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WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS

Vol. XXVII No. 23 March 16-31, 2018

D’Angelis hotel when it was opened. The rear of the hotel building brought to dust in 2018. More heritage ground to dust INTACH and agreed to in toto G by The Editor – As citizens watch helplessly by the High Court. Had this been done, a lot of time would had even graded its state of that it is only the facade of a earlier body evidently still re- lose on the heels of the have been saved, as would maintenance as fair as late as in building that needs to be pro- mains in operation. But in a de- demolition of Binny’s countless heritage structures. C 2006. From then to demolition tected. cade and more of its existence Building on Armenian Street, On the other hand, the Com- within a decade is monstrous to The Heritage Conservation it has done precious little. Man- the old D’Angelis building, mittee is still debating on the say the least. Committee of the CMDA is dated to study and notify the which stood at the corner of best way to identify and list the Rather ironically, it is this wholly to blame for this situa- 400-odd buildings listed as be- and Blackers Road structures and has, when it felt modified exterior that is being tion. Given that the other Heri- ing of heritage value by the has been ground to dust. Those like it, enlisted college students retained after the interiors have tage Committee following the High Court in 2006, it never not so familiar with its past will for assistance. The net result is all gone. This is to comply with passing of the Heritage Act by went about this task. For a start know of it as Bosotto’s or, bet- that ten buildings or so (out of ter still, associate it with the the Government’s interpreta- the Assembly in it declined to accept the list that Bata Showroom that func- tion of the High Court order 2010 was never constituted, the had been put together by (Continued on page 6) tioned for long from its ground floor. That it was not in any weakened condition is evident from the fact that it has taken more than a year to bring it State’s Public Health Services need down. That the High Court of Madras listed the structure as NITI Aayog survey, in health centres are not open in Grade 2a in the Justice Acollaboration with the to work better the evenings. It must be said, Padmanabhan committee re- World Bank, published in Feb- ment. By then people have spent pre-project sociological survey however, that as high as 69 per port obviously did not offer any ruary 2018 ranks Tamil Nadu as considerable sums of money ensures that every feature of the cent were satisfied with services protection to it. It just goes to the third best State in India for besides losing valuable time in project recognises the target by doctors. show that the builder-bureau- 2015-16 in terms of medical early detection and timely treat- beneficiaries’ needs, cultural The report of NITI Aayog fo- crat nexus can thwart any legal infrastructure. At the ground ment. Delay could lead to compulsions and habits. cuses on one aspect of health – ruling. There will always be a level, however, results of a complications besides commu- child health, i.e., neo natal mor- way. That the core of the build- grassroot study by an NGO re- tality, under-5 mortality, etc. ing dated to 1906, has also not veals unsatisfactory working This basic aspect of health made any difference. conditions in Primary Health G by A Special Correspondent could well serve as a reliable The exterior of the building Centres and tertiary hospitals. proxy for all other facets of had undergone considerable al- In Tamil Nadu, according to public health. The Study has teration in the hands of several the local study, state-run hospi- nicating the disease to others in The report of the local NGO compiled index numbers for successive owners. But the in- tals are not the first choice for the community. Quite often records that 49 per cent paid performance by States for three terior, apart from sections gut- treatment of TB. In rural areas, what seems like minor features bribes for service, 73 per cent components – Health Out- ted by a fire that invariably especially, three out of five, that have an important bearing on experienced poor/average comes, Key Inputs and Gover- comes to all heritage buildings is, 60 per cent, go to private hos- the usefulenes of the service to drinking water availability, over nance. Based on the index in the city, retained much of its pitals before enrolling in public the beneficiary – example: 45 per cent had to suffer long scores, it has ranked the States. original grandeur. INTACH centres/hospitals for free treat- working hours of the facility. A wait and most said that public (Continued on page 2) CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS March 16-31, 2018 Health Services disappoint Of mugs given & taken f late The Man from ders as to how many mugs balls all the shawls, sweaters OMadras Musings is invited would constitute a kilogram of and other woollies that had (Continued from page 1) 56.3 per cent in the State com- to all kinds of events. The ex- baggage. not seen the light of day since pared to a benchmark of 76.9 pression all and sundry would Having come to the conclu- the last time everyone went to The NITI Study assigns per cent in West Bengal. The be the mot juste with emphasis sion that he has been made a Bangalore. The nights are Tamil Nadu an Overall score ease of effecting improvements being on the sundry. MMM mug out of thus far, MMM has pleasant as well and as for the of 63.28 in 2014-15 and 63.38 over a very short period is illus- imagines his position to be taken to asking event day, while it is warming up af- in 2015-16, the two years being trated by Rajasthan’s determi- equivalent to that of an ageing organisers who invite him if ter the harsh and dark winter and waterlogged boot that gets they intend gifting him a mug we had, it is not yet summer. the Base Year and the Refer- nation – from 2.9 per cent in regularly caught in the fishing for his services. And then, not Considering that it is already ence Year respectively. Based 2014-15, they made a sustained nets cast by event organisers. waiting for their response, he mid-March, we are a puzzled on the index score, it is nation- effort and equipped 76.9 per They cast him back into the also makes it clear that he is lot. Heat we understand, but ally ranked second for overall cent of the districts with cardiac waters after their respective not in the market for any mugs all this cold? No way. This is performance in Health and units in one year. Primary events are over so that other and would be glad if they de- Madras, or at least was till we Family Welfare services. Health Centres functioning organisers can then haul him sisted from offering him any took to calling it Chennai. On Health Outcomes, the 24/7, on a norm of one per in. memento. He then proceeds to All over the city, quarrels State fell from 64.04 in the Base 100,000 population, is 35 per Perhaps it is the way MMM list the other items he does not are happening over the tem- Year to 62.56 in the Reference cent of the norm whereas States looks especially when being want – shawls of brocade or any perature in which the air-con- like Assam and Haryana set the photographed that inspires other variety, black lacquer or ditioners are to be set. The Year and is ranked third. these people, for by way of me- silver plated Tanjore plates, majority of our citizens some- On Key Inputs, Tamil Nadu benchmark with 76.9 and 77.6 mento (or momento as MMM papier-mâché figurines, photo how imagine that office spaces scores 78.06 in 2015-16 and is per cent coverage respectively has often seen it spelt in this frames, tinsel filigree garlands need to be at arctic tempera- ranked Number One. Governance of infrastruc- our land), they invariably gift with balls of sandal that leave a tures in summer and oven-like On Governance aspects, no ture determines outcomes. him a coffee mug. MMM now yellow stain on your clothes heat in ‘winter’ (you know the index score could be compiled has a huge collection of these, thereby making you remember Chennai winter – a slight re- Here is only one example of by the Study due to limited data varying in size, design and the event forever… the list is duction in the overall heat). governance deficiencies. The availability, but several indica- overall ghastliness. Some sport seemingly endless. But now they are confused, continuity of District Medical tors of governance have been oriental designs, others bear not having ever used interme- Officers, who are the frontline rated wherever data was cartoons and some have plain diate temperature settings. force for implementation, is an messages. There is one com- SHORT ‘N’ One half wants the air-condi- available. abysmal 7.3 months compared mon factor – they cannot be tioner to be set to near freez- On overall performance, SNAPPY to 25.4 months in Chhattisgarh recycled by way of gifting them ing on the grounds that it is Kerala got 82.89 compared to and 18.1 months in Gujarat. away to someone else. That is summer while the other lot, Tamil Nadu’s 63.38, the latter because all of them have The inevitable reaction on that coughs and wheezes like still getting second rank and The foregoing analysis shows personalised messages immor- MMM issuing such a caveat is clockwork from October to that a far second. Kerala has set that there is no contradiction talising the giver or the taker. that such gifts are part of our March, insists on ratcheting the benchmark indicating that between the NITI Report Take for instance a gift of a tradition. MMM wonders since up the heat. there is much room for Tamil assigning high ranks to Tamil mug from an institute of when mugs became part of our Similar is the ill will be- tradition. Coffee yes, but Nadu to raise performance – by Nadu and the grass-root level technology’s alumni associa- tween those who get bitten by tion that has its logo engraved mugs? Anyway, he has since mosquitoes and those that about 30 per cent. surveys by local NGOs reflect- on it. How can MMM pass this managed to deter many a deter- don’t. This intermediary There is an interesting angle ing serious deficiencies at the off to anyone else? The first mined organiser from gifting weather, known as spring in on the Key Inputs scores. ground level. The first measures question the mug at the receiv- him these assorted useless other parts of the world, has Tamil Nadu getting Rank 1 is the infrastructure quantita- ing end is bound to ask on items. He has made bold to seen the proliferation of these laudable as it sets the bench- tively and the second qualita- opening the gift is whether suggest flowers or fruits as op- airborne vectors as our Corpo- mark for other States. Kerala tively. MMM is an alumnus of that tions but these have not met ration refers to them. Our with a lower score of 74.17 on institution, which he is not. with much favour. Probably civic body in MMM’s view also Key Inputs has been able to Going by the Funds assigned The receiving mug is then the expense involved (you can- looks on these insects with a make the Number One spot for for Health for the years 2010- bound to ponder over the gift not order flowers and fruits at paternal affection for it has the beginning of the year for all Health Outcomes with a score 11 and 2017-18 as cited in Bud- mug and come to the conclu- done nothing to eliminate get Speeches, Rs. 7265 crores sion that MMM had made a the planned events in the cal- them. Their surge in numbers of 82.89. With less infrastruc- mug out of him. And so, endar and strike a bargain price is causing much distress to the ture Kerala has been able to were earmarked in 2010-11 and Rs. 32,231 crores in 2017-18, MMM is stuck with hundreds for wholesale purchase as you majority while a minority perform better on outcomes. can do with gimcrack what- reflecting a 4.44 times increase; of mugs. watches and scoffs. Management and monitoring, The problem is that you nots) makes organisers think All of this is bound to re- making possible a high quality as share of total expenditure, it cannot make a coffee set of six twice. sult in unrest of some kind, of service, has made the differ- grew from approximately 9 per out disparate mugs. And even hopefully not of the jallikattu ence between Kerala and Tamil cent to 16 per cent. The impor- if you did, how many such sets Summer (not yet) variety. The weather had bet- Nadu. tance accorded to the health can you have? After all, MMM here ter take a turn for the worse, Tamil Nadu numbers show sector and the resultant infra- is not the British Royal Family and soon at that. structure are well up to the to throw tea parties for hun- he suspense is killing. And that on Health Outcomes, low dred where all these mugs can weight at birth is as high as 13 mark. The focus should, there- TThe Man from Madras Tailpiece be used. You can use a couple Musings for one is not amused. per cent compared to 5/7 per fore, be on making things work better. Effective governance as pen stands but then how When will we get the weather he Man from Madras cent in Telangana. Sex ratio at Musings took this picture comes out as an area for major many of those can you have? we are familiar with? MMM al- T birth is 911 girls per 1000 boys Add toothbrush holders and a a week back. It is clear that the improvement. Honest feed- ludes to the sticky and hot sea- born, whereas it is 967 in Kerala planter for some indoor foliage son that really keeps us helmet law is being taken to suggesting that sex-selective back on efficiencies and in miniature but even after all Chennai peoples on our toes. extremes by some of our two- abortions on a significant scale outcomes at predictable period- these uses, there are still sev- We are also at our happiest wheeler riders. were probably happening icity, preferably, every half-year eral mugs left over. The only grumbling about it and when it –MMM unchecked. should be obtained. This would possible use that MMM can is not vouchsafed us, we begin think of is to carry these mugs Regarding Key Inputs, help the departments to fret. We as a people are un- concerned to make course each time he goes on an over- used to good weather and do Immunisation coverage is 82.7 seas visit. Many countries have not know how to enjoy it. Give per cent in Tamil Nadu whereas corrections and ensure compli- ance. an abhorrent policy of paper us this day our daily sweat we several states in the country instead of water for what are pray. have completed 100 per cent or Above all, public health known as ablutions. MMM is But the weather gods or over 95 per cent. Institutional needs a sanitary environment strongly pro-water. These whoever/whatever else that de- delivery in maternity cases has which pervades many aspects mugs are bound to come in cides on the climate have de- the effect of lowering maternal — water quality, slaughter- handy and the advantage is cided to play games with that you can leave them be- and infant mortality and on house hygiene, food safety. Chennai. How else can you ex- hind in the toilets used as a plain these chilly mornings? such an important aspect only Experts emphasise that safe kind gesture for future visitors 81.8 per cent go to institutions The temperature was down to drinking water and sanitation from India who may be desper- 18 deg C in for delivery whereas nearly 100 are critical determinants of ate to wash as opposed to wipe. last week one night. That is per cent has been recorded by health, which would directly There is however the matter of enough for Chennai to shiver more than one state. Percent- contribute to 70-80 per cent re- excess baggage. MMM won- and pull out from the moth- age of districts with functional duction in the burden of com- cardiac units is woefully low at municable diseases. March 16-31, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 3 Inglish made easy in recent book... he Words in Indian English: related usages and idioms. The Oxford. Incidentally, English- The MC held the meeting Tamil Nadu downturn TA Guide to English Commu- book is Inglish Made Easy. men, who were not fortunate on a tight leash and ensured our correspondent has nication in South Asia by S. The proceedings would have enough to go to Public School, that it did not ramble into Ypointed out that Tamil Muthiah, (Palaniappa Broth- led several among the audience developed a complex in engag- irrelevance. The speaker Nadu is not among the top ers) was recently released. The to introspect on their present ing with their own fellow coun- chosen on the spot, either by three on various parameters overflowing hall reflected the speaking and writing styles. trymen of the Public School va- arrangement or by chance, to (MM, March 1st) of develop- audience’s interest in the ety- Such an exercise might at times riety. To return to the story, my propose the vote of thanks ment. Time was when the State mological theme of the evening be unsettling. Years and years boss told me that all I needed to was it seemed, accustomed to was quoted as the shining ex- and their high regard for the ago, a friend suggested I read do was to re-read the report and speaking English the Indian ample of development. author and his writings. Plain Words by Ernest Gowers, remove superfluous articles, way. At the outset, he calmed The slide began when MGR Dr. Albert P. Rayan, a an ex-Post Master General of prepositions, adverbs and adjec- fears of a long speech under became the Chief Minister. His Professor of English, and Editor UK, which was a classic in those tives. I did just that. Not much of the guise of a vote of thanks, very first statement was that of the Journal of ELT, ex- times, on “correct English”. The my report was left. I relived this by assuring us that he had no Government would not open pounded the implications of reading knocked out my confi- experience listening to the time to make a speech, much colleges any more nor would it adapted English and how even dence to speak and write. I was speakers of that evening. I felt as he would like, as “his wife accord permission for aided col- that was not uniform all over all at sea till, after a time, I man- like the centipede, in a Greek was not well, was lonely at leges and that all new colleges the country as each region had aged to regain my orientation. saying, which was advised to go home and being the only would be self-financing private its own cultural variant. Shanta The second knock-out came to a consultant to know how to husband of his wife, he had to colleges. This dictum was car- Gabriel, a former English Lan- years later when I submitted my use its hundred legs in a scientific go home very fast to take care ried to nursery level. Similar was guage teacher, explained select very first professional report, of manner. After the consultation, of her”. The occasion, how- the case with government hos- portions from the book in a de- quite some length, to my boss. the centipede is said to be stand- ever, demanded that he pitals being deprived of funding. livery marked by authentic pro- He was an Englishman who was ing still at the same spot to this should thank the speakers on A moratorium on filling up va- nunciation and diction, which, a product of a Public School and day. the dais and praise their cant posts not only in Govern- incidentally, demonstrated how accomplishments. He said ment Departments but also in English should be spoken. In a they were all nice people when aided schools led to classrooms discussion with S.R. Madhu, ... & more of it someone whispered to him without teachers. senior Journalist, the author that it is not nice to use the efererence MMM’s column on Indian English (MM, Now, the latest entrant to said that spoken and written March 1st), here are a few suggested inclusions: word nice in this context as Tamil Nadu politics has pro- English among the younger gen- R the word, in propa English, ● What is your good name? (As though there is a bad name) claimed that he would establish eration are today poor mainly ● You may be rest assured really meant slimy or tricky. He MGR’s rule. Will there be more because of lack of qualified and ● He gets annoyed at small small things defended his usage saying of that same? trained language teachers. He ● Britisher what I tell, in India, we tell like believed that this situation ● Native place that only. Eventually, he S.S. Rajagopalan must be corrected if India is to ● He went on talking about this thing and that thing yielded and said that the 30, Kamarajar Street retain the unique advantage of ● Honourable Supreme Court / High Court people on the dais were not Chennai 600 093 being an English-knowing ● History sheeter – This uniquely Indian (Madras?) expression nice at all. At this, again, there for a habitual offender has gained a fair amount of respectabil- nation. But at the same time, were murmurs and he cor- ity, with even news papers like freely using it. The Wordless whatever we are taught, we will honorific is bestowed probably only on some one who has a rected himself saying that the continue to speak our own crime history at least one foolscap sheet long. persons on the stage were not Gopulu variants of English. ● I will give you a ring – the speaker has no intention of nice and they were good. Even The book catalogues Indian presenting a diamond ring but intends to only call you on the this did not go down well. G The late Gopulu during his usages that have crept into phone. Having got into a verbal trap, Then there are some English-Indian (Tamil) combo Ananda Vikatan days had a Indian English, almost making he decided to wind up the series of wordless jokes that it a different language from the expressions: meeting by thanking everyone eg. This is the wayaa? for ‘Is this the way’? brought about loud laughter. original. The book would, profusely and concluded that These were brought out as a therefore, come in handy to The list could go on..There is a delightful book Indlish by it was time for all to Jyoti Sanyal, formerly of Statesman, Calcutta (published by Viva go and book, in 2005, and a copy was visitors to India to be able to Books, 2006) which has delved deep into this fascinating come, a phrase the author of recently sent to me by understand English as spoken subject. But of course, the field is constantly evolving. the book regularly uses. Charukesi. We are pleased to and written here – peppered publish these cartoons for a K.Balakesari N.S. Parthasarathy with local expressions and new generation of Madrasis. [email protected] [email protected] literal translations of culture- – THE EDITOR THE MISSING LINK

n the 1980s, Madras pioneered in India the elevated railway Isystem, MRTS, the Mass Rapid Transport System. In the first phase, 8.55 km was constructed from Beach to . The original estimate of around Rs. 55 crore overshot and ended with Rs. 269 crore due to much delayed construction. Extension of this again got stuck with the State government treating it as a Central project and refusing to share a portion of the cost. The Tamil Nadu Government relented later and, over time, extended it to . Of course, prices had esclated, and the State ended up spending Rs. 769 crore. The original plan was to connect Velachery with St. Thomas’ Mount just 5 km away. Of this around 4.5 km has been con- structed, a small balance portion remaining unfinished due to liti- gation on the part of property owners demanding ever-increasing prices. Connecting this stretch with St. Thomas’ Mount on the old Beach- section, already connected with the Chennai time ridership suffered a sharp decline. But if this short link is Metro Rail Corporation (CMRL), will ensure convenient rail con- completed, services coordinated and fares rationalised, commut- nectivity to Adyar, Mylapore or from any point on the ers gaining familiarity with shorter travel time and higher comfort other two lines. The convenience and comfort lost in not doing levels, would be willing to pay more for the better service and this can only be imagined. greater comfort. There are other anomalies: vast differences in pricing tickets This may happen sooner than I thought. The acquisition left by the Indian Railway (suburban and MRTS), CMRL and the is only a couple of hundred metres, I am told. The value of state-run Metro Bus Transport Corporation (MTC). The CMRL property involved has been zooming in two decades from around charges Rs. 36 for travel from to Ekkattuthangal. Rs. 10,000 a ground (2400 sq.ft) to over Rs. 4 crore today but The parallel bus service is priced at Rs. 7. Government is sorting out on a priority basis the issue, I under- There is no denying that the Indian commuter is price-con- stand, to pave the way for completing the project in quick time. – scious. Delhi Metro increased the fares twice during 2017; each (Courtesy: Industrial Economist.) 4 MADRAS MUSINGS March 16-31, 2018 March 16-31, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 A street of The beat of ill-repute happiness

ikku Vinayakram’s home okay! It’s here somewhere. For from a davara-tumbler, he nods no more Vin Triplicane in Chennai sure. What is important is that I his head furiously when I suggest has a sparse study-cum-medita- enjoyed myself playing for to him that he must be very, very e have thus far in this with Jehangir Street at the north tion room on the second floor. Mickey Hart and with the other content with himself – what with Wseries been looking at lost/ end in the present General Post Huge portraits of the seer of artists. The process of playing the a “lifetime in music and an era in barely surviving landmarks in Office.” Love, the Victorian, Kanchi – the Paramacharya or ghatam, to me, overrides any rec- greatness behind him”? “No, our city, but what of an entire does not mention what Maha Periyava – Sri Chandra- ognition that I have got.” saar. Your question needs review. street that has vanished from the Odakkalu Street was famous for. sekharendra Saraswati (1594- Now, the man who is saying The ghatam has been around map? That may not be fully cor- Dr Kesari, who lived from 1875 1994), in different styles from this is the world’s best ghatam from the time of the Ramayana rect, for Odakkal Street does ap- to 1953, was describing the place posters to paintings to stained and Mahabharata. It is the only pear to exist but with a new as he remembered from child- instrument that is made from the glass works, adorn the walls. G by name and a completely different hood and that was more or less In the middle of the room, on earth, from all the five elements profile. In its heyday, this was a contemporaneous with Love’s a colourful jamakaalam sits a Avis Viswanathan — the panchabhoota-s. Who am I place that at least every sailor on time in our city. ghatam. It is a souvenir that a to take credit for making the shore leave was familiar with, for That this area was not always a ghatam-maker gave Vikku. It has ghatam famous or for all this glory it was one of the most notorious location with such a poor reputa- Vikku’s face carved out in the player. In fact, he is credited with that has come on account of it? red light areas of the city. tion is evident from its past clay. He doesn’t like talking putting the humble instrument I am most content playing good Odakkal/Odacaul/Odacul/ Post office street once Odakkal Street. about that ghatam though. “The on the world music scene. He has music with good people for good Vodacaul/Wodacaul Street, for person who made this was over- accompanied the all-time greats people to enjoy and energise enter into conversation with the these are the various names by enthusiastic. Out of affection for of Carnatic music – Chembai themselves. I consider myself to “lewd creatures”. From there to which this particular thorough- him, I have retained this in my Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar, M. be a postman, a messenger, a ulcerous sores on the body that fare was referred to in city maps, study. I had him make another Balamuralikrishna, GNB, Madu- mere instrument for music to LOST LANDMARKS OF CHENNAI could only be soothed by margosa ran west to east, connecting at its one with Periyava’s image; that rai Mani Iyer, Semmangudi reach people. How can any in- leaves was but a step. The area eastern end Moore Street to – SRIRAM V one is in my pooja room.” Srinivasa Iyer, Ariyakudi Rama- strument take credit for the mu- was most dangerous after eleven North Beach Road (Rajaji Salai), The shelves and cupboard nuja Iyengar, Maharajapuram sic?” he asks. at night and the total number of just north of General Post Office. tops, and even some cartons, are Santhanam and M.S. Subbu- To understand and celebrate women employed in the trade was I was first alerted to the full of awards that Vikku has re- lakshmi – to name but a few. Vikku’s humility better, his story in excess of five thousand! And he has played with many must be told in some detail. Born colourful past of the place when records. The street extends after 1880s, it must have provided a around 700 women were docu- ceived in his career of over 60 Vikku Vinayakram. I read Dr. K.N. Kesari’s delight- Moor Street to Kachaleeswarar convenient excuse. mented but several gomasta-s had By 1914, however, the busi- years as a performing artist. He Hindustani music stalwarts too – along with his sister Seethamani, ful memoirs Chinnanati Agraharam. This was where The rise in the flesh trade to be dismissed for they had ness had sharply diminished. The wants to show my wife Vaani and Hariprasad Chaurasia, Zakir as a fraternal twin, Vikku’s origi- course, the family’s income was The big break came when a Mucchatlu (translated into En- Kalavai Chetty, the builder of the here appears to have happened become ‘corrupted’. Government acquired much of me his Grammy memento – Hussain, Shivkumar Sharma and nal name was Ramaseshan. His meagre; so Sarma reckoned at 22-year-old Vinayakram was glish as Life and Times of Dr K N Kachaleeswarar temple, settled simultaneously with the develop- A handbill of the 1890s that is the place for development and which he won in 1991 for play- Amjad Ali Khan, for example. father Harihara Sarma, a first that having an artist with “accepted” by M.S. Subbu- Kesari by Vasantha N Menon). dancing girls attached to the ment of the harbour on which quoted in Global Anti-Vice Activ- the results of that are probably ing for Planet Drum, an album by More important, he is among mridangam artist and teacher, skills to play a different instru- lakshmi’s husband T. Sadasivam He writes: shrine sometime early in the 18th work began in 1875. From then ism, 1890-1950, Fighting Drinks, what we see when we walk down American percussionist Mickey those first artists from India who was advised by the doctors that ment (other than the to accompany them on a US tour Nellore Brahmins were well Century. While it may be conve- on we have continuous records Drugs and “Immorality” by Jessica Post Office Street today. That of Hart (who once was part of the were bold enough to experiment only one of the two children mridangam) would bring in some in 1964. This followed a concert known for their water transport nient to connect their presence to of the Government monitoring R. Pilley, Robert Kramm and course does not mean Madras band Grateful Dead); the award playing world fusion music de- would survive; if both had to sur- additional cash. But sensing his of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, business. They also had pearl the later degradation of the area the area. The entire locality was Harald Fischer-Tine gives details became wholly moral overnight. was for the Best World Music spite a very strong, conservative, vive, said a soothsayer, one of son’s prodigal talent, Sarma laid who Vinayakram accompanied, and coral business. They were into a set of bordellos, we must divided among seven gomasta-s of the way the place was - you It is just that the trade shifted Album that year. But Vikku classical orientation. In the them had to be given away in out a vision that Vinayakram at the Music Academy where sent to Madras Harbour from also remember that the Deva- who were all selected on the basis have a picture of dark complex- elsewhere, to Chengam Bazaar can’t find his Grammy memento 1970s, Vikku played with English adoption. Sarma chose to give play the ghatam so well that the both Subbulakshmi and Sada- Bunder Srikakulam, Kakinada dasi-s (dancing girls) could never of their incorruptible nature and, ioned women in white sarees on the western side of Town. among all his other awards. He guitarist John McLaughlin’s Ramaseshan in adoption to his instrument would become fa- sivam were in the audience. and other such places. They be equated with the harlot. Any- more importantly, being well standing near the thresholds of The term Chengam sarakku came manages to locate a plaque that Shakti alongside Zakir Hussain favourite deity – Lord Vinayaka. mous across the world. “My Owing to the Indo-Pak war that had their business near the way, by the mid 19th Century, the past their prime. They were their houses calling out to passers to mean a woman of easy virtue. all artists who played for Planet (tabla), L. Shankar (violin) and And so the name Vinayakram grounding comes from my intervened, the trip was post- Beach at Odakkalu Street. traditional courtesans had all mi- entrusted with the task of going by to step within. The more prud- By the 1940s however, the trade Drum signed on the occasion of Ramnad Raghavan (mridangam). came about! father’s vision. He did not urge poned; but it eventually Slowly this business stopped grated to the western side of Black around warning the women to ish people would therefore walk died out from there as well and winning the Grammy. What And then, of course, came Although Sarma lost one of me to play well for money or happened in 1966. and prostitutes began to stay Town, closer to Peddanaicken- get registered with the Govern- in the middle of the road, dispersed across the city. Cer- Vikku says when his search for Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum – and his fingers in an accident, he fame. He always taught me that That was the first time any there. They would call out to pet. That Odakkal Street was ment and also subject themselves unmindful of the carts and other tainly, Post Office Street has no the Grammy memento yields no the Grammy. taught young Vinayakram to music and the ghatam are much lead artist was willing to allow men as they passed by. The then a rather respectable quarter to regular medical examinations. vehicles. If they did step on to the vestiges of the time when it was result is deeply spiritual and But Vikku is untouched by all play the ghatam by giving him bigger than me,” reminisces the ghatam as an accompaniment English would stop and ask, of the town is proven by the fact This did work to an extent and footpaths they were bound to the notorious Odakkal Street. awakening: “Parava illai! It’s this glory. As he sips filter coffee beat-based instructions orally. Of Vikku. (Continued on page 6) ‘Why do you call me?’ This that Thomas Jarrett (see Jarretts’ gradually became corrupted to Gardens under Lost Landmarks, Odakkalu Street. Anyway, no MM, March 1st), that ultra- decent person would pass this devout Christian, had his office Metallic substances in Indian medical practice recorded in 1813 thoroughfare for obvious rea- on Odakkal Street in the early sons. 1800s. (Continued from and measures supplied: e.g. 2.5 used in the treatments of differ- duram is used mixed with copper guages or in transliterated as are also several of the articles of general economic importance independent India, who qualified formally Dr. Kesari was not entirely A street directory dating to last fortnight) grains of dry paddy (including ent diseases. In brief, he indicates sulphate and the root of Roman letters. For example, in that are cultivated; …”. (e.g. asbestos), although it in medicine with M.B.C.M. and F.R.C.P. correct when it came to the 1877 clearly connects Katchal- the husk) = 1 Apothecaries’ rassapuspam and rasacarpooram Amaranthus campestris (Amaran- his notes on asbestos, his com- In this section, he provides periodically alludes to materials from Scotland) wrote A Short History of ection 2 refers to metallic street’s etymology. Odakkalu eeswaran Temple and Odacul Grain. These pages also include for venereal afflictions, scurfy ul- thaceae) to treat foul ulcers. ments start from Pliny the elder worthwhile remarks on the culti- of medical importance (e.g. Aryan Medical Service in 1896 that in- substances used in Indian cluded a chapter ‘The Indian Materia took its name from Vadikal, Street. It then helpfully gives S details on how native medical cers, and leprosies. Saadilingam to Part II of the book includes (23-79 AD) until Thunberg vation practices of Oryza sativa mercury, and other metals such medical practice. Section 3 ex- Medica’. A more comprehensive volume, which in Tamil means ‘outlet’. details of various lanes and thor- practitioners write prescriptions be used with specified masses of details on materials (a little more (1743-1828) to how the Japa- and related water-management as Au, Zn, Ag). plains the medicines of the Tamil Materia Medica of India and their Therapeu- Henry Davison Love, in Vestiges oughfares that link with Odacul pertaining to water extract (in- the bark of Calotropis gigantea than 500, grouped under seven nese found a use for a fine quality practices in the Tamil land, Materia Medica, based on a Footnote: The earliest formal effort in tics was authored by Khory and Katrak of Old Madras is clear as to how Street at different places. These fusion), kashayam (decoction), (then known as Asclepias Gigan- sections based on their economic asbestos in making fabrics, offer- referring particularly to the Siddha medical text Agattiya this direction, i.e. producing a catalogue and was published in Bombay in 1903. the place got such a name. The include Muthumari Amman, thazham, thuvalai (liniment), tea, Asclepiadaceae), charcoal, ing fascinating reading. white-grain variety Samba and Vythiya Murai 500, also used by of medically relevant materials and their Krishnarao Mangeshrao Nadkarni pub- East India Company decided in Angappa Naicken, Sembudoss lehiyam (electuary), choornam Piper nigrum (Piperaceae), and G by In pages 270-271, Ainslie the red-grain variety Kaar. lished his massive tome The Indian Mate- the people of Telugu country and derivatives, was by John Fleming of the 1779 to auction the wasteland it and Thambu Chetty Streets. (powder), mathirai (pill), and the juice of Gossypium herbaceum provides remarks on rice cultiva- Ainslie’s book contains Bengal Medical Service. Another materia ria Medica in 1954, which has currently Muslims, which he thinks will be Dr. A. Raman possessed in Black Town. The There is only one thoroughfare kalimbu (plaster). (Malvaceae), well-ground and tion in the Tamil country. His details of materials of medical use medica of 19th Century India was The undergone several reprints and revisions. of value to European practitio- [email protected] total area was 664 ‘Lots’ and one that answers this description Ainslie subsequently explains the mix on hardening to be brief remarks start with a com- in India generically and in the Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled Whitelaw Ainslie’s Materia Medica of ners. Section 4 includes details of among these was along the today, and also connects with the the principles and practices fol- smoked for eye disorders. parison of Tennant’s notes on Tamil country in particular in from Sanskrit Medical Works (1877, Hindoostan (1813), which appeared in medications and their suggested Madras three years after Fleming pub- Vodocaul or Water Channel. GPO, and that is Post Office lowed by native Indian physi- Saviram is prepared with alum, contexts) used by the people of agriculture in Bengal (p. 270): the first part, which is referred to Thacker, Spink & Co., Calcutta) by Udoy doses from the Tamil medical Chand Dutt, a medical officer of the Ben- lished his volume, is more detailed and Love in a footnote adds, “This Street. There must have been a cians, particularly of the Tamil nitre (KNO ), iron sulphate the Tamil land in the 18th Cen- “On this coast (Coromandel), as Catalogue I and captioned The practice. Section 5 includes a list 3 gal Civil Medical Service. Baghvat comprehensive than Fleming’s in terms of channel, now obliterated, ran strong desire to rename the street country, in making five types of (FeSO ), and sal ammoniac tury. He provides impressive de- from being exposed to an oppo- Materia Medica of Hindoostan. of weights and measures used by 4 Sinhjee (Bhagvat Sinhjee Sangram quantity and quality of information sup- eastward to the sea. The name is and clear it of all its negative mercury-based compounds. He (NH Cl) and given to treat tails and, most critically, he site rainy season, the harvest Catalogue II, captioned Agricul- Indian physicians, with equiva- 4 Sinhjee Bahadur, the Maharaja of plied. preserved in Odacal Street, connotations and when the GPO also indicates how each of these asthma and phlegmatic problems supplements details with local months are necessarily different turist’s Nomenclature, is a biblio- lents of apothecaries’ weights Gondal, Rajkot, 1865-1944; r: 1869-1944, (Concluded) which connects Moor Street came up at the eastern end in the mercury compounds is being in microquantities. Rasasen- names either in original lan- from those of upper Hindoostan, graphic enumeration of materials the only ruler of a princely state in pre- 6 MADRAS MUSINGS March 16-31, 2018 Bird Count (Quizmaster V.V. Ramanan’s questions are from February 16 to 28. Questions 11 to 20 2018 at relate to Chennai and Tamil Nadu.)

1. Which popular social media Stella communication app, owned by February weekend was Facebook, has been given permis- The black kite. The shikra. hectic, with the faculty of sion to have a payment feature for A shouts of ‘give me the binocs’ its Indian users? the Zoology Department at Asian Brown Flycatcher as well greeted with many “Awesomes” Stella Maris College going all as the Blyth’s Reed Warbler this and “Oohs.” and ‘I think I saw ______’ 2. Whose record did Roger (any bird from the birding book Federer beat to become the old- out to interest students in year. There were a couple of The black kite sitting boldly which is not even remotely est World No. 1 tennis player? birding, especially on campus. bird calls that we were unable on a coconut tree feeding on a Interested students were taken to identify. Could be Sykes’s rodent in spite of mobbing by present on campus) — all this 3. Which paceman has been ap- made the campus count a pointed as Pakistan Cricket around the campus and at the Reed Warbler, though we were crows, the shikra carrying twigs memorable one. Looks like we Board’s brand ambassador? end of four days, we had 88 not too sure. The cute spotted to build its nest, courting checklists that documented 27 owlet did not show itself except shikras high up in the sky, the have more than the usual num- 4. Which company recently be- ber of students ‘hooked’ on to came the first ecommerce firm to species. once, much to the disappoint- occasional spot-billed pelican birding this year. enter food retail venture in the Apart from the usual species, ment of the students, but the and painted stork flying strongly country by starting operations in we once again documented the bright male Golden Oriole was and purposefully overhead, – Kalpana Jayaraman Pune? 5. Name the station in Rajasthan that has become the first all- women railway station. 6. Aruna Budda Reddy recently became the first Indian to win a THE BEAT OF HAPPINESS medal in the World champion- ships of which Olympic sport? (Continued from page 5) his very conservative back- God. I have seen God in human us home, I was for a long time 7. What is Aadhaar card for chil- ground? Even as I take a while form – and that is Maha Peri- looking at my Uber App with- dren under 5 years, that won’t on the world stage. That tour to phrase these questions, yava.” out filling in any details. I was have any biometric data, called gave Vinayakram a feel of what Vikku has his answer ready: As we get ready to leave, he lost in my reverie. I was think- and what will be its colour? it means to play music to a “Music has no language. Zakir adds this simple, yet so pro- ing, what kind of an evolved 8. Chilika Lake in Odisha has be- global audience. It was only (Hussain) and I have a perfect found, perspective: “Nambikkai man he must be who does not come the single largest habitat for M.S. Subbulakshmi who fondly harmony between us; when we (faith) is the key to live happily. really agonise that he cannot which endangered marine ani- called him “Vikku,” but since mal? are playing together we commu- With faith comes nimmadi (in- find his Grammy Award the nickname was easy on the nicate with our eyes. When I ner peace). With inner peace memento! To me, Vikku lives 9. What is the purpose of the tongue for the Westem audi- played with Western artists like comes anandam (happiness). I the philosophy of a desire-less ‘SRIJAN’ idea competition an- ences and artists, it soon nounced recently? Mickey Hart or John McLaugh- have always had total nambik- state that he spoke about. And became his identity globally! lin, we never had any issues. kai. So even when worry arises that is why he is so simple, 10. On February 20, which South “My father’s advice that They always respected my or sadness comes, I invoke my grounded, happy and at peace American country officially music is divine, that it does not launched its Petro crypto- space, my beliefs and my music. faith. Desires ruin happiness. with himself. Undoubtedly, he have boundaries and is not And I respected theirs. Music You can keep on desiring this is a rock star in his own right, currency, which it claims is the limited by styles and languages, world’s first sovereign crypto- unites; You don’t need anything and that and achieving this and but one who is obsessed only currency? resonated with me so much on else!” that. As long as you are on this with his music, and never with that trip. Just the experience of Isn’t life as a musician, vicious cycle you will always be the trappings that rock-stardom *** performing with MS Amma despite all the highs it offers, unhappy. Take life as it comes, brings along with it – the 11. Which cities will form part of was so transformational. The pretty unpredictable in a prac- with whatever it brings! Drop Grammy included. (Courtesy: the country’s first defence indus- ghatam owes its gratitude to MS tical sense? The income is not your desires and all you will be Sruti). trial corridor to be set up in the Amma for giving it a global consistent. And then there is left with is anandanam-brahma- State? stature,” he says. age and the question of staying nandam. Happiness – total This tribute is due to appear 12. Going per the lineage, Sri Vikku has been very faithful relevant in an ever-changing bliss!” in the author’s book The Happi- Jayendra Saraswathi of Kanchi to his father’s advice. He has world. How does Vikku deal As we stepped on to the ness Road. His earlier book was who passed away recently was the always chosen music over any- with these factors? His one- street to find transport to take Fall Like a Rose Petal. ____ of the Kanchi Mutt. thing else in life. In the mid- word answer is ‘faith’. He says 13. Name the Governor of the 1970s, when he received an in- you have to have faith that a Madras Presidency responsible vitation from John Mclaughlin higher energy will take care of for the establishment of the to perform with Shakti, he was in 1857. you. To Vikku, that higher on the verge of accepting a energy has always been the Heritage ground to dust 14. Castle Kernan is now “permanent” job as an All India Kanchi Maha Periyava. “His (Continued from page 1) ernment is pressurised to act on called…? Radio (AIR) artist. Choosing preserving heritage. Such lob- grace is immense. It has guided 400!) have made it to a list, 15. Where on Sardar Patel Road the AIR job meant a steady in- bying has been at an all time low me thus far and I have implicit after ten years. As to which can once spot this Sanskrit motto come and job security. Going ever since the adverse judge- faith that it will stay with me ones these are has never been ‘Siddhirbhavathi karmaja’? with Shakti meant short-term ment delivered in the matter of forever,” he says. made public. 16. Goday Narayana Gajapathi financial gains but infinite joy! the P Orr & Sons annexe build- He shares an anecdote to The State Government, Rao was responsible for which Vikku chose joy. “I learnt the ing demolition. That needs to amplify this point. Vikku was indifferent as it is to most mat- statue that was unveiled in June value of inner peace and joy be firmly put in the past and ac- 1887 close to the seashore? recently diagnosed with an eye ters requiring attention, can from MS Amma and ‘Veena’ S. tion has to be taken. For a start, condition that required neuro- hardly be expected to pay any 17. Which scheme introduced by Balachander. Both of them told INTACH needs to approach surgery that would necessitate attention to a subject like heri- Rajaji when he was the CM led to me, like my father always did, the Courts and bring to their uproar and eventually his step- that he could not play the tage, branded as it has been for ‘Do only what gives you joy’. I notice that their judgement of ping down? ghatam for at least 18 months. long as elitist. Given such a sce- simply followed their advice. 2006 on heritage buildings has Vikku says, “I just could not nario, it is no wonder that pri- 18. Where in Chennai is the Today, when I look back, I am rapidly been reduced to nought. Edouard Michelin Auditorium? accept the medical advice that vate developers are making glad I did what I did. I would The Courts need to question I must not play the ghatam. I merry. Rumour has it that other 19. The ‘Malabar Samachar’ have never been happy with the Government on what it is went into my pooja room and buildings on the hit list include founded in 1925 was the first anything but playing my music, doing to protect heritage. If a magazine in which language to prayed to Maha Periyava. I left Leith Castle and the Govern- my way,” he explains. ‘Traffic’ Ramaswamy can by come out of Madras Presidency? it to him. Then I went for my ment Hobart School. If matters How has he managed to play sheer perseverance make a 20. Which institute came up at final, presurgery tests. And the continue this way, there will be in different cultures, with artists change in the NSC Bose Road Krishna Vilas at in tests came good! I would not very little to showcase of our belonging to different genres, area, cannot a heritage move- December 1951? need a surgery the doctor told past. and to global audiences? Has he ment that claims to have many me. Now, how do you explain It is high time that the Gov- (Answers on page 8) ever felt intimidated because of this? Everyone is searching for foot soldiers achieve more? March 16-31, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 7 The eco-tree par excellence

n eco-tree is one that purify turbid and polluted wa- Nutritionally, Moringa is Aoffers both ecological as ter, sedimenting suspended par- called in the developing coun- well as survival benefits to hu- ticles, absorbing dissolved ob- tries as a ‘super food’ or even as mans. The Drumstick tree, noxious salts and even killing an ‘elixir of life’. Moringa leaves, popularly known today as the bacteria. Moringa leaves, with quite unusual from other leaves, Moringa, has suddenly shot into an unusually high per cent of contain nearly ten per cent of global fame, as a ‘miracle tree’. proteins and nitrogen among their wet weight, by proteins, Moringa oleifera is a tropical and plants, and with rich content of made up unbelievably of 17 out sub-tropical multipurpose tree, minerals, including NPK, of the 20 amino acids known. In because every part of this tree fertilise degraded soils and addition, these leaves contain has amazing ecological, nutri- vitamins, several times more tional, medicinal, economic than in other vegetables, vita- and research values for humans. G by mins like A, B-complex, C, D Ecologically, the leaves of and E. As in a ‘power house of Moringa purify air and water, Dr. P.J. Sanjeeva Raj minerals’, nearly eight different and fertilise soil and crops. [email protected] minerals, in large quantities are Moringa leaves, as ‘carbon- loaded into Moringa leaves and sinks’, incredibly absorb about pods. The calorific value of 20 times more atmospheric lands, and the leaf decoction Moringa leaves is more than in carbon dioxide than most other sprayed, fertilise withering its pods, and all these promote trees, contributing substantially plants and crops, as a whole. the production of breast milk, to carbon sequestration, to However, considering the vol- so that it could solve the great solve the great global threat of ume of Moringa leaves used for malnutrition problem prevalent ‘climate change’. Powder or food and commerce in the trop- among babies in poor develop- decoction of Moringa leaves or ics, developing vast Moringa ing countries. seeds, fresh or dried, clarify and farms may compensate. The white kernel of the Moringa seed contains 40 per cent of its wet weight as an oil, called Ben oil, a natural Thank you, Donors biodiesel, used also as an ingre- dient in cosmetics. More inter- We today, publish donations received with thanks for the period estingly the Moringa seeds are a upto March 9, 2018 – The Editor “Moringa in store-house of energy, as in the my garden” – famous Arogya Pacha (Trichopus Dr. Sanjeeva Rs. 100: Dr. Chidambara Kumarasamy; C. Antony Samy zeylanicus) of the Kani tribals in Raj. Rs. 150: A. Balasubramanian Kerala, who go without food for Rs. 200: E.E. Sundaramurthy; N.V. Ravi two or three days in the forest, Rs. 1900: Zarin Cawas Mistry surviving by feeding merely on Rs. 2850: N.S. Parthasarathy the seeds of Arogya Pacha, now patented as “Jeevani”. Medicinally, since ancient times, in the rural tropics, the CHENNAI HERITAGE poor have been using Moringa as a cure for a wide variety of No. 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, Westcott Road, health ailments, so Moringa has , Chennai 600 014 been reckoned as a ‘medicine chest’ or as a ‘doctor at home’. I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List The unique combination of a No...... ) / I have just seen Madras Musings and wide variety of rich nutrients in Moringa is the chief reason for would like to receive it hereafter. nal values needs to be pursued seeds, cuttings in situ (on the its capacity to heal diverse ail- more. tree itself) rather than ex situ ments. However, overdosage or G Abandoned drylands, open (on the ground) is preferable. I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for ignorant use of some Moringa Rs. 100 (Rupees One hundred) payable to spaces in residential areas and The 70 to 80 insect pests on CHENNAI HERITAGE, MADRAS, as subscription to parts cannot be encouraged. public compounds in the tropi- Moringa, including the hairy Madras Musings for the year 2017-18. Also clinical research and con- cal countries could be deployed caterpillars, the most detestable firmation of Moringa therapeu- for Moringa farming which ones, are all controllable, today. tics is a lacuna in our present G As token of my support for the causes of heritage, would provide not only all these Trees are said to be the enthusiasm for Moringa cures. environment and a better city that Madras Musings benefits but also livelihoods for angels of God, providing all Economically, apart from espouses, I send Chennai Heritage an additional the poor, through this ‘Tree of human needs on Earth. Moringa providing such ambrosia-like the Future’, as the world calls it certainly is God’s special gift for Rs...... food and elixir-like medicines, (Rupees ...... ) today. In propagating Moringa the poor of the developing Moringa can fetch a livelihood trees, better than through countries. Please keep/put me on your mailing list. income for the poor, as well as profitable exports for the rich. Name : ...... Sale and export of green or ...... powdered dried leaves, seeds MADRAS MUSINGS ON THE WEB and pods green or their pulp frozen, seed oil, all in packages To reach out to as many readers as possible who Address: ...... have great export potential share our keen interest in Madras that is Chennai, ...... targeting markets in the tem- and in response to requests from many well-wishers perate and affluent countries. – especially from outside Chennai and abroad who ...... Research, in cultivating receive their postal copies very late – for an online Moringa and research on its edition. Madras Musings is now on the web at All cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. DD/Cheque should nutritional and medicinal be sent by Speed Post only. values, is being pursued actively www.madrasmusings.com all over the world. However, – THE EDITOR clinical research on its medici- 8 MADRAS MUSINGS March 16-31, 2018 Destined for greater things

G Not often in the past has Tamil extent for their national recog- saw potential in his Tamil Nadu Nadu provided three or four nition, besides their excellent T20 ward. This was in 2017, but Test, ODI or T20 aspirants record in the domestic first class Washington had represented knocking at the selectors’ scene as well as playing for India U-19 in the 2016 World doors at the same time. With R. India ‘A’. Cup. Primarily a left-handed Ashwin and M. an essen- batsman then, he has since James Velu, Napoleon tial part of the Test squad for blossomed as an off-spinning Einstein, Xavier Thalaivan years now, the recent arrival of all-rounder who impressed skip- Sargunam. Unusual names fig- Washington S. Sundar and Vijay per Steve Smith at the Rising ure in Tamil Nadu cricket Shankar under the radar of the Supergiants, Pune. through the decades. Add national selectors has been a Washington Sundar to the list, The young all-rounder made happy and deserving develop- and you have the most spec- his Ranji Trophy debut last year ment in the State’s cricketing Washington Sundar. fortunes, though it has occurred amidst poor perfor- G by V. Ramnarayan mances by Tamil Nadu in the action, remarkable accuracy the TNPL, he scored the fastest 50-over Vijay Hazare competi- and admirable temperament. fifty, to be named the ‘Player of tion at the national level, For Pune, he bowled impres- the tournament’. tacularly successful name of all. at Lahli, Himachal Pradesh. He coming on top of a none-too sively when the skipper Steve For the all rounder answering to bowled well, but did not get too He is as good in red ball impressive showing in the Ranji Smith decided to allow him. He that name was recently many runs in his first season. He cricket as he is in the white ball Trophy. showed rare composure bowling pitchforked from relative ob- was not included in the Tamil versions. On his Duleep Trophy in the powerplay overs, in undar and Vijay Shankar scurity to international recogni- Nadu team for the Syed debut, he took 11 wickets in the fact opening the bowling, S(MM, February 16th) are tion. True, the teenager from Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, match besides scoring a fifty. and helping his team enter the both all-rounders well suited to Chennai hit the headlines first but was later picked for the His best first class performance final. the abridged versions of cricket, in the IPL, thanks to the recom- Vijay Hazare and Deodhar has been his 159 against and both have the IPL’s talent mendation of Tamil Nadu Trophy (for South Zone) Washington owes his Tripura in last season’s Ranji spotters to thank to some coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar who matches. progress as a bowler to a few Trophy tournament. He also coaches at the State and local bowled consistently well for By now we all know levels. Playing for MRF Globe Tamil Nadu. Washington’s father M. Sundar Trotters in the TNCA league, The only glitch in Washing- Answers to Quiz was a competent cricketer of he has been mentored by M. ton Sundar’s career so far was the TNCA league who named 1. WhatsApp; 2. AndreAgassi; 3. Shoaib Akhtar; 4. Amazon; Senthilnathan, the chief coach his failure to clear the so-called his son after an older friend who 5. Jaipur’s Gandhi Nagar; 6. Gymnastics; 7. ‘Baal Aadhaar Card’ in at the MRF Pace Foundation. yo-yo test before the T20 series had been a mentor and virtual blue colour; 8. Irrawaddy dolphins; 9. Launched by the Indian Former India off- spinner M against the visiting Australians. godfather to the boy. Like R. railways, it is for revamping 635 major railway stations; 10. Ven- Venkataramana, Tamil Nadu’s He later passed the test Ashwin, whom he replaced in ezuela. spin bowling coach, has been a and made it to the India T20 the Pune XI when he was ruled * * * major influence on Washing- squad. 11. Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Coimbatore and Tiruchirapalli; 12. unfit for the season, young ton’s bowling. His discipline 69th; 13. Rt Hon. Lord John Elphinstone; 14. ; Washington started out as a and accuracy have made him a A neat, unfussy cricketer 15. Logo of IIT Madras; 16. Queen Victoria’s statue in the Madras batsman but has proved to be a reliable bowler in domestic one- with steely determination, varsity complex; 17. ‘Kula Kalvi Thittam’; 18. Alliance Française more than useful off spinner as day and T20 action as well as Washington Sundar seems of Madras; 19. Gujarati; 20. Ramanujan Institute. well, with his lovely high arm the IPL. In the seond edition of destined for greater things.

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