harikatha, it consists of a story, good condition. records alphabetical again, by veteran artists. One in Bombay the reasons for attending the crackers. The interaction be- with little music intermittently In 1980, my parents decided the language and the artist. In and another in Bangalore flour- concert in person”, reminisces tween the audience and us was used. It doesn’t matter if the to go on a pilgrimage to certain this, drama sets, folk-songs, ished with monthly and annual Radhakrishnan. Even though missing. The energy we create concert is for three hours or two places in the north. A whole dance music (Bharatanatyam, meetings. the concerts are going mostly vir- for the rasika-s is given back by hours. I have to speak on the Ranga Rao (standing centre) with his parents and siblings Sridevi, railway saloon was booked. We Kathak), comic, mimicry and tual, the organisers are planning them in the form of applause or ­Guruprasad and Mohini. had a dhobi, two cooks come speeches are some of the cate- (Continued on page 7) to revamp the kutchery food standing ovations. Some rasika-s (Continued on page 8) 6 MADRAS MUSINGS December 1-15, 2020

l THE BHARATI DEBATE

Quizmaster V.V. Ramanan’s first 10 questions are on current Understanding Bharati – affairs and next on natural won- ders and phenomena. 1. Who are the partners of Oxford differing perceptions and Pfizer involved in developing a COVID-19 vaccine? 2. Apart from Virat Kohli, which here were two ideological suffered and has gone to a pre- Quoting Va. Raa’s views P. Sri. Indian has been nominated for the Tgroups in Tamil writing mature grave. So long, however, Acharya, a respected writer, coveted ICC Men’s Player of the during the 1930s, vertically as the lives, and writing under the name of Nel- Decade Award? divided in their perceptions of there is a spark of patriotism in lai Nesan, disputed them in 3. The largest trade agreement was Literature, Culture and Fine Tamil India, Subramania Bhara- Dinamani Bharati Malar 1935, recently agreed upon by the mem- Arts. Though they had mutual ti’s songs will live.” and declared that Bharati was a ber states of ASEAN and its free trade agreement (FTA) partners friendship, they were quite bit- Very few attended Bharati’s good but not great poet. N. Pi- (excluding India). What is it called? ter in ­expressing their concerns funeral that was financially chamurthi and Ku. Pa. Rajago- 4. Name the Dadasaheb Phakle in writing. The avant garde (a mere Rs. 50/-) supported palan contesting this statement award-winning thespian, who acted Manikkodi group was interested by the trusted family friend, wrote in Dinamani asking as to in 14 Satyajit Ray films and passed in modern writing in simple Duraiswamy Iyer. At the brief what was the yardstick to say away recently. readable Tamil while the Anan- funeral function, Chakkarai someone was a great poet. 5. According to Bloomberg da Vikatan group was more into Chettiar, Krishnswamy Sharma On November 3, 1935, in ­Billionaires Index, who has become popular and escapist forms of and Ramachandra Aiyar paid its Letters to the Editor col- the world’s second-richest person, writing. Kalki was dominating tributes in Tamil while Suren- umn, Ananda Vikatan edited by overtaking Bill Gates, and now just the latter group as his storytell- dranath Arya spoke in Telugu. Kalki Krishnamurthy, carried behind Jeff Bezos? ing capacity and usage of Tamil The pyre was lit by Harihara a letter supposedly written by 6. What number should subscribers language was very well received Sharma, a distant relative, and “Student of Literature” (later it prefix for making calls from land- lines to mobile phones within the by the common Tamil reader. as the mortal remains were was revealed that it was Kalki questioning if he had read at all country with the DoT asking telcos At that point of time he was consumed, the fire he lit in the himself!) in which a question any poetry of English authors. to make the arrangements by Janu- emerging as the most popular minds of the people continued was raised as to whether what As a reply to Kalki’s note, ary 1 to implement the new system? writer and was also responsible to glow. was said by someone in Kara- Va. Raa followed up with a 7. To which city did the new Air for increasing the reader base It was the Manikkodi group ikudi (the name of Va. Raa detailed essay titled Bhara- India One-B777 aircraft carrying of Ananda Vikatan manyfold. that had been propagating was omitted) was correct, as ti and literary review in the President Ram Nath Kovind make The Swadesamitran, a popular Bharati and his writings and the correspondent felt it was Swadesamithran on 30-11-1935 its first flight on November 24? and liberal daily then provided explaining why he had said so, 8. Name the Harry Potter star who a common platform for the mentioning in the passing Leo by posting a picture with her/his groups to publicly discuss the daughter on broke Sir Tolstoy in a different context. David Attenborough’s record for issues especially­ when their  K.R.A. Narasiah Kalki replied in the same jour- being the person to accrue a million differences peaked. Manikkodi nal in an article titled Bharati followers in the shortest time. swore by Subramania Bharati and literary criticism on 7-12- 9. Whose record did Lewis Ham- while Kalki Krishnamurthy 1935, not only opposing Va. ilton equal by winning his seventh held his own opinions about nearly a decade and half later not. The editor (again Kalki Raa’s views but also adding that Formula One World title? the poet. in 1935, a public debate about himself) responded to the letter if Tolstoy had been shown the 10. Fast-food giant McDonald’s has Unfortunately, Bharati suf- him took place where the dra- in the same issue and column poem Vallippaattu of Bharati, said it would sell a line of plant- fered from penury throughout matis personae were, Va. Raa, thus: “The name of the person he would have suggested that based meat alternatives in 2021. his life, though he always was Kalki R. Krishnamurthy, Chitti was also given. I have omit- all works of Bharati should be What will it be called? very large at heart. His most Sundararajan and Ku. Pa. Ra- ted the name purposely, as I burnt. Kalki thought Bharati’s * * * productive years, at Pondi- jagopalan. think he could not have said Vallippattu was highly erotic. 11. Which country suggested the cherry, were also spent under Va. Ramaswami Aiyangar, so.” Continuing, he wrote “If name Nivar for the cyclone that hit He added that Va. Raa himself us recently? testing conditions. Later when (Va. Raa), was a close associate someone had said so, it should had appreciated Prometheus he returned to the then Ma- and a great admirer of Bharati be understood that this person 12. Which natural feature has the Unbound by P.B. Shelly. Va. lowest elevation and is the lowest dras, he continued in the same and was with him in the then does not have any idea about Raa in his rejoinder said, if at all body of water on the surface of the state but unlike Thomas Gray’s Pondicherry and was the po- either literature or poetry. It is Bharati’s books had to be burnt Earth? writing “Chill penury repressed et’s first biographer. When Va. possible to conclude that he is let the fire from heaven do it 13. The Mercalli and Moment their noble rage and froze the Raa., wrote his novel Sundari in an illiterate (Nirakshara kuk- (suggesting from the contents Magnitude are two of the three genial current of their soul” the simple Tamil, it became a path- shi). It is doubtful if he has read of Shelly’s poem in which fire is commonly used scales to measure unquenched fire in Bharati was breaker since he highlighted Shelly, Tagore and Shakespeare brought from heaven) and not what phenomena? What is the always alive and lit many oth- the ordeals of a Hindu widow. and if he has, probably he has because of him! most famous one? ers’ imagination as well. When It also revealed the idealist and not understood them. It is also In the meanwhile Va. Raa 14. Which is the highest mountain he passed away on September social reformer in him. After doubtful, if he has understood wrote from Colombo to Ku. Pa. outside of Asia (at 189th) measur- 11, 1921, S. Satyamurti wrote, ing 6,961m? editing Swatantram, a weekly even Bharati properly.” Rajagopalan (original available “Had he been born in England from Tanjore, he joined Dr. P. Va. Raa was known for his in 4 pages) lamenting that no 15. Volutus, Asperitas, Fluctus he would have been the poet are all types of which natural Varadarajulu Naidu to run the depth of knowledge in poetry one seems to have objected to ­formation? laureate and been adored by his Tamil journal Thamizh Nadu. both in English and Tamil (he Kalki’s statement that Bharati 16. In the context of volcanoes, race. Had he been born in any After being with Manikkodi for had picked up Bengali also was a good but not great poet. what is the basic difference between other free country, he would a while, he joined Veera Kesari, while in Pondicherry). When It was then that Chitti and a crater and a caldera? have risen to such heights of a daily from Colombo, in Oc- in 1930 he served a prison Ku. Pa Ra, wrote long articles 17. The deepest known point in eminence that he would have tober 1934 as desired by V. O. term, he wrote a 20-page arti- questioning Kalki’s statement the Earth’s seabed hydrosphere (the lived longer and enriched his Pillai. A literary cle ­between October 6 and 11, and the contents were later oceans), with a depth of 10,902 to language and race more than tremor was caused when in an titled What is Poetry? mention- published under the title Kan- 10,929m, is named after a sea-going he was able to do here. Had article titled Three days with ing his name with a suffix – V. nan en kavi by Sangu Ganesan vessel. What is it called? he been born even in Bengal, Va. Raa, N. Ramarathnam, in Ramaswami Ayyangar – convict in 1937. In spite of differences 18. The five great North American he would have been a Rabin- the Manikkodi, (August, 1934), number 1557, and dedicated it of opinion, Kalki, Va. Raa and lakes can be remembered with the dranath Tagore. Those who reported what Va. Raa seems to to the friendly and helpful Jail mnemonic HOMES. Name them. Chitti respected each other well know his poems will know I am have stated during one of his Superintendent David Aber- and when Va. Ra passed away 19. What is unusual about the indulging in no exaggeration. speeches: “I have read the great nathy Greenwood, who helped names Dal lake, Sahara desert and on August 23, 1951, Kalki was Mississippi river? But born in India and in Tamil poets of English, Shelly and Va. Raa with all the books that present at the cremation and India, Subramania Bharati had Shakespeare, and India’s Nobel he needed. This was a fact that 20. Which beautiful, sweeping paid rich tributes to Va. Raa. phenomena are a result of magnetic to spend the best part of an all Laureate Tagore, but I can say was known to all and especial- Kalki in the 1940s became storms caused by solar winds? too short life in exile from those that all the writings of them put ly to Kalki. So, it was rather a great admirer of Bharati and who were near and dear to him. together will not equal a line painful for Va Raa to see Kalki (Answers on page 8) No wonder that he pined and of what Bharati had written.” calling him an illiterate and (Continued on page 7) December 1-15, 2020 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

people may not always read the books they buy from cover to cover. Still, the impact of good S. Ramakrishnan – books is subtle and subliminal, and it was very important to have them within reach, and to be open to their influence, ­modern Tamil publisher he had said some years ago in an interview with a Tamil radio well-educated Tam- people can express themselves,” station in Australia. He also “A il household,” S. Ra- he told Tully. encouraged readers who were makrishnan said, “will happily A health-care manual ready to get started. When spend fifty rupees on an English translated into Tamil would I claimed I was a language paperback but will not think of sell but of its practical utility, orphan – because I had not buying a Tamil book. As they but what about books on film studied my mother tongue in are the ones with the money, or art criticism?­ How do you school – Ramakrishnan pulled this severely limits our markets. bring impractical, but enrich- out a book from the shelf and Then we face competition from ing, thoughts and words into asked me to read out a few other Tamil publishers – par- people’s consciousness, so it lines. He gave me a collection ticularly from what are known becomes part of their everyday of short stories by Imayam, so as monthly novels. They are reality? Experts say birding is I could practice my Tamil read- printed on the cheapest possi- a gateway to greater environ- ing. Someday, I hope to read the ble paper and sell for only two mental awareness, but there author-publisher Ramakrish- rupees. It is difficult to wean was no field guide to birds in nan’s short stories as well. people away from them, and Tamil. Such things mattered to Tributes to Ramakrishnan from the same sort of romantic Ramakrishnan, whose decision will continue to pour in, but and sensational stories brought to enter the publishing world Cre-A Ramakrishnan. Courtesy: The Hindu. I think it will be hard to beat out in serial form in Tamil mag- was an ideological, not a com- this one, again from the Scroll azines.” mercial one. 13. He managed to keep that tremely proud of his protégé’s article by Muralidharan. It was commitment. success. Earlier this year, Dilip’s from Israeli scholar David Shul- Ramakrishnan, the founder Ramakrishnan who encour- short story from the same book, man, writer of the comprehen- of the courageous publishing aged translators of world clas- The Clerk’s Story, was made sive work, Tamil, A Biography. house, Cre-A, died on Nov 17,  by sics and contemporary litera- into a feature film, Nasir, and it “Every language, and especially 2020 at the age of 75, another Vijaysree ture to do their best work, also won a prestigious international an ancient and noble language victim to the Covid-19 pan- nurtured local writers. Many award. Ramakrishnan sent me like Tamil, needs some extraor- demic. In a conversation with Venkatraman Tamil writers who were used to the link to the online screening. dinary persons to care for it, BBC’s Mark Tully, which the benign neglect, were shocked Before Dilip Kumar became heal its wounds, and reveal its veteran journalist records in the at first when he pored over a renowned writer, he worked richness. Ramakrishnan was bestseller No Full Stops in India, the manuscript and suggested in the Cre-A office-cum-show- such a person.” Ramakrishnan had spoken of Quite literally, he brought revisions. Soon, they realized room. It was located in Roya- Shulman goes on to add: the challenges he had faced modern words into the Tamil that he just wanted their work pettah, above a paint shop, and “For half a he was the when he ventured into the lexicon. He will be best re- to shine, be the best it could be. not too far from Pilot theatre. living heart of modern Tamil. world of Tamil publishing in the membered as the author of Ramakrishnan would work on Renowned authors used to drop He discovered and published early 1970s. Cre-A’s contemporary Tamil the layout with his small team, in, as did people from the world the finest writers, meticulously Ramakrishnan was a highly dictionary. Bilingual journalist and send the work of literature, of theater, art, and academia. edited their works, published paid executive at an ad agency Kavitha Muralidharan, who into the world, with tastefully The atmosphere was very major works of Tamil scholar- before he forayed into Tamil often comes up with exquisite chosen artwork cover art. vibrant, Dilip recalls. There ship, translated foreign classics publishing. A member of the pen portraits of luminaries from Two years ago, when I first would be a collective pondering into Tamil, and also produced English-speaking elite of Tamil the Tamil literature, reported in met Ramakrishnan at his office and exploration of things that the finest dictionary available Nadu, he was determined to the online magazine Scroll that in Tirunvanmiyur, I had with me help enrich, and sustain, a per- for any modern South Asian give Tamil readers well-pro- even as ­Ramakrishnan battled a glossy version of Dilip Kumar’s son’s inner life. The topic could language. He was a man of duced, high quality books in COVID-19 in a ­government Ramavum Umavum. Gently, he be anything – poetry, painting, impeccable taste, one of the terms of both form and content. hospital, he was concerned prised the paperback out of my philosophy, music, education rarest of human virtues. He “We wanted to do in Tamil what about releasing the third hands and gave me the Cre-A – depending on the visiting was a great and loving friend. has not been done before. We ­edition of the dictionary, as edition with surreal art on the person’s field of interest. All those who love Tamil will have to extend the language so per schedule,­ on November cover. Ramakrishnan was ex- Ramakrishnan knew well mourn this terrible loss.”

A COLLECTOR THE BHARATI DEBATE LOOKS BACK

(Continued from page 6) Kalki group, Sastri arranged tend and now you are asking me (Continued from page 4) for Chitti’s accommodation in to do a difficult job. Later you Bangalore and Madras Chris- took the initiative of building Kovilpatti. are the people who would write In those days Sur Singar tian College School, Madras. the Manimandapam at Ettay- Sansad of Bombay was giving Somehow I associate thanksgiv- Chitti travelled to the spot saying that the police acted mer- apuram in October 1947 and two awards annually to film ing with Christianity! of the function where the AIR cilessly...” At his wits end, Kalki asked Rajaji, then Governor music. One to the song that the What else with my records engineers were recording M.S. came into the adjacent record- of West Bengal, to declare it unbiased committee considered now? Waiting for an individ- Subbulakshmi followed by Dan- ing room with the senior police open. Again, it was Chitti, as the most classical, and the sec- ual/institution to acquire this dapanai Desigar in a sound officer in tow and asked Chitti if a member of the AIR team, as ond to the film which contained wealth, along with nearly a proof room. he could reason with the man. desired by G.T. Sastri then the Chitti saw the uncomfortable most classically oriented songs. thousand books (English, Telu- AIR Trichy Station Director, It was a little late at night position Kalki was in and took One year, impressed by the gu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, who covered the function from and the Mandapam opening command of the situation and score created by Vijayabhaskar Marathi, Kannada, Bengali, Ettayapuram. Chitti did not function was the next morn- calmed the official down. Chitti in Malayamarutha (1986, Kan- Asamese and Gujarati) on show- want to attend as there was ing. Since a sizable crowd was later said “I was feeling sorry for nada), I sent a cassette of it to biz people, and do one thing I no love lost between him and present and as it started raining Kalki as it happened in front of the Sansad. When it won the could not do; make it accessible Kalki. Besides Chitti was also Kalki was worried. He asked a someone who was not on great award that year in the second to listeners and researchers. hurt as not only Va. Raa but police officer who was already terms with him.” category. I celebrated it by going This collection of 42,000 also the living family members tired and worried if he could up the local St. Thomas Mount is the largest collection in the of Bharati were not even invit- ask the public to disperse. This People of those days were and offering prayers. I was and world of 78 rpm records, even ed for the function. But as an question irritated the officer definitely made of better ma- remain a Hindu, but all my if the local media refuse to ac- official he had to go along with who shot back, “What do you terial and had their own beliefs three schools were Christian, knowledge it. Sastri. Knowing that Chitti want me to do? You only wrote and stood by them come what institutions – Good Shephered (Excerpted from an article would not like to be a guest of in all papers for the people to at- may! in Madras, Bishop Cottons in in Sruti) 8 MADRAS MUSINGS December 1-15, 2020 86 years ago at ...

t was a match watched among Anthony de Mello then the it being the scene of several Swift is the right way to with Mysore being bundled out Iothers by three young secretary of the BCCI and one international records being set explain the dramatic events twice in a day the second time fans who went on to become of its founding members recalls here all came later. It was the as they unfolded for on the around for 59. Ram Singh con- well known writers on the in his memoirs: “It was with significant event of November rain-affected surface left arm tinued to be unplayable bagging game. This was November 4, trepidation that I submitted my 4, 1934 that set the ball rolling. spinner A.G. Ram Singh took five for 16 this time supported 1934 and nearly four decades proposal of the Ranji trophy for The match scheduled for six for 19 as Mysore were shot by Gopalan who had three for later as a rookie sports journalist the national championship of three days was over in one in- out for 48. With off spinner 20 and C.P. Johnstone (two for 1 I sat with rapt attention listen- India to the august gathering volving just about 5 /2 hours of M.G. Vijayasarathi later well 10). Incidentally both teams ing to them as they at separate and also laid before the meeting play. To M.J. Gopalan went the known as a Test umpire reveling were captained by Englishmen times related the events of that in Simla an artists’ drawing of honour of bowling the first ball. in the conditions in bagging six for while Johnstone led Madras, remarkable game. The match in the proposed trophy a Grecian The pitch had been affected by for 23 Madras fared only a little M.S. Teversham was the Mysore question was the first-ever Ran- urn two feet high with a lid the heavy overnight rain and con- better but they managed to get though the majority of ji Trophy game between Madras handle of which represented ditions were far from ideal for 130. But this was good enough players were Indians. and Mysore at Chepauk and Father Time. Even I was not playing. But as Ramaswami told to win by an innings and 23 runs the three spectators were P.N. prepared for what followed. The me “the cricketers were very Sundaresan, N.S. Ramaswami Maharajah of Patiala jumped and K.N. Prabhu. up when I was scarcely halfway Besides being historic it is through my brief proposal. The  by also remarkable in that it was pine scented air appeared im- Partab Ramchand The ‘new normal’ Kutcheris over in a day. That was the mediately electrified. In deep start of the Ranji Trophy which tones charged with emotion His keen on playing despite the wet over the years became the pre- Highness claimed the honour field aware that it was a historic of Margazhi 2020 mier national competition. It is and privilege of perpetuating occasion.” And as Sundaresan ­important to remember that the name of the great Ranji who recalled: “It was with little hope (Continued from page 5) to optimise their enjoyment at the time the ­Quadrangular had passed away only the year of there being play that many topic in the given time”, says of the concert. They have to tournament in which the before. He offered to present of us reached Chepauk in the Harikatha artiste, Dushyanth formally sit, and not cook or ­participants were the Europe- a gold cup of the magnificent morning but we were swept Sridhar. do something while listening to ans, the Hindus, the Muslims design submitted by me and away by the swift sequence of Sudha urges rasika-s to have the kutcheri; that will take away and the Parsees was the ­premier valued at 500 pounds. To be events.” a mindset to accept the fact the special flavour of watching domestic competition in what called the Ranji Trophy it was to that, even though it is virtual, a concert. They have to create was then undivided India. be competed for annually by the efforts are being taken to or- the concert ambience in the Despite its immense pop- provincial cricket associations ganise kutcheris. They need comfort of their homes.” ularity it was felt that a tour- of India.” nament involving the various It is not for nothing that provinces in the land was also ­Madras has earned this aura needed and thus was born the of being a hallowed venue. In Answers to Quiz Ranji Trophy. Within a decade 1961 the first Duleep Trophy 1. AstraZeneca and BioNTech respectively, 2. R. Ashwin, 3. Regional the Ranji Trophy became the match was held at the Nehru Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), 4. , prestigious domestic tourna- stadium and 12 years later the 5. Elon Musk of Tesla, 6. 0, 7. Chennai, 8. Rupert ‘Ron Weasley’ Grint, 9. ment with the abolition of first Deodhar Trophy limit- Michael Schumacher, 10. McPlant. the Pentangular (which the ed overs game was played at Quadrangular had become in Chepauk. But it is the staging * * * 11. Iran, 12. Dead Sea, 13. Earthquakes and Richter, 14. Aconcagua, 1937 with the participation of of the inaugural Ranji Trophy 15. Clouds, 16. Craters are formed by the outward explosion of rocks, while another team – The Rest) in game 86 years ago that has calderas are formed by the inward collapse of a volcano, 17. Challenger 1945 with Mahatma Gandhi given the city its special sta- Deep (after HMS Challenger), 18. Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie and agitating against it because of tus as far as Indian cricket is Superior, 19. They are all tautological names i.e. the given name means the its communal character. concerned. Tied Test II and A.G. Ram Singh. natural feature in a language of that region, 20. Auroras seen at the poles.

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