Registered with the Reg. No. TN/PMG (CCR) /814/06-08 Registrar of Newspapers Licence to post without prepayment for under R.N.I. 53640/91 Licence No. WPP 506/06-08 Rs. 5 per copy (Annual Subscription: Rs. 100/-) WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS INSIDE • Short ‘N’ Snappy • Dr. Kesari’s memoirs MADRAS • Season 2020 • Attracting tourists • Cops with a view MUSINGS • Maria Montessori in Madras Vol. XVII No. 22 March 1-15, 2008 GubernatorialIs VPH to get bungalow a new by the beach

(By A Staff Reporter)

“Now that Valentine’s is over, let’s get back to our real love... lliot’s Beach is in the news way of beautification and Ballantines!” Eagain. The Rs. 2.5 crore development in the recent beautification plan of the city years. Such developments as Love in the Time of Corporation, which was initially Governor’s Bungalow should be Moral Indignation opposed by local citizen groups seen in the light of this and a and later accepted with modifi- pattern will emerge. The first It’s been two weeks now. cations, appears to have gone threat to the seafront emerged The Day dedicated to the emo- awry. At the heart of the latest when a plan to ‘beautify’ the l Our OLD this time features the Governor’s Bungalow on Elliot’s Beach as it tion that both art-forms and controversy is the sudden re- Marina and also develop hous- commerce have nurtured and stood till very recently. It was a picture of neglect and uncared for. Our NEW is that construction of a tumbledown ing for multinationals along the of the new construction now going on the same plinth, in violation of Coastal sustained through the centu- shack which used to go by the beachfront on the lines of ries arrived and departed. Regulation Zone norms. The argument being made out by the Corporation and the The red balloons are now de- grandiose name of Governor’s Shanghai in collaboration with PWD is that this is a construction on an existing plinth and hence does not violate flated, and cardboard hearts Bungalow. It may have fulfilled a Malaysian firm, was mooted. any law. Photo courtesy: Old: CIVIL SOCIETY GROUP; and flavour-of-the-moment that function in the years past, Rehabilitation of the displaced New: SRIRAM V. gifts put away. but nobody recollects its ever fisherfolk was not to be any- Like all left-overs, the remain- being put to that use within liv- where near the place where ing evidence of engineered ing memory. And yet in the last they needed to be – namely the social brouhaha looks a little few weeks the Public Works sea. A volley of protests fol- ragged around the edges. Department (PWD) has been lowed and then, following the Especially when the festivities busy rebuilding the structure tsunami of 2004, these plans are as forced, and as cleverly manipulated, as this particu- into a spacious bungalow osten- were quietly dropped. The lar one. sibly meant for use by the Gov- mammoth development of land And yet, why blame sound ernor. In the process, the au- along the Quibble Island area business instincts when there thorities and the Environment by private developers has been are those who are so ready, Ministry in particular appear to a major blow to the fragile eco- willing, even eager, to dive have overlooked the fact that system of the place. into the hoopla? the Elliot’s Beach falls within (Continued on page 7) All those moral-indignators the Coastal Regulation Zone who faithfully surface at this notifications of 1991 and that time of year appear to have no permanent structure can gone back to being the good citizens they all surely are, come up within that space. State tops in road until the next express-anger- The Citizens Action Group for-a-cause situation crops (CAG) has issued notice to the up. Government to (There seems to be a lot of this stop the construction immedi- accidents going around some protests ately. It has said, “It is not even triggering a bemused known what permission has amil Nadu has the reputa- and, together, the two account “Huh,What?” in those on the been obtained for this construc- the forcing of pedestrians off Ttion of being first or close for one-fourth of the total acci- footpaths have contributed to receiving end of the stringent tion, coming at a time when the “J accuse!”) to that position on several dents reported in the country. the present state of affairs. You cannot help noticing that State government has been fronts. This includes several While state-wise statistical leading a campaign against The road accident figures these annual attacks have positive aspects such as good breakdown is not available in for Chennai have been released done little to curb The Day, demolition of illegal construc- governance, health care and in- respect of the types of vehicles, tions.” The CAG, while noting for 2007. These figures, com- which skips merrily on, in dustrial growth. Now there ap- the national figures speak for piled by the Traffic Laboratory full, rosy-cheeked form, com- that the environment and the pears to be a downside to its themselves. Truck-related ing up with varied (and more livelihood of fisherfolk are Highway Research Station, the rapid growth – the rapid rise of research wing of the Highways expensive) ways to define already at threat owing to road accidents. The latest sta- itself. l by A Special Department, show that there several illegal constructions tistics of the National Crime As for those who simply let The coming up on the seafront, has Correspondent were 1,110 fatal accidents on Records Bureau, which pertain the city’s roads in 2007. Accord- Day go by questioned as to why the Gov- Is the sheer act of ignoring to the year 2006, have been re- ernor needs yet another bunga- ing to the study, about one- something sometimes leased and they reveal that out accidents account for 22% of third of all reported road acci- low given that he already has (repeat... some times) the best of 3,94,432 road mishaps across the total while two-wheelers dents is fatal and that gives an way to reduce it to a mere the Raj Bhavans in and the country, Tamil Nadu re- come second at 18%, passenger Udhagamandalam (Ooty). indication of the total number nothing? ported a whopping 55,145 cases buses at 12% and pedestrians at of road accidents in the city. The Chennai seafront has (14 per cent). The State is 8%. All these reveal that con- Ranjitha Ashok seen a series of assaults on it by closely followed by Maharashtra tinued congestion on roads and (Continued on page 6) CMYK 2 March 1-15, 2008 The founder of a musical landmark A requiem of sorts he Man from Madras .S. Krishnamurthy, foun- T Musings was driving hap- T der of the Karnatic Music pily along Peter’s Road, or at Book Centre – a unique estab- least as happily as one can be lishment in Chennai – passed while driving along that busy away recently. He ran the busi- thoroughfare. He then espied ness with a greater interest in what he thought was a funeral the propagation of music aware- procession coming down the ness than on the bottom line. flyover near Thousand Lights In the world of Carnatic mu- mosque. Driving closer, MMM could see that police bandobust sic books, the name of A.S. T.S. Krishnamurthy had been provided with a posse Panchapakesa Iyer is well anyone who cared to listen. of the law-enforcers in atten- known. The younger brother of People who owned copyrights dance. An important personage Sangeeta Kalanidhi Alathur and did not bring out-of-print had passed away, no doubt, Srinivasa Iyer and a vidwan and thought MMM. The usual banner, MMM was amused to they were standing in the group books into circulation were yet read that the powers that be of onlookers watching the fun. guru in his own right, he pio- another pet peeve. I have often paraphernalia was in atten- dance. There were some drums have decided that this new and The train came and left and the neered the concept of publish- been privy to telephone conver- wholly unauthorised method of would-have-been commuter ing books ranging from begin- beating to a tattoo that sounded sations in which Krishnamurthy very much like the funereal advertising has a legal life of walked away muttering under ners’ lessons to varnam-s. abruptly signed off with a “Go five days, two days prior to and his breath. A couple of local These, which came out initially drum called Savu Molam in to hell”! If it was a pleasant con- Madras lingo, while some two days after the event it cel- toughs informed MMM that in Tamil and later in English, versation, it would end with a youngsters were enthusiasti- ebrates. How a temporary this was a frequent occurrence became very popular. Krishna- “Nalladu”. But such was his cally dancing to it. Others were structure, which is causing and many people missed their murthy had a role to play in genuine love for music and its strewing flowers. Only the cor- enormous difficulty to pedestri- train at this rather deserted sta- popularising them. He was the tege was different, MMM no- ans and road-users, can be al- tion this way. propagation that this acerbity lowed a tenure of any kind is Talking about MRTS, here brother-in-law of Panchapakesa was taken in the right spirit by ticed. It was a Metropolitan Iyer, his sister having married Transport Corporation bus. amazing. As for those who are is a quick quiz for MM regulars. most who did business with in charge of getting these re- If the station in is the musician. Later, he also be- him. The vehicle was driven at a snail’s pace and following it at called Tirumayilai (as it should came the vidwan’s son-in-law. The brothers’ knowledge be) and that at is Krishnamurthy worked in the rear was a lone jeep being was a bonus to any researcher driven by a bored-looking po- SHORT called Tiruvallikeni (as it ought the corporate world as did his and a conversation with them licewoman. ’N’ to be), guess what is Greenways elder brother Balu. The two, on matters musical was always MMM, used to seeing Road station. Pasumai Vazhi visiting the Tyagaraja aradhana a pleasure. Never mind if the unique protests in Calcutta SNAPPY Salai, no less. Thereby old in Tiruvaiyaru in the 1960s, felt where he, in the 1980s, had Greenways, whoever he was, shop was dingy and books were who once owned considerable that it was a good spot to mar- stocked higgledy-piggledy and it participated in a funeral pro- moved, when they themselves ket the books of Panchapakesa cession for perennially dead property in the area and there- needed a Krishnamurthy or are promoting the usage of fore got the road named after Iyer. They set up a stall at the Balu to tell you where exactly telephones, thought that this these banners, there is very was a protest against poor him, is now a horticulturist’s venue in 1968 and found busi- the various titles were located. little that can be done. The five- delight. Wonder why the rail- ness to be brisk. Encouraged, transport services. And then day rule is laughable, for nobody The shop had a treasure trove the truth dawned on MMM. It ways do not refer to the place they returned year after year. of old titles, including manu- monitors the removal of these as PS Kumaraswamy Raja sta- was not a funeral, but celebra- banners and so there they re- Then, in 1978, Krishnamurthy scripts dating back to the 19th tion of “Bus Day”, a uniquely tion after the early Premier of decided to set himself up in the main. Even if the banner goes, Madras after whom the road is Century. Some would be made Chennai phenomenon and cel- the casuarina scaffolding is al- book trade with Carnatic music available for viewing to a select ebrating it were a bunch of stu- now named? After all, he lived lowed to stay, thereby causing at nearby Brodie Castle and books as his sole line. The group of friends. But if dents from a once prestigious the same nuisance as before. Karnatic Music Book Centre college of the city which was hence the road was renamed. Krishnamurthy was fond of you, MMM remembers that most Obviously the railways have (KMBC) was born and, within he would not hesitate to part later made autonomous and of the illegal hoardings in the which very recently was given not caught up with this. But we a few years, the tiny shop, with one of these for a very rea- city came up the same way. And must thank heavens for small tucked into a by-lane off the status of a university. The by virtue of their being allowed sonable price. I was lucky to students were having the time mercies. Imagine if it had been Sripuram 1st Street in purchase an original edition of to stay, they became permanent Turnbulls Road! of their lives, but the same joy and today the Government is , became a treasure Abraham Pandithar’s Karuna- was not reflected on the faces trove for any researcher into spending money fighting the is- mrita Sagaram from him. of the policemen (and women) sue in court. Why can these Going...going...gone! Carnatic music. and the bus driver. As for the The brothers, however, digital banners not be sum- he recent auction of crick- The company grew in name, scores who had been put to found running the bookshop marily disallowed is what Teters reminded The Man though not in the physical area great difficulty by this ritual, too much of a strain in recent MMM would like to know. from Madras Musings of cattle- conducted at a busy intersec- of its outlet, and acquired sev- years. Krishnamurthy’s health shows that he had seen in his tion at rush hour, their expres- eral titles. These included those was failing and Balu was happier rural youth. Even there, the sion had to be seen to be be- Accessing the MRTS of the Indian Music Publishing prices would be negotiated dis- collecting funds for various lieved. MMM still maintains House which had been run by he Man from Madras creetly, with a towel covering temple causes. So they decided that the event was a funeral of Professor P. Sambamoorthy. T Musings awakes early and the hands of the buyer and the to put the shop on the market. sorts. If these students are the then goes for a walk. There are seller. But here, in this big This was acquired in 1982. In That is when I interacted very citizens of tomorrow, God help days when he ambles along and bucks auction, no thought was 1991, Adi and Company, which closely with them, for it was us all. there are days when he runs, published K.V. Srinivasa given to such niceties and soon Krishnamurthy’s dearest wish the latter being the time when in a scene, rather remarkably Iyengar’s Adi Tyagaraja that I should acquire the busi- The new rash the next issue of MM is near Hrdayam, was taken over. similar to slave markets of ness! But, working in hydraulics and the Chief is breathing down Mughal times, cricketers were KMBC could boast now of t has broken out all over the MMM’s neck. Last week was and software, besides trying to Icity like an eczema. You see traded and sold. What dis- housing about 2500 titles in run www.sangeetham.com, amble time and MMM’s tressed MMM the most were many Indian languages. it everywhere in various shapes rambles took him to the vicin- writing on music and history, I and sizes. The Man from Ma- the headlines that appeared in Balu took voluntary retire- ity of an MRTS station. It was the electronic media – Dhoni decided to stay away. After dras Musings is referring to the still dark and MMM could hear ment and came to help his many “Go to hells!” between us, latest in street and road deco- sold for Rs. xyz million, said younger brother. The duo be- a train approaching overhead. one. Another said, “Tendulkar Krishnamurthy gave up the ration in this Singara Chennai Then there was a sound of run- came icons in the music world. – the digital banner. For weeks knocked down for Rs. abc mil- idea, though he never stopped ning feet as someone rushed lion”. And so it went on. There Balu was the more tactful of the lamenting about it. MMM had been referring to past MMM in order to reach the two. Krishnamurthy was a pas- them as vinyl banners, but now was only one difference from The business was acquired station before the train left. The the times of Anarkali. Here sionate soul, who had the habit by another firm which was into he realises that those who man was obviously pressed for coined the term digital banner those being auctioned were as of expressing his opinions on publishing and the shop moved time. But then, there is a higher delighted as those bidding. any subject without beating had hit upon the mot-juste. The power that dictates what we do a few buildings away into a very inclusion of the word Wonder how all this sits in with around the bush. The slow and and in this case it was the glass the reality that ours is a coun- larger, more modern showroom “digital” gives it a modern, hi- door to the station which had bureaucratic methods of pub- where it continues to survive tech feel, most suited to this try with 30% living below the lishing houses and the tendency jammed and would not budge. poverty line. But then we are a and thrive. Krishnamurthy city which, if the town plan- The man pushed and pulled of musicians to debate endlessly went into retirement and Balu ners, politicians and real estate super power, are we not? and after some time cussed and MMM quite forgot that. on copyright issues were his pet went back to his fund collec- barons are to be believed, is a yelled, all to no avail. As for any irritations. He vented his spleen tion drives. – (Courtesy: Sruti.) global, up-to-date metropolis. railway staff in the vicinity, – MMM periodically on these topics to Sriram V. To come back to the digital MMM could detect none unless March 1-15, 2008 MADRAS MUSINGS 3 Fortify rice to prevent blindness

ere’s some further information about forti- to remove the outer layers, including the aleu- Hfied rice that I had referred to in MM, rone layer and the germ, after which it is polished December 16th. I have just found out an impor- to produce white rice. Inevitably some of the tant development in ‘Golden Rice’ which, if suc- grains are broken during husking and milling to cessfully adopted on a commercial scale, as is produce some broken rice. During the milling Indira Ramamurthy as “...in being done in the Philippines, could help the much of the protein, fat, minerals and vitamins We’re on e-mail time became the wife of Dr. B. authorities reduce the cost of fortification with are removed so that flavour and health are sacri- Madras Musings now has Ramamurthy, the great neuro- added vitamins and minerals. ficed for the white appearance. Much of Vitamin According to Dr. Mangala Rai of the Indian B , Thiamine, may be lost, and this may cause its own mail ID. Letters to surgeon.” Dr. Ramamurthy was 1 the Editor can be sent via undoubtedly that. He was the Council of Agriculture Research, unlike the beriberi. White rice may be enriched by treating a original ‘Golden Rice’, a genetically-engineered portion of the grain with vitamins and minerals email to editor@madras doyen of the neurosurgeons of musings.com. Those who strain which was unveiled in 2000, the current which, after drying, is sprayed with collodion or India, a pioneer who was one of version has 23 mgs of Provitamin A which is other substances; this protects it against wish to intimate change of the best in the world. But Dr. converted in the human body into Vitamin A. deterioration and depletion during washing pre- address can also do so Indira Ramamurthy was much The new version of Golden Rice contains 20 paratory to cooking. For certain markets, nota- provided the subscription more than just his wife. She was times more beta carotene than the original ver- bly European and American, a rice with a fine number is quoted. one of the great gynaecologist- sion. Vitamin A is crucial for the prevention of glossy translucent appearance is desired and is obstetricians of Madras, a star blindness which affects millions of children in produced by glazing, often with some talc and a Honouring the great teacher, a Professor at the Insti- India. little dilute glucose solution. Paddy, on milling, tute of Obstetrics and Gynae- Three agriculture institutes, Indian Agricul- gives approximately: husk 20 per cent; whole rice eader M.R. Pillai has, in cology, the premier institution ture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, Di- 50 per cent; broken rice 16 per cent; bran and rectorate of Rice Research, Hyderabad, and the meal 14 per cent. RMM, February 1st, quite of the country. She has trained rightly pointed out the lack of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimba- The paddy may be parboiled before milling, countless other doctors, and tore, started research on Golden Rice, but further and it is estimated that more than half of India’s sensitivity on the part of the au- was a role model for her thorities concerned in ho- development leading to the present findings has rice crop is treated in this way. The paddy is students and colleagues. taken place at the International Rice Research steeped in cold or heated water for varying peri- nouring Nobel Laureates C.V. Institute, Philippines. ods of up to three days, followed by steaming at Raman and S. Chandrasekhar M. K. Mani White Rice low pressure before drying and milling in the or- who were the pride of Tamil 1, Kasturirangan Road “Stripped during milling, a grain of rice loses dinary way. In some rice mills, such as in Nadu in the field of science. Chennai 600 018 its tough hull, layers of oily bran and the tiny Guyana, the paddy is soaked for four hours at Similar is the case with the embryo. What is left? Starchy endosperm – the 41ºC in moving water and then steamed for 10 mathematical genius S. Where’s the water? Kernal ready for cooking...” minutes. Parboiling results in less breakage dur- Ramanujan. “Milling scrapes off the rice seed’s hull and ing milling, the retention of more nutrients and At least in the case of he suggestion of reader then successive layers of bran – which coats the vitamins, and better storage qualities. Unless C.V. Raman an insignificant T C.S. Ananth, ‘Use water- Kernal – and also the embryo, until what is left is done carefully, it can lead to an inferior colour and an unpleasant smell. road in has been ways’ (MM, January 1st), is only the white Kernal itself. That is about 80% starch. The rest is mostly water, plus protein and Ninety per cent of the visually impaired named after him. Ramanujan commendable. With minimum minute amount of phosphorous, potassium, people in Tamil Nadu belong to lower income has a small museum named expenses, minimum distur- Calcium, and B Vitamins. If some bran is left group. Of the 17 lakh disabled people, 9.75 lakh after him in . But bance to the members of the on, you have brown rice, which contains addi- are visually impaired. The problem could be al- Chandrasekhar ...? public, these waterways could tional minerals and vitamins in the bran.” leviated considerably by introducing suitable It will be in the fitness of be put to use as an alternative – National Geographic, May 1994 rice strains in the long run, but immediate ac- things if the Madras University and addition to the present “Refining White rice removes nearly all the tion needs to be taken to fortify rice with Vita- starts a Department for Astro- transport system. This will also germ and bran, leaving the nutrient-poor en- min B as well as A with nutrients. physics naming it after S. ensure that the waterways are dosperm. By law, some nutrients, such as iron In Tamil Nadu, the population below the Chandrasekhar and also erect free from pollution and murki- and certain B Vitamins, must be added back, poverty line is 14.73 million (23.71% of the ness. The only difficulty might making it “enriched”. Still, White rice has less State’s population). If 90% of the visually im- his statue in the lawns of the Vitamin E than brown rice.” paired are below the poverty line, there are 8.78 Presidency College where he be to get enough water to float – Reader’s Digest lakhs out of 14.73 million BPL or 5.96% such studied. Similarly, a statue of the steam launches or any other The unhusked grain, as well as the growing people. Poverty leads to malnutrition, ill-health, C.V. Raman should also be boats. crop, is known as paddy. The husks are removed inability to seek education and eventually dep- erected there. It may be of interest to know by pounding with a pestle in a mortar, or in a ravation, causing blindness, deafness, perma- In the case of Ramanujan, I that even in the 1950s, the citi- stone mill, followed by winnowing, or in small nent ailments, etc. have been pleading with the au- zens of Kakinada, Masuli- or large mechanised mills. Unlike wheat, where These unfortunate people need to be pro- thorities for years to have the patnam, etc., places where the the object of milling is to produce a fine pow- tected and given full security by legal sanctions. Triplicane High Road named runs, were der, the aim with rice is to keep the grains as K.V.S. Krishna after him, since he lived for using motor boats. In fact, to whole as possible. The husked or hulled rice is 2A, Parkland Apartments some time in Summer House, reach the Kakinada Port you usually called brown rice, which is then milled Kamalabhai Street, T.Nagar, Chennai 600 017 close to Triplicane High Road. had to take a steam launch. In celebrate its centenary soon. green. They were really deemed universities soon! In A suitable memorial for this ge- Kolkata, steam launches are a When I recently took my son, grotesque. the state they are in, do they nius on the lines of Bharathiar regular mode of transport in the daughter-in-law and grandchil- My children were taking warrant such status? Illam should also be con- Hoogly river. dren to show them the presti- Anna Varki structed. photographs. Two watchmen T.M. Sundararaman gious institution I had studied came running – they had gone 1D, Rosemere K.S. Krishnaswamy 19, Nallappan Street in once upon a time, I wept! out for tea. “Madam, are you 18, Harrington Road Chennai 600 031 Flat B1, ‘Ashok Suparna’ Mylapore We entered the portals and from the media – please don’t 27, III Main Road Chennai 600 004 I was appalled at the condition report us!” Kasturba Nagar, Adyar of the buildings. Pentland, I wept! I told him I had once upon a READABILITY PLEASE Chennai 600 020 Jeypore and Stone Houses plus time studied there. Dear Readers, She too was great am 86. Queen Mary’s Col the Principal’s domain had seen As letters from readers increase, we t is strange that an article on Ilege is my alma mater and no broom for some time. It was His reply was “Andha kalam are receiving more and more hand Ifeminists should dismiss Dr. that of many others. It is due to an appalling sight – the condi- ellam poche ...We had more written letters, many of them in a tion of buildings that had not than fifty or hundred for main- hand so small and illegible or large seen paint for years. The front tenance – now we are just ten.” and scrawled as to be unreadable. Our Addresses garden was covered with shrubs Lady Willingdon Teachers’ Often this leads to our discarding a and was wild and unkempt. As letter, particularly if some part of it is For matters regarding subscriptions, donations, non-receipt of receipts etc.: Training College is hardly vis- unreadable. Chennai Heritage, 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, West Cott Road, Royapettah, Chennai for the swimming pool (imagine ible. If you wish us to consider your letter 600 014. a college in early 1900s with a These institutions were a re- for publication, please type it with For non-receipt of copies, change of address, and all other circulation swimming pool!), I had been markable sight on the Marina. enough space between lines or write matters: MADRAS MUSINGS, C/o Lokavani Southern Printers Pvt. Ltd., 62/ warned it was a garbage dump! it using a medium hand, clearly 63, Greames Road, Chennai 600 006. Now they are eyesores! Sadly, we left to look at Presi- dotting the ‘i-s’ and crossing the ‘t-s’. On editorial matters: The Editor, MADRAS MUSINGS, dency College, where my hus- In contrast to QMC, look at Many readers also try to fill every C/o Lokavani Southern Printers Pvt. Ltd., 62/63, Greames Road, Chennai how Women’s Christian Col- 600 006. band and I had studied. square centimetre of a postcard No personal visits or telephone calls, please. Letters received will be sent The dear old Fyson clock lege, started almost the same space, making reading or editing from these addresses every couple of days to the persons concerned and you had patches of moss. The red time, is maintained, though impossible. will get an answer from them to your queries reasonably quickly. Strange as it brick outer structure was dull. they have to raise money for it. Please help us to consider your may seem, if you adopt the ‘snail mail’ approach, we will be able to help you Windows and doors were The other day headlines said letters more favourably by making them more legible for us. faster and disappoint you less. painted in different colours – Queen Mary’s and Presidency THE EDITOR – THE EDITOR some white, some blue, some Colleges were to be declared 4 MADRAS MUSINGS March 1-15, 2008 March 1-15, 2008 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 Pioneering physician and Spinning into the women’s rights champion future

r. K.N. Kesari (1875-1953) was a renowned physician of Madras was considered a great honour. Kesari contributed liberally to social Dcity, whose Kesari Kuteeram Ayurveda Oushadasala was a land- organisations for women’s uplift, such as the Andhra Mahila Sabha of mark on Royapettah’s Westcott Road. Born in Inamavamelloor in Durgabai Deshmukh, the Seva Sadan of Lady Andal Venkata Subba – The Season 2020 Ongole District of Andhra Pradesh, Kota Narasimham, as he was origi- Rao, the Avvai Home of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy and nally known, lost his father when he was just five. The mother had to Yuvathi Saranalaya of Yamini Poorna Tilakamma. He also personally Dr. K.N. Kesari ear end in Chennai is cel host and partner in this party to December season a gigantic face severe hardships and when 11, unable to bear the distress of his sheltered several women, all of whom were given education and helped Yebration time. With pleasant enhance its success. For in- amalgam of everything ranging mother, he ran away from home and arrived in Madras. After several them become independent. they were not allowed to see the dead bodies. In the morning the weather for a change, there is stance, it can drum up cam- from the Bavarian Oktoberfest to initial setbacks, he succeeded in getting a scholarship at the Hindu Never forgetting the struggles he faced to get a good education, he plenty of life. Book fairs and bull paigns, sponsor events, provide the Edinburgh music festival and Theological School (Mint Street) and studied there. In order to differ- assisted in the management of a school that was set up to give education police gave permission to identify entiate him from another student of the same name, he was called to the people of Andhra origin who lived in Madras. In 1943, Dr. K. N. the bodies. It was impossible to fights, Muttukadu and Mylapore, infrastructure and participate in bring Chennai prominently on to Narakesari by his teacher which he shortened in later years to K.N. Kesari offered to take over the management of the institution and raised identify one from another. The Sabha-s and Saravana’s et al fight a myriad ways. The major thrust the international cultural map. formed guides are available in Kesari. His mother joined him in the city in 1889 only to pass away a it to middle school and, later, to high school level. The first batch of dead bodies were all in such a for a piece of the action. Nearly can be in tourism development If, on the other hand, through eries, some boating and a book most sabha-s who will explain the few months later. pupils appeared for the SSLC Public examinations in March 1948. This wretched state. Only a few could everyone ranging from NRIs to through an integrated approach some adventurism, this festival fair. Tour 6 is for the musically nuances of the tani and the tala Kesari learnt Ayurvedic medicine and assisted Pandit D. later became Kesari High School. point out their own people. It Narikuravas has a rum time in to music, entertainment and unplugged spins a bit out of con- less inclined and would take us in six languages, including Man- Gopalacharyulu who practised at the Kanyaka Parameswari Temple Kesari endowed the school with a spacious building at 163, was presumed that those who did this happening place. travel. With a bit of globali- to just one sabha, plus a multi- Dharma Ayurveda Vaidyasala. This, run by the Sri Kanyaka Royapettah High Road (formerly Palm Grove, the palatial residence of darin. Thanks to a simple mar- not return home that night had The Government was missing sation, liberalisation and some plex. There is a JJ tour that starts Parameswari Devasthanam, was in Godown Street, George Town. In S. Doraiswami Iyer, a famed lawyer), valued at that time at Rs. 70,000. keting technique, attendance in met with death. Some, who went out on all this hoopla and is mak- marketing techniques thrown in, with a jugalbandi and ends at a 1900, Dr. Kesari set up his own practice in the same street, under the In addition, he donated Rs. 50,000 to the school. He also constituted a the tani session has soared. A to neighbouring villages on some ing up for lost time. It can be a the idea could be to make the l by jallikattu, and a KK tour that name Kesari Kuteeram, along with some partners. Differences of opin- committee of trustees to manage the affairs of the institution and ad- bumper lottery is conducted for errands were also considered starts at Kalakshetra and ends at ion among them soon led to one of the early trade mark disputes in minister the properties. S. SRINIVASAN members who are present during Madras, the High Court’s judgement of 1929 finally settling it in favour In April 1947, Kesari donated a further Rs. 1 lakh to the trust for dead and we can imagine how Kovalam. There is also an all-in- the tani. Some super performers of Kesari. Meanwhile the business expanded, with a new office in Bandar education of girls. To ensure expansion of the activities of the institu- their people were thrilled and as- one mother of all tours that gives perform only at the M.A. Street and a branch in Secunderabad. The medicines such as Lodhra, tions and starting similar institutions in the future, it was decided to tonished to see them returning one of each – a sabha, an eatery, Likes and dislikes Chidambaram Stadium in view Amrita and Arka became household names. Kesari designed his own form a society under the Societies Registration Act 1860. Accordingly home. a temple, and a book fair. In trol, what would this transforma- of the size of the audience. Pa- advertisements for these products, which were published regularly in the ‘Kesari Education Society’ was formed and registered in February Kolla Kannayya Chetty was short, everything of your choice Telugu magazines such as Andhra Prakasika. Further expansion led to 1951. Subsequently, an elementary school was started with Telugu as tion look like? This mutated sea- thetic competition awards have one among the few who escaped his is how a couple of visi- as long as they respect the beauty from cathedrals to crocodiles. A the office and residence shifting to . the medium of instruction. son on steroids could have little gone. It starts with tickets to Ta- miraculously from the accident. Ttors from abroad saw the last of the art forms. common element of all the tours In the early years of the 20th Century, Kesari commissioned the Towards the end of his life, Kesari became distressed to know that Music Season: Dirt Muysers resemblance to the character and hiti for two. Innovation stands He managed to jump over the is a halt at a drive-in textile Lodhra Printing Press at High Road from where he began people were speaking of him as though he hailed from a wealthy family A serious student of Carnatic A software developer who spirit of Margazhi and Thai. unplugged. An artiste has ren- wooden fence and came outside showroom where the bus actually publishing Grihalakshmi, a Telugu magazine aimed at women. It later background. To set the record straight he wrote his memoirs in Telugu, music, Emmanuelle Martin be- lives in Rome, he is a German Sample this. drives through the showroom to dered a brilliant Bagesree on the became known for its intellectual content and for championing the titled Chinnanati Mutchatlu. This, many years after his demise, was unhurt. He lost his chain but the longs to a family of musicians in who has been coming to the Ma- It is 2020 and the season is in bagpipe. There is an absorbing rights of women. Following the death of his first wife after a prolonged translated into English by his daughter Vasantha Menon and edited by person who recovered it handed enable purchases literally off the Nantes, France. T.M. Krishna dras music season for the past 25 full swing. Chartered flights are analysis by a musician of Bach, illness, Kesari selected Madhavi, from Kerala, who was well-versed in his grandson K. Balakesari. it over to him the next day and shelf. has been teaching her for the past years. He is a regular at Narada landing and Chennai is on the Beethoven and Mozart and their Ayurveda, and married her. She was a qualified specialist in curing the The Kesari heritage lives on. The school was upgraded to a high he was rewarded for it. His chain eight years. Gana Sabha, loves the atmo- What about sabha-s? Tickets world map. 300 sabha-s, 2000 remarkable resemblance to the illnesses of women and children and set up practice along with her hus- school in 1981. Today, the Kesari Education Society manages the was a famous one and everyone This was her fourth music sea- sphere there. But there are dis- to concerts can be purchased in eateries and assorted events, all musical Trinity. And Harikali, a band. The marriage was blessed and the couple had a daughter in 1919 following schools: Kesari High School, Mylapore (English and Telugu knew about it in those days. He son in Chennai. She is an avid likes too: six different currencies in 46 – Sarada Devi. In later years, they adopted a girl, Vasantha. A branch of medium), Kesari High School, T. Nagar, Kesari Primary School, co-sponsors of this mammoth modern art form, promises to de- was an important man belonging music rasika, with very little ex- “I find that many musicians countries. Drab canteens and Kesari Kuteeram was set up in Kerala as well. In 1937 the Kesari T. Nagar (Telugu medium). The Kesari Kuteeram business too thrives, posure to dance. Likes the season do not keep track of their project, vie for attention. There stalls have given way to food liver Harikatha through th to the Komatti caste. Vaisyas Kuteeram business shifted to Westcott Road, Royapettah. This became now in its 108 year. The old bungalow has, however, given way to a because it is a time to enjoy as programmes to avoid repetition. are colourful hop-on, hop-off Kathakali. never used to conduct any good courts and forex counters to ca- a huge establishment, with a handsome bungalow in the middle, multistoreyed building that houses many of Kesari’s descendants well as a time to learn. A couple of them sang the same trolley buses with open upper Is there anything offbeat? One ceremonies in their houses with- ter to international clientele. surrounded by workshops of the business where the medicines were including his great grandson – the famous musician P. Unnikrishnan. Disliked: (1) The air-condi- main raga for two consecutive decks, plying between the vari- sabha in a Chennai suburb has a prepared. We publish extracts from Dr. Kesari’s reminiscences on his observa- out approaching him. He was a And the music? With globali- tioning. “Next year I will have to seasons in their Narada Gana ous sabha-s, hotels, eateries and sation, ghazal-s and qawwali-s novelty. Here, performances Kesari became an ardent champion of women’s causes. His maga- tions about Madras. functionary in the Kanyaka bring my winter coat, woollen cap Sabha concerts.” temples. For the convenience of fight with bhajan-s and abhang-s start with an invocation to Lord zine launched for women an annual award comprising a gold bracelet. Sriram V. Paramesvari temple. He used to and gloves!” (2) People talking, “I may not come back next rasika-s and tourists, there are Ganesa, which is followed by The Grihalakshmi Swarnakankanam, as the bracelet became known, visit the temple with bhasmam walking up and down, cell phones year. The traffic is getting steadily for concert time and space. Some tour packages available for every songs and ends with a mangalam. and kumkum on his forehead and ringing and people answering worse and autorickshaws more sabha-s have accommodated whim and fancy. At the informa- In between there are ingredients ear Pachaiyappa’s College travel in a horse carriage. He was phone calls while the concert is and more expensive. I usually Christmas carols on the 24th and tion counter, we are given a such as ragam-tanam-pallavi and Nin George Town, there was The Great ‘Park Fair’ fire given great honour and was held in progress. (3) The sound system stay at Hotel Maris, which too is there is a sabha that caters to the when it spoils the music. getting more costly. The appre- menu card listing out the various a tani. Most songs are in praise of a street called Bandar Street. in great esteem. Not even the over-busy tourist who needs to Liked: Innovations in music ciation in the value of the rupee combinations. know Carnatic music in 10 min- the Almighty. Their spartan can- One master by name Ramanuja- I managed to get a scholarship It was 1889. I was studying in and joy disappeared and within Viceroy would get such high re- and dance, jugalbandis and fusion doesn’t help.”(Courtesy: Sruti) Tour number 3, for instance, utes – a sort of 20-20 cricket ver- teen has only coffee. (Courtesy: chari ran a small street school without fees in his school. Madras and (at that time) my half an hour, the whole place was spect and treatment. People used takes us to four sabha-s, two eat- sion of classical music. Uni- Sruti) there. Though he took fees from *** mother was staying with me. We filled with tragic scenes. Many to ring the temple bells whenever others, I was somehow exempted Since the last sixty years or so, took a room for twelve annas people lost their sight, besides they knew that he was coming from paying any fees. I often every year in December, they rent per month in Acharappan suffering injuries. Some were over and they received him with went to his house to help him in used to have an exhibition in the Street near Kothwal Bazar .The burnt to death. Others jumped great honour. As for his wealth, his household chores. I learnt Attracting tourists to Chennai People’s Park. People called it exhibition started as usual. One into the to escape he owned all the surrounding from him’Rukmini Kalyanam’ the ‘Park Fair’ exhibition. There evening, I went to see it along from the flames. Men and buildings of the present High and ‘Gajendra Moksham’ with was lot of rush for the exhibition. with another boy. We reached women in those days wore orna- Court. he city by itself may not be The city played host to 6 lakh heritage hotels (Great! What learn not to surround tourists l by A Staff Reporter meaning. But I realised that in So many things were on sale in the park at 6.00 PM. We had a ments. All this was either dam- I waited for a long time to see Tviewed as much of a tourist overseas tourists (up 12.5% from about starting off with Bharat and try and force them into one the long run, this kind of study the exhibition and the organisers ride on the merry-go-round; we aged or stolen. my friend returning but in vain. I destination, what with very poor 2006) in 2007. How many stayed Insurance Building?) vehicle or the other? When will ever it happens, it is to be would be of no use. So I decided made a lot of money out of it. saw Benares and Rameswaram in It took the whole night for the started returning home and as I awareness and even worse main- in the city and how many had ● Rural tourism with villages in there be functional and genuine to study English. This exhibition was con- a film. My friend wanted to go policemen to put down the fire, neared the Central Station I tenance and accessibility of the Chennai as a transit point on their hoped that it is not on the the vicinity playing host to metered vehicles so that the In 1889, Sri Sachidananda ducted in the same place where inside the exhibition. As I did as there were only a few fire en- could see my mother, in great likely tourist destinations, barring itinerary is open to question. same lines as the one at tourists. tourist as well as the general Yogi Ramanatha Sivasankara the band orchestra now plays. not have half an anna coin with gines. The timely help rendered distress, shouting my name and the big ones such as Fort St. The Department of Tourism Tirumalai Nayak Mahal in All these plans are welcome. commuter knows that he or she Pandya Garu founded the Hindu There were two circles – inner me I stayed back. Being a rich by the then Principal of Madras running towards the park. I George, the beach and Guindy and Culture, Government of Madurai, which is compre- But what remains to be seen is is not being fleeced? What about Theological High School and circle and outer circle. In the first boy, he could get inside the show Christian College, Mr. Miller, is recognised her voice and ran at National Park. Even in these Tamil Nadu, however, appears to hensible to none how much of this initiative will public toilets and drinking water worked as the headmaster. In (inner) circle, costly things were while I was merely wandering worth mentioning. He was a gen- once to her. She hugged me and places, civic amenities such as toi- be having ambitious plans to de- ● Audio guides or trained involve sensitising citizens of supply at tourist locations? What 1888, an English professor in displayed. In the second circle, outside. erous man. He gave assistance to gave a long sigh of relief. She was lets are badly wanting and when velop the city as a tourist desti- guides at tourist spots. Chennai towards tourists. Will about buses that will stop at des- Christian College had insulted cool drink shops and teashops Within a short time, thick women and children who were sweating all over and we sat on available are completely unusable nation. On the cards are the fol- ● A tourist-friendly transport there be no more hoardings ignated points and not at any Hindu religion and caused anxi- were built. There were four en- smoke began to spread all over injured and took pains to enquire the footpath adjacent to the wall thanks to poor maintenance. lowing: system (do we hear locals blocking heritage buildings? Will place which takes their fancy? ety amongst the Hindus. It was trances for each circle, each due to a fire inside. People inside about each and every student of of the General Hospital for some- Let’s face it, how many of us would ● A butterfly park at the wanting a friendly transport road signage no longer be cov- What about a Heritage Act to feared that the students, after safely guarded by policemen and were unable to get out and es- his college and gave information time. Even now, whenever I pass use a public toilet in this city? As Zoo system first?) ered with political party posters? ensure that what is left of the studying English, would change volunteers. To get inside the cape, as they could not see any- to their parents residing in and that side, I recollect that bitter for the “human face” of the trans- ● A night safari at the same A lot of tourism potential lies in city’s heritage (built/natural) is ● Clear road signages and des- their religion. The outcome (of port system, read autorickshaw place encouraging people to walk preserved for tourists and future outer circle one had to pay half thing due to the smoke. There outside Madras. experience. After sometime, we ignated pick up points for this apprehension) was the drivers, the less said the better. A sound and light show at about and browse at their leisure. generations to see and admire? an anna and to go to the inner was a stampede. Some lost their News spread everywhere returned home in a bullock cart. ● accredited autos and taxis founding of the Hindu Theologi- circle four annas were needed. way, some were crushed to death about the fire. Before long, thou- My friend’s mother who saw me And yet, as per the latest figures Fort St. George. This appar- Will our roads, now being de- Surely all this is not asking for too cal School. Pandya had obtained There were no electric bulbs in and some were badly hurt. Many sands of people thronged the enquired about her son. I was released in a financial daily of the ently is awaiting clearance ● A sculptor’s park at Mamalla- signed to cater only for vehicles, much. But if these basic steps are his B.A. degree from the Presi- those days, only kerosene lamps. rich people fell victims to this ca- scene to know about their near speechless for some time and af- city, the number of domestic tour- from the various owners of the puram ever allow that? What about the not taken, the average tourist dency College. He was proficient They were lit by five o’ clock and lamity and utter confusion pre- and dear ones. They had to re- terwards told her everything that ists visiting the city stood at 88 Fort including the ASI and ● A subsidy scheme for convert- behaviour of autorickshaw and may be scared to set foot in this in English, Telugu and Sanskrit. burnt till midnight. vailed everywhere. All the fun main there the whole night, for had happened. lakh in 2007 (up 21% from 2006). the Defence Ministry. When- ing heritage buildings into taxi operators? When will they city. CMYK 6 MADRAS MUSINGS March 1-15, 2008

Ramnoth took the next train A trio who to Bombay and, a week later, returned to Madras with a used Mitchell 35-mm movie camera, some lights, and a few other (Current Affairs questions are small items for the studio! And from the period February 1st to helped to there was still enough money 15th. Questions 11 to 20 per- left to run the studio! tain to Chennai and Tamil The Telugu film that was Nadu.) make fourth produced at Karthikeya Stu- 1. Name the singer and former dios by Rohini Pictures was a supermodel whom the French classic of the 1930s – President Nicolas Sarkozy married Grihalakshmi (1938). The film ery few today are aware Tamil film using the sets and recently. had the brilliant actress Vthat there was another props of his Hindi film, 2. Name the Nobel Laureate and Pasupuleti Kannamba in the President of East Timor who was movie studio in Adyar. It was Sairandhri (1933, India’s first title role. The multi-faceted known as Karthikeya Studios colour film). The film had not shot and wounded in an attack in film personality, Chittoor V. his home recently. and was on Greenway’s Road in done well and the company was Nagaiah, made his cinematic the late 1930s-early 1940s but, trying to cut its losses by Poster from a film made 3. In which Asian city did the larg- bow with a minor role in this at Prakjyothi Studio est observation wheel in the world sadly, did not survive long. Dur- launching Seetha Kalayanam movie. ing its short life it changed (1933) in Tamil. (30m higher than London Eye) In Sundaramurthy Nayanar Vauhini Pictures. He made a hands and names too. It was lo- Seshagiri roped in Mylapore start to turn recently? (1938), also shot at the studio, generous offer to Ramnoth and 4. In which Pacific island nation cated near Vasanth Vihar, in lawyer V. Sundaram Iyer, his Ramnoth created film history Sekhar to join him, which they what is now known as Bishop’s children – S. Rajam, Jaya- has the world’s largest protected with a scene that stunned and could not refuse. Besides, they marine reserve, covering 410,500 Gardens. owes lakshmi and seven-year-old thrilled moviegoers. In what found that BN was also an ide- sq. km, been created? much to the trio of enterprising prodigy, S. Balachandar – and was truly a miracle, a torrent of alist and in him they saw a kin- men, Muthuswami Iyer, A.K. members of an amateur drama 5. Name the famed explorer and paddy fell over the parched, dred soul. Soon, the threesome, world record holder who has been Shekar, a brilliant art director, troupe for the film. This was also famine-stricken land! Audi- Reddi-Ramnoth-Sekhar, declared dead after he disappeared and K. Ramnoth, the forgotten Papanasam Sivan’s first film as ences cheered wildly in movie would create Telugu film his- in early September 2007. genius of South Indian cinema, Music Director. houses and many burnt cam- tory. 6. Name the kingpin of India’s who promoted it. A wealthy Some years later, the trio Muthuswami Iyer became a largest kidney racket who was Nagarathar Kasi Chettiar worked untiringly to promote freelancer and directed a few l by arrested in Nepal recently. bankrolled the unit. Karthikeya Studios. It was a films, like Venuganam(1941), 7. Which date was dubbed ‘Super- Muthuswami Iyer was a jour- modest enterprise, lacking even RANDOR GUY with Carnatic musicians, N.C. Duper Tuesday’ in the context of nalist, magazine editor, pub- the barest of technical equip- Vasanthakokilam and V.V. the U.S. Presidential election race, lisher, adman, studio-owner ment, such as a 35-mm movie phor as an offering to the gods! Satagopan, in lead roles. when 24 States held nominating and film-maker. He directed camera. It was indeed a lucky Ramnoth shot the scene with Later, another studio came contests? many movies in Madras, break when the well-to-do au- miniatures. It was the first time up on the same site in Bishop’s 8. Name the Indian spiritual guru Bombay and elsewhere. He, ditor-turned-filmmaker, miniature photography was Gardens, named Pragjyothi Stu- and founder of the Transcenden- along with Ramnoth and Bommireddi Narasimha Reddi, used in South Indian cinema. dio. Promoted by a Marathi film tal Meditation technique who Sekhar, made a brilliant cre- soon to create Telugu cinema Regretfully, Karthikeya technician in Madras, it was ac- passed away on February 5th. ative team in the early decades history as B.N. Reddi, drove Studios’ success did not last tive for some years and films 9. Which country’s Prime Minis- of Tamil cinema. into the studio to meet the en- long; the trio were essentially like Devakanya (1943) were pro- ter recently apologised for the Iyer, with limited finances, terprising threesome. He had creative persons, not business- duced there. With the Japanese treatment of its indigenous people, promoted an English movie and just incorporated his film pro- men. They were also idealists – threat to Madras city in 1942- especially its ‘stolen generations’? fine arts monthly magazine, duction company Rohini Pic- and idealism had no place in 43 and the consequent evacua- 10. Which endangered marine Sound and Shadow. His art de- tures in association with a pio- business management! Besides, tion of the city, film production animal was recently tracked to signer and layout man was none neer in Indian films, H.M. with the success of Griha- virtually ground to a halt. have swum from Indonesia to other than Appakonam Kula Reddi. The two had planned Oregon and back to Hawaii in an lakshmi, BN was eager to go it Prakjyothi Studio also closed Sekhar. their maiden movie and were on his own and promoted forever. epic 13,000-mile search for food? Not long after the magazine looking for a studio. Even at the * * * was in circulation, a diminutive, first meeting BN (as he was fa- 11. Who retained the title in the self-effacing, bespectacled miliarly known) was more than Velammal National ‘A’ chess young man, a B.A. degree- impressed with Ramnoth and championship in Chennai on youngsters and so Phax Mulder, holder from Poojapura, Trivan- Sekhar. The meeting had far- Flomega, Timm-OH, LastMove February 15th? drum, who was employed in reaching consequences not only 12. Which Tamil film was officially and Jo Henning have turned Madras as an apprentice with in the lives of BN, Ramnoth and them into means to gather chil- exhibited at the prestigious the Kodak Company, knocked Sekhar but also in the history of dren and young people and show Berlin International Film Festival at the doors of Iyer’s office with South Indian cinema. BN hired March 7-9: Urban Street Art: 4 El- them common concerns and recently? an article on photography. It the studio for Rs.16,000. With ements of Hip Hop produced by friendship (at the Max Muller 13. Who played the lead role in was so brilliant that Iyer not disarming honesty and trans- five hip hop artists from Ger- Bhavan). Ellis R. Dungan’s Kalamegham? only accepted it but also offered parency, Ramnoth told BN that many who have united for this Till March 10: The Sheetal 14. Which famous statue came up, the surprised young man a job he needed the money in ad- project to fight agianst racism Gattani (at Gallery Sumukha). and for peace with art forms such thanks to donations from students with Sound and Shadow, which vance! BN’s admiration and re- Till March 15: The Definitive Re- from all over the State? as rap and graffiti which are com- incarnate – photographs by he accepted at once! His name gard for that creative genius monly known more as critical 15. Which famous Chennai ‘insti- Nandini Valli Muthiah (at was K. Ramnoth. rose and he at once paid the full and aggressive. Yet these art tution’ was inaugurated on August Sakshi Gallery). The Muthuswami Iyer- amount. forms are favoured by many 18, 1928 at the YMCA Hall on Es- Ramnoth-Sekhar trio worked planade? round-the-clock to make the 16. Name the edifice built in 1797 magazine interesting and viable, STATE TOPS IN ROAD ACCIDENTS which is the first garden house on not an easy task in the early the south bank of the Adyar. 1930s. A rich impresario, lover (Continued from page 1) roads was not controlled, in the the poor design of roads and in- 17. Which party has only two seats of fine arts, talent scout and event that road space cannot be tersections in particular. in the present Tamil Nadu lawyer of Mylapore. G.K. The study attributes these fig- increased. That study had What is worrying is that, de- Legislative Assembly? Seshagiri, backed the magazine. ures to a combination of rash pointed out that there were 7.7 spite such signals from the fig- 18. Who was the Chief Minister of One morning in 1933, a letter driving and negligence, com- road accidents for every 1,000 ures coming in loud and clear, Madras when Mahatma Gandhi from distant Kolhapur, a bined with bad road conditions. vehicles. There were six road there appear to be no steps undertook the Dandi March? Princely State then, arrived in And yet, these figures are accidents every hour in the taken to improve road safety. 19. Which temple town gets its the magazine’s office. The let- hardly surprising. A study in State; one person died every The number of vehicles on the name from the legend of an ter, which was to change the 2005 which was submitted to hour. As for two-wheeler users, road is said to be increasing at elephant worshipping Shiva with lives of the trio, and that of flowers and water brought in its the Tamil Nadu Road Sector 2.2 persons died for every an annual rate of 15%. How can trunk? many others, was signed, ‘V. Project stated that road acci- 10,000 motorised two-wheelers. the roads handle this kind of Shantaram’, Partner, Prabhat dents cost the State exchequer The study also predicted that load? And with the announce- 20. What was founded in 1917 by Films. Shantaram, one of the Annie Besant, Dorothy Jinaraja- Rs. 700 crore each year. In ad- the number of road accidents ment of a slew of small and big dasa and Margaret Cousins at greatest film-makers of the dition, it stated that the situa- would go up to 2.54 lakh by car projects, it is anybody’s guess Adyar? country, sought the help of tion was only likely to worsen if 2025 if the present trend was as to what the future holds for Sound and Shadow to make a the number of vehicles on the not reversed. It squarely blamed us. (Answers on page 7) March 1-15, 2008 MADRAS MUSINGS 7 Cops with a view Domestic security – some tips from the Police he E4 Police Station is forms topped with friendly effective security was distri- 1. Inform your local police station before travelling out of sta- “T holding a meeting at smiles greeted me at the gate buted. Each item was discussed tion, giving them your address, the name of the head of the Maharashtra Nivas at ‘about 7 and came forward to find a briefly. The officer fielded family and the days you plan to be away. The Police will pm’ on Saturday, 23rd Febru- parking spot for my car. This set questions patiently, and im- ensure that your house is checked regularly. ary, 2008 to discuss security the mood for what was to fol- pressed us with his awareness of 2. While going out, please do not leave behind expensive problems of apartment dwell- low. any problem discussed (he jewellery or large amounts of cash. It is advisable that burglar ers.” At 7.10 pm, an officer rose knew there was an instance of alarms are installed at your residence. The invitation arrived at to the microphone, and with- overnight parked vehicles at 3. There are many reports these days of the Airconditioning each block. I wondered how Vidyodaya colony, causing a unit being removed and the intruder stepping in through the opening. Please ensure that grilles are provided so that the many people would honour it. I l by nuisance to early morning reached the venue at ‘about 7 walkers in the area!). AC unit cannot be removed. pm’ (loved the honesty!) SUSHILA NATRAJ While this was going on, we 4. If you keep your windows open at night for ventilation, please warily. My driver had instruc- were treated to a snack and cof- ensure that ladies do not sleep near them. The jewellery they wear can be an easy target. tions to park around the corner out any fanfare, apologised fee! You could see a significant 5. While answering the door-bell, please make sure you recognise and wait for a few minutes until briefly for the delay in starting loosening of the facial muscles the visitor before opening the door. I gave him the ‘all clear’ to go the meeting (!) due to his supe- of the audience as the evening 6. Please check the identity of personnel who call to attend to home. Not knowing what to rior being held up at Anna wore on. your gadgets. The same applies to courier delivery boys, em- expect, I swung in my imagina- Arivalayam. Then he began A register was passed ployees of telephones and water supply departments. tion between an overcrowded speaking to us about the pur- around for us to put down our 7. If you have a dog, do not lock the animal in at night. Allow it jamboree at which nothing sub- pose of the meeting. Security addresses. I look forward to to roam free within your compound. stantial would be achieved and lapses have occurred in alarm- some follow-up. I must say the 8. Womenfolk who are alone at home must avoid entertaining a deserted hall with disinter- ing numbers of late, he said. ‘about 100’ residents who left those who come offering to polish gold jewellery. It is also ested personnel going through There have been a number of the hall were a converted lot. advisable not to strike a conversation with unknown women the motions of a forced PR ex- burglaries, some in broad day- How can you fault the police- callers. ercise. light. men who go to such lengths! 9. Do not wear expensive jewellery while drawing kolam-s at Was I pleasantly surprised! A leaflet listing points to be your doorstep in the early hours of the morning or during evening hours. Police personnel in crisp uni- borne in mind to maintain (See box alongside.) 10. In case you are in the habit of going for walks in the morning or in the evening, do not wear expensive jewellery; also, do not Gubernatorial bungalow converse with strangers. 11. Two-wheelers ought to be secured with chains. 12. If possible, employ a watchman and ensure he remains by the beach awake. 13. Be wary of smartly dressed strangers who come claiming to be (Continued from page 1) me where a ding-dong battle is the latter wants only a part to be from the police department. Later there was talk of an in progress between environ- saved as a sample of what was 14. Be watchful of strangers following you when you return from elevated road from Beach mentalists on one side and the once a unique estuarine area. outings. Station to Adyar and beyond. Government, on the other. The The environmentalists feel that 15. When women venture out, it is best that they do not Then came the Adyar former want the wetlands pre- if only a part is to be saved it prominently display their jewellery. Creek development program- served in their entirety while cannot be sustained and soon 16. Before employing any domestic help, verify the person’s the area will be destroyed and antecedents. later developed for real estate. 17. While going shopping during festivals, protect your wallet Answers to Quiz In the midst of all this, the con- and jewellery from pickpockets. tinued indifference of the Gov- 18. A common ploy used by rogues is to point to cash lying on the street, thereby diverting your attention. Beware of this trick. 1. Carla Bruni; 2. José Ramos-Horta; 3. Singapore; 4. Kiribati. It is called ernment to coast regulations is 19. Those who wish to help the police by assisting in the night ‘The Phoenix Islands Protected Area’; 5. Steve Fossett; 6. Dr. Amit puzzling. How can a Govern- Kumar; 7. February 5th; 8. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; 9. Australia; 10. watch can register their names with the local Police Station. ment building come up in an Leatherback turtle. 20. In case you see any suspicious persons or activity in your area that is clearly out of bounds neighbourhood, alert the Police. * * * for permanent constructions? 21. In case a crime occurs in your neighbourhood, inform the What kind of signal is the Gov- 11. G.M. Surya Shekhar Ganguly; 12. Paruthiveeran; 13. Nadaswaram Police as soon as you come to know of it. maestro T.N. Rajaratnam Pillai; 14. Kannagi statue; 15. Music Academy; ernment sending to the people? 22. Do not alter, or tamper with, the scene of any crime until the 16. Brodie’s Castle; 17. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi; 18. Dr. P. That it is perfectly all right to arrival of the Police. Subbaroyan; 19. Tiruvanaikkaval near Tiruchi; 20. The Women’s Indian bend laws? Will it wake up only — Courtesy: E3 Police Station, Association. when it is too late? CHENNAI HERITAGE Subscriptions and contributions

260-A T.T.K. ROAD, ALWARPET, CHENNAI 600 018. l Since Volume XIV, No.1 (April 16, 2003), Madras Musings has been priced at Rs.5 a copy, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: Rs.100/-. Please make out your cheque only to I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) / CHENNAI HERITAGE and send it, together with the COUPON BELOW, to CHENNAI I have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it hereafter. HERITAGE, 260-A, TTK ROAD, CHENNAI 600 018 or C/O LOKAVANI SOUTHERN PRINTERS PVT. LTD., 122, GREAMS ROAD, CHENNAI 600 006. l I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for Rs. 100 (Rupees One An ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION of just Rs.100 covers only a part of our costs. Cor- hundred) payable to CHENNAI HERITAGE, MADRAS, as subscription to Madras porate support and YOUR support will continue to be essential for Chennai Heritage Musings for the year 2007-08. and Madras Musings to play a greater role in creating awareness about the city, its

l As token of my support for the causes of heritage, environment heritage and its environment. We therefore look forward to your sending us your and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, I send Chennai contributions IN ADDITION TO your subscriptions. Heritage an additional Rs...... If in the coming year Chennai Heritage receives repeated support from those of (Rupees ...... ) you who have already made contributions, and if many more supporters join the bandwagon, we will not only be able to keep Madras Musings going, but also be able Please keep / put me on your mailing list. to continue awareness-building exercises on on-going projects as well as undertake Name : ...... one or two more such exercises. Therefore, please keep your contributions coming IN ADDITION TO YOUR SUB- Address: ...... SCRIPTIONS. If, say, you send in a cheque for Rs.500, we will treat Rs.100 of it towards subscription to Madras Musings for 2007-08 and the remaining Rs.400 as ...... contribution towards the causes Chennai Heritage espouses...... We look forward to all readers of Madras Musings, and those newcomers who want to receive copies, sending in their subscriptions. We are indeed sorry we can no Note: Overseas postage Rs. 550/year extra. Cheques for overseas postage alone longer remain a free mailer. payable to M/s. Lokavani Southern Printers Pvt. Ltd. All other cheques to ‘Chennai — The Editor Heritage’. 8 MADRAS MUSINGS March 1-15, 2008

Maria Montessori Bird Race experience

Terns gathered there on the in Madras electricity lines. Periodically, they would rise in a cloud and then come back to their origi- aria Montessori in India extensively, training nal perch. Were they getting M(August 31, 1870 – May people at Ahmedabad, Srinagar ready for migration? There were 6, 1952) was an Italian physi- and Poona. Schools opened all Waders and also plenty of pip- cian, educator, philosopher and over the country as a conse- its and Larks in the grasslands. humanitarian. She is best quence. Nanmangalam yielded two known for the world-famous In 1946, Education for a New fat baby Owls in the usual Montessori method of educa- World, the second Indian book place in the quarry, Pied tion of children. It stresses the on the Montessori movement Crested Cuckoos and other importance of adapting the and the first to be published ur sighting of the birds. child’s learning environment to from Madras, was edited by OPeregrine Falcon on the In the his or her developmental level, Helen Wheel, the Principal of SHAR road was an exhilarat- marshes, apart from the usual and of the role of physical activ- ing experience. He sat quietly waterbirds like Egrets, Herons the Lady Sivaswami Iyer Girls on the electricity pylon and al- ity in absorbing academic con- School. This was dedicated to and Moorhens, we also saw a lowed us a good glimpse of group of three Grey-headed cepts and practical skills. Dr. Dr. G.S. Arundale. It was the him. The sighting of the Montessori opened her first Lapwings, Snipe, Rosy Pastors first publication of Kalakshetra Blackcapped Kingfisher near and also our namesake, the school based on this method in Publications, run by C. Nachi- the Information Centre at Marsh Harrier. 1907 in Rome. Dr. Maria Montessori with Mario, appan (now referred to as was also very exciting. Dr. G.S. Arundale and Rukmini Devi. Altogether, it was a great ex- Maria Montessori came to Koviloor Swami), a close associ- Siruthavur is an excellent birding area. Apart from the In- perience! May the tribe of India in 1939, invited by allowing plenty of interaction ate of Rukmini Devi and an ar- birders increase! — (Courtesy: Rukmini Devi and Dr. G.S. dent supporter of the Montes- dian Coursers which are with Dr. Montessori. She deliv- present in considerable num- Madras Naturalists’ Society) Arundale. On the death of ered lectures in Italian and her sori method. bers, we also found a huge Annie Besant in 1933, they son served as translator. Dr. Montessori returned to flock of 100-plus Whiskered – Geetha Jaikumar launched the Besant Cultural The Second World War Europe in 1946, only to come Centre in Adyar. They invited saw the internment of Dr back to Madras in 1947 to try and Dr. Montessori to conduct a Montessori and her son in begin a Montessori University The Bird Race winners three-month training course for Kodaikanal as enemy aliens. here. It did not materialise. She, students from all over the coun- Their movements were re- however, visited Sri Lanka and orty teams registered for Lesser Kestrel led by Dr. try. stricted to five mile radius from Pakistan that year and trained Fthe Bird Race and 35 teams Rajaram, and including Jenni- Dr. Montessori came to ‘Rose Bank’, the bungalow people there. She said her final completed it and submitted fer, Vasumathy T, and Gopi- Madras, accompanied by son they were kept in. During this farewell to Madras and India in their log books at the end of the nath. The all-women’s team Mario. The Bombay-Madras time, Dr. Montessori interacted 1949. Several of her students car- day. More than 170 species of led by Mrinalini Mani and in- journey by the Tata Mail plane, with students and teachers and ried on her work in India. The birds were spotted in a wide va- cluding Gayathree Krishna, took six hours with stops en adapted her course to suit the Kalakshetra Publications kept riety of habitats that included Divya Ramesh and Aparna wetlands, open scrubs, marshy Narayanan had a creditable route. At the airport she was re- Indian environment. the books on the system in circu- ceived by prominent citizens of lation, playing an important role areas, residential areas, estu- tally of 85 species. In 1945, the All India Mon- ary, and water bodies. Madras and students of the tessori Congress was held. The in popularising the movement. The ‘Bird of the Day’ was Besant Memorial School who Indian wing of the Association Commemorating the cente- The team that spotted the the Indian Courser spotted at highest number of species Siruthavur, by the Marsh Har- formed a Guard of Honour. A Montessori Internationale nary of Montessori movement, reception was held at the Head- (120) was Emerald Dove led by rier team led by Dr. Geetha (AMI) was set up, manned by Kalakshetra Publications has Jaikumar and including Dr. quarters Hall of the Theosophi- Sudhakar Muthyala and in- several prominent Indians. The brought out a book, Centenary cluding Praveen Govind Raj, Alaganandam, Vikram cal Society. A special thatched method of education was of the Montessori Movement, Sandeep Appa Rao, and Kuruvilla and Dr. Arun hut was built for her classes with hailed by stalwarts such as Dr. which has articles by Dr. Mon- Sathya. Cormorant led by Dr. Kumar. a stone dais for her to speak S. Radhakrishnan, Rabindra- tessori and also writings on her Badrinarayanan and with There was also a team of from. The inauguration was at- nath Tagore, Jawaharlal Nehru work in India. It has some ex- Dhurga S, Ekshika, and Usha special students from Vidya tended by C. Rajagopalachari and Dr. Zakir Hussain. ‘Kalki’ cellent photographs taken dur- Palat was second with a count Sagar led by Dr. R. and S. Sathyamurthy. Krishnamurthy wrote in praise ing her visits. It has also details of 97 species. The third highest Bhanumathi. – (Courtesy: Students from all over India of her and several industrial of materials used in educating count (90) was received from Madras Naturalists’ Society.) and Ceylon enrolled. The houses supported her work. Post children. course was residential, thereby release, Dr Montessori travelled Sriram V

F.L. Smidth Limited

Since 1856, patently leaders UCAL AUTO TVS MOTOR COMPANY PRIVATE LIMITED — A WELLWISHER

Published by S. Muthiah forfor ‘Chennai‘Chennai Heritage’,Heritage’, 260-A,260-A, TTK TTK Road, Road, Chennai Chennai 600 600 018 018 and and printed printed by by T TJ JGeorge George at atLokavani Lokavani-Hallmark Southern Printers Press Pvt.Pvt. Ltd.,Ltd., 62/63,122, Greams Greams Road, Road, Chennai Chennai 600600 006.006. EditedEdited byby S.S. MUTHIAH.MUTHIAH.