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• Short ‘N’ Snappy • They bestrode its corridors • In memory of ‘Father’ Ripon • Remembering Jaggu • 4 pages – 9-12: ‘Madras Week’

Vol. XXVII No. 9 MUSINGS August 16-31, 2017 Back to renaming our roads (By The Editor)

he Corporation of Greater William Montieth entered TChennai falls back on cer- the Madras Engineers in 1809, tain repeat activities whenever became Lt Col in 1826 and Lt it finds time hanging heavy on Gen in 1854. Fraser’s Bridge its hands. One is the beautifica- gets its name from John Fraser tion of the Marina and the who designed the municipal other is the renaming of roads waterworks. Not undistin- that commemorate the colonial guished names certainly, one working for the army and the other ensuring water supply. Both noble professions. And The names certainly, these men can at best be local heroes, which means over and once their names are removed, they stand forgotten. This is not over again likely with the Red Cross and the TNPSC, both of which are The statistics below are from Eicher’s city map. very well known institutions While we understand the de- that really do not need com- sire to commemorate our memoration by way of street leaders, it is time we realised names. Chennai’s repetitive street There is also the question of names have become some- tampering with local history. A See what happens when we cut down trees! This picture the Internet brought us from abroad could well be used by what monotonous. Perhaps (Continued on page 6) retaining the old names Nizhal for a poster. Nizhal has several awareness-creating walks this Madras Week. (See programme pages 9-12.) would help retain some local colour. Names Times repeat If announcements were horses... 16 56 he recent flurry of and services is going to be dif- is expected that in a period of 15 ness and proactive cooperation Indira Nagar 23 T announcements of sche- ferent this time. months the waste heaps would are elements of responsible citi- Kamaraj Nagar/puram 24 mes being contemplated by the The most important of these be fully degraded, biologically zenry. Kamaraj Salai 54 government schemes is the Rs. 1,442 crore and chemically. Another important aspect Kalaignar Karunanidhi should gladden the hearts of proposal to shut down the vast The heap conversion may be that could make or mar the Nagar 7 Chennai residents. When com- dump yards in and a slower process as it was not waste-to-energy conversion MGR Puram/Nagar/ pleted, and if done so on time, . The scheme envis- subject to proper segregation project relates to its financial Colony 19 Ambedkar Nagar/ these schemes should make a ages stoppage of further dump- before dumping. Segregation is feasibility and sufficiency of re- Colony 21 noticeable difference to the turns to the investor. There are Ambedkar Road 36 quality of life in greater G by A Special Correspondent many imponderables and Chennai. Closer study of the “immeasurables” in a project of information provided on the ing, remediation of the existing crucial to the efficient working this nature where everything de- masters. The latest to suffer projects and our experience of accumulated dump over time, of the conversion plants and as pends on cooperation of a large from this are Montieth and the track record of public agen- revamping the present conser- such would require the arm of multitude and a massive collec- Fraser’s Bridge Roads, which cies in project execution suggest vancy process and setting up two the law for strict enforcement. tion system. The output of en- are to now become Red Cross that celebration must wait till plants to convert waste to en- Without this and related ergy is the source of revenue to and Tamil Nadu Public Service we feel assured, by actual ergy, thereby absorbing, we pre- infrastructural support for seg- the contractor, but the output Commission Roads respec- prompt follow-up action, that sume, the current incoming regation and conveyance, the ratio is conditioned by the com- tively. transformation of announce- waste as well as gradual conver- conversion facility would be position of the input. Under ments into tangible facilities sion of the accumulated heap. It rendered infructuous. Aware- (Continued on page 2) CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2017 If announcements Messages for massage were horses... s he gets older, The Man extremities of your body or the and those who could not care (Continued from page 1) does indicate a time-frame of 36 Afrom Madras Musings has regions from which these less. The political class comes months, but there is no mention several parts of his body crav- women come from? But at least in the first lot, the vast middle ing for attention. The lower the charges are clearly in ru- class in the second. The third such uncertainties appropriate of the cost, when monies would back has sunk low in terms of pees. is truly democratic, for it in- protection of return is necessary be made available and when it its ability to hold up, and as for And, lastly, you have this: volves the uber rich and the to the investor and toward this a would start. The report itself his left knee, there are certain ~Massage~in## of- stony broke. Neither class is in different contractual model may cites enormous delays in getting sounds emanating from it that fer... Relax* your* Mind&Body anyway bothered by GST. have to be adopted from the nor- clearances from CRZ (Coastal would not be out of place in a ~Massage~offer..Oil, Thai, But what interested MMM mal. A guaranteed margin over Regulation Zone) authorities metal-forming workshop. The Swedish, Deep Tissue , Ba- the most was the way the tai- actual cost as the basis for pric- and the National Highways right foot has days when it be- linese, Tigger Point loring class of Chennai ob- Authority of India (NHAI) in comes very communicative jected to this tax. And by these ing the energy seems more likely and, of late, is engaging in a MMM does not mean those to be mutually beneficial both to executing bits and pieces of this SHORT project which has been going on conversation of sorts with the small hole-in-the-corner garret the government and to the in- left elbow. There are times ’N’ tailors who spend the whole vestor. If such an approach for quite some time. Initiated in when the general noise level SNAPPY day poring over a sewing ma- leads, as it might, to a higher cost 2006, clearance was given only rises to an extent that MMM chine. He is speaking of those of energy bought from the con- in June this year by the Ministry gets the idea that he is eaves- up-market boutiques that tractor compared to other of Environment and Forests. dropping on a group discussion And so it appears that the managed to get by all these sources this must be treated as a There are four different arms of among body parts. fourth style is Balinese. MMM days by collecting money in conscious subsidy for creating a the government that would be MMM’s good lady, also wonders if the masseurs and cash for services rendered by executing different parts of this known as She Who Must Be masseuses dress up in floral way of bespoke suits and de- hygienic environment. The so- Obeyed decreed that a good signer dresses. Billing was al- cial returns are in the form of project and coordinating it skirts and wear hibiscus gar- could be a nightmare for the massage would set all of this lands. As to what is Tigger most never done, it transpires, healthier surroundings. Waste- right and, so, of late, MMM, Point, MMM does not know. the money collected making it to-energy should not flounder Ministry of Environment and whose private life, he will let directly to the bank with re- Forests. Perhaps it has something to do on the rocks of financial returns. you know, is an open book, has with Winnie The Pooh. What- ceipts being issued on slips of The second project is the Our anxieties and doubts are a burly masseur coming home ever be the service offered, there paper. These cash-and-carry Tamil Nadu Infrastructural Fi- not unfounded, going by the to knead, rotate, pummel, etc. is no denying that the imagina- enterprises have finally woken nancial Services Ltd.’s commis- track record of execution. The All of this has MMM feeling as tion boggles at all of these. Who up to the horrors of being sioning of a study to formulate a comprehensive underground though he has emerged from a said Chennai is not exciting? taxed. They could do with a plan for solid waste manage- sewerage connection to resi- boxing bout with Mohammed You just need to press it here few stiff helpings of the dents of is in a state Ali, but it does help all the and there for rich dividends. sarakku described above. ment in the city on a public-pri- talkative body parts quieten vate partnership basis. This ap- of paralysis and has so far suf- fered a delay of four years. The down a little. Call it coinci- On Ma & Pa pears to be meant for taking for- dence or whatever, but mas- Great Stress Tax ward the main project for re- scheme was sanctioned at a cost saging as a service appears to he Man from Madras he Man from Madras vamping present conservancy of Rs. 58.61 crore in 2009 but be going through a boom even T Musings usually reserves T Musings, as several of you services. As part of this pack- work began only in 2011, after as MMM takes his first steps his photographs for the tail- who read this column know, age, the extent of contamina- two years. It should have been in it. And some of these ser- piece, but the current one de- spent his formative years in tion of the aquifer and the areas completed by 2013 but there is vices appear to be offering a lot serves a better position and so the second city of the Empire, viz Calcutta that is . affected in Kodungaiyur and still a large amount of work to more than a massage, in this he is keeping it mid-text. Driv- holy land of Chennai that was Consequently, during the Perungudi will be assessed. It be completed with the date of ing the other day by the Sales completion surrounded in un- once Madras. How else do you Tax offices he was impressed by years that he was a cherubic has been known for a long time child of Calcutta (CCC), the certainty. explain this epistle that keeps a black granite signboard that that the ground water in the coming up on MMM’s cell way the local lingo developed An example of bad planning now declared the new name of Kodungaiyur and Perungudi ar- phone at least once a day? the building to be GST Bhavan. in Madras that is Chennai was eas are contaminated and the and disregard for completion The Tamil translation of the quite a closed book to him. In atmosphere has a high percent- targets is the appalling state of “£~¤Summer Offer! B-o-d-y word ‘goods’ in GST, this being later years, when he became parks in the city for which the m-a-s-s-a-g-e Starts from Goods and Services Tax, in- an mmm (mere man of Ma- age of particulates. It is surpris- 1299/- ing that the need to measure it capital budget was raised from Rs. 230 crore in 2015-16 to Rs. Kerala,Thai,Swedish done has been realised only now. by Best Offer in 4in1 combo What have we been doing all 280 crore in 2016-17 but there package” these years? All this does not is little visible evidence of such inspire much confidence in the an amount having been spent. MMM would like to know why the words bodymassage minds of the lay public over the According to the Greater Chennai Corporation, the city are stretched out like that. Is it Government’s seriousness. Ap- a visual depiction of what hap- pointment of a Committee is an parks should have manicured pens to your tissues? And what age-old trick to create an aura lawns, ornamental hedges, is a 4in1 combo package when of action without taking it. walkways, children’s play areas only three, namely Kerala, The third important plan is etc. Most parks fall short of Thai and Swedish are men- the restoration of these standards and you cannot tioned? What is the fourth ser- the last 32 km of the river’s 72 but feel that the park project vice offered? Above all, what is km stretch. The scheme would provides scope for exploitation the pound symbol doing by unscrupulous intermediaries upfront? Is that the currency in include de-silting, marking and which you are charged? defending boundaries, resettle- free from fear of detection. Besides tardy implementa- The pound is not the only ment of 55 slums along the river one. You also have this, liber- bed, solid waste removal, laying tion, it is surprising that, amidst ally festooned with Euros: interceptors, installation of sew- paucity of funds, even budgeted age treatment plants, expand- funds are surrendered unutili- “BODY MASSAG€ Starts from sed – example of Rs. 446 crore 1499/ K€rala, Thai, Sw€dish trigued MMM, for it was dras) he took to observing the ing an underground sewage sys- massag€s don€ B€st Offer in tem and providing cycle tracks unutilised in 2015-16 for impor- sarakku, which, while being the changes and found that the tant projects like desalination 4 in 1 combo packag€” correct equivalent, also collo- suffixes ma and pa had re- and walk-ways. That is much quially stands for the spirit that placed the usual da and di with more than cosmetics and is to and Heritage City develop- And once again you have a ment, cited by the Comptroller 4in1 service that has only three cheers. And then MMM which people addressed con- be welcomed. But what about realised that this was not so in- temporaries and juniors. And and Auditor General of India. massage styles on offer. the Adyar? The following one is more appropriate after all, for the what’s more, the term ma was While such announcements If wishes were horses, beg- graphic: terms and conditions concern- used when men spoke to each are good by way of reassurance gars would ride, is an English “Body massage offer for u ing GST are so confusing that it other and pa was used by the to citizens that the Government proverb. It suggests that if wish- Relaxation only Dry Massage would be no surprise if those women. The etymology of is mindful of improving basic ing could make things happen, @ Rs-999 OIL massage @ Rs- impacted by this tax take to the these two modes of address public services, they do not go then even the destitute can 1999 Done By 2 female Thera- bottle in increasing numbers. has long remained a mystery to far enough in terms of specifics have everything they want. pist (South & North)”. From what MMM can see, MMM. Do you readers have Chennai is now divided into any clues, ma? No pa, it does to lend credibility. When would That goes for announcements. Now when they say the ‘two three classes – those that talk not matter if you don’t. the Rs. 1,442 crore be sanc- Loss of confidence in gover- female therapist’ are south and about GST but probably don’t tioned? What are the module- nance and lack of accountabil- north do they refer to the pay any, those that pay GST, – MMM wise targets for completion? ity to the public need urgent The Cooum restoration project correction. August 16-31, 2017 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

Samuel T. Muthusamy Bhashyam S. Subramania C. Rajagopala- V.L. Alladi Vedanayagam Iyer Sammandha Iyengar Iyer chari Ethiraj - Pillai Mudaliar swamy They bestrode this TINA 125-year-old building There Is No Alternative (Continued from persuaded the High Court to appeal to Privy Council in Lon- last fortnight) take it on its own files. Several don. The presiding judge was on argaret Thatcher’s oft-used phrase was never more appro- of the accused were defended by a holiday in France. He re- Mpriate than it is today in our city. f the four reasons that pro- that stalwart T. Prakasam. The ceived the appeal and granted a It is time to stop blaming the authorities, the neighbours, the vide justification for cel- O case was first heard by a three- stay. The case was thereafter traffic or pointing fingers at other such contributors to the gen- ebrating this building, the third judge bench which convicted argued in Privy Council and the eral mess. It is time to take responsibility for our own mess – is that it is an institution where the accused, but in appeal some Mirasdar of Poondi was acquit- TINA. many important and sensa- of those accused were acquit- ted. Residents of this beautiful city of Chennai that was Madras tional cases have been decided. ted. Vanchinathan came to be There have been other sen- have to take ownership of its problems, and join together in a The list is too long for me to do treated as a martyr of the Inde- sational cases too. Noteworthy crusade to say ENOUGH! The rot stops here! justice to them, but I will high- pendence movement, but un- are A.K. Gopalan vs State of This is best done through co-operation with neighbours in light a few here. fortunately Nilkanta Brahma- Madras which for the first time manageable groups – Residents’ Associations (RAs). V.O. Chidambaram was a chari has been forgotten. in the constitutional history of There are a number of areas that do have well-functioning, member of our bar and a mem- The Poondi Mirasdar case is this country gave an opportu- active RAs. They need to up the ante by refining what they are ber of the Madras Bar Associa- of interest for the use of tech- nity to the Supreme Court to already doing. And the rest need to learn from them and follow tion as he was a barrister. He suit. nology in legal proceedings, examine the scope and ambit of was sentenced to 40 years rigor- Article 21; Champakam Dorai- At 4th Street, Abhiramapuram, we have initiated the process ous imprisonment on charges of G More excerpts samy’s case which ruled on the of forming an RA. The response so far has been very sedition. The charges against encouraging. Flyers giving a broad outline of our initiative were from a talk given by scope of reservations in the him were flimsy and evidence personally delivered by a core group of us to each household, N.L. Rajah, Senior Constitution and led to the first scant, but he had put the com- and a tear-off with contact details was collected. This will help Advocate, at a amendment to the Constitution mercial interests of the British form a database for future communication. by Dr. Ambedkar; Romesh empire on the back-foot by function organised The obvious first step is to deal with garbage disposal. Thapar vs State of Madras that starting the Swadeshi Steam by the Madras Bar Beginning with a simple 3-bin segregation. With the help of led to the Supreme Court dilat- Navigation Company. This an- Association on Ramky (garbage collectors in this area), we hope to consider- ing on the concept of freedom noyed the British no end and 12.7.17 to “cele- ably reduce the quantity of garbage that reaches the landfills. of speech and expression guar- through Collector Winch they, brate the 125th Other concerns, like roadside trees, pavements, RWH anteed under the Constitution; quite successfully, managed to anniversary of this systems, reduction of plastic usage, a session for domestic work- amongst others. This brief list fabricate a case of sedition epic building”. ers and other ideas, will soon be taken up for action. serves to highlight how some of against him and have him con- Our plan is to have an informal inauguration some time in the very significant cases in the victed. An appeal was filed by August, as a tribute to Madras Week. The plan is to have the history of the country happened him before the Madras High possibly the first in the country. local MLA and some other concerned powers present, so that in this great building. the lines of communication are opened up. Court and the case caused quite The Mirasdar of Poondi was ac- a sensation. Ultimately the cused of murdering his daugh- The stalwarts Formal registration of an Association will be done a few High Court reduced the sen- ter-in-law. The entire family months down the line, when our working is more defined. The last aspect I mentioned If more areas in the city follow suit, a uniform system can be tence, which was reduced even appeared to have had a strained was as to how this building has further by the Privy Council. relationship with the victim. set up, which will hopefully benefit all residents and the city nurtured the growth of some itself. However, it left V.O.C. a bro- This feud was primarily trig- towering stalwarts who contrib- ken man. The shipping gered by bad blood between Do write in if you can do this in your area. Keep the number uted much to the public life of of households manageable (about 200-250). We can then net- company’s assets had been sold Dhanam, the daughter-in-law, this country. and her sister-in-law who had work, hold a seminar to bring our ideas to a common table, and and he was left practically pen- involve the service providers and others who work in allied fields niless. been widowed and had re- They include: in a meaningful dialogue. The case relating to the mur- turned to live in her father’s Samuel Vedanayagam Chennai-ites – our city needs us. Let us be there for her. der of collector Robert Ashe fol- house. Dhanam was found dead Pillai, a District Munsif, must lowed soon afterward. Robert on her bed hacked to death hor- easily top the list. Though he Sushi Nataraj Ashe was an ICS officer and a ribly. The Mirasdar of Poondi predates this building he was Chennai Heritage young sub-collector at Tuti- was implicated. very much a part of the profes- [email protected] corin. Ashe hated Indians and Before the Trial Court, the sion. He wrote the first novel in the target of his attack was accused was represented by that Tamil, a book called Pratapa V.O.C. He vowed to put down redoubtable criminal lawyer, Mudaliyar Charithram. He has * * * that cheeky impudent native Dr. S. Swaminathan. Dr. Swa- written several krti-s which lawyer. Ashe’s actions against minathan’s life must truly be an have been set to Carnatic mu- V.O.C. angered Indians. On inspiration for young advocates. sic raga-s. Some of them even Fires in Govt. departments June 17, 1911, when Ashe was He came from a poor family, but deal with court life. travelling by train with his wife, through sheer grit and determi- T. Muthusamy Iyer, the a young firebrand revolution- nation he pursued studies re- first Indian to be made a judge esides Neal Baker’s article (MM, July 1st, 2017), the ary, Vachinatha Iyer, got into lentlessly and came out with fly- of the High Court, became a by- Bauthorities and the general public should read The Econo- the compartment and shot ing colours. A Nair family in word for judicial conduct, mist of London (June 24th) for three articles on the Grenfell Ashe dead. When the police Kerala who funded his educa- learning, integrity and disci- Tower fire in London and the causes of similar fires all over the gave chase, he ran into a toilet tion helped him pass the Bar-at- pline. world. in the railway station and shot Law and from there he sailed to Pammal Sammandha himself. Harvard in America, where he Mudaliar, a judge of the Small When I was with the Ministry of Urban Development in Causes Court, set standards for Delhi in 1990, I learnt to my horror that more about 300 fires Letters seized in his resi- got his doctorate in record time. had taken place in government buildings, including the famous dence pointed to a conspiracy. He came back to Madras to Tamil drama which artistes are Vigyan Bhavan, during summer every year. Hope Grenfell will Fourteen young men were im- practice law. Appearing for the striving to emulate even today. teach us to use the proper material the proper way. plicated, including one Poondi Mirasdar, he was deeply Bhashyam Iyengar, the first Nilkanta Brahmachari. Nor- disturbed by the judgement of Indian to hold the position of Dr. G. Sundaram, IAS (RTD.) mally the trial should have been the High Court. He then did Acting Advocate General in A-601, Dugar Apartments conducted in Tirunelveli, but something incredible. He tele- the whole of British India. Keshav Perumal Puram the attention this case attracted graphed the entire grounds of (Continued on page 7) Chennai 600 028 4 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2017 August 16-31, 2017 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 From India’s Digital LOST LANDMARKS OF CHENNAI Exclusivity is Archives – 2 – Karthik Bhatt – SRIRAM V

similar fountain that the Maha- ture was the occasion of unprec- England, retiring from public the lure rajah constructed in Hyde Park edented public adulation, all of office only in 1908. at around the same time. A it from Indians. The European It was therefore no wonder (Continued from plaque in Hyde Park, however, population detested him chiefly that Indians by and large felt that last fortnight) Natesan and his commemorates the donation. because they felt he was concil- a memorial of some kind ought Facing the Vizianagaram iatory to Indian aspirations. Had to be raised for this most Indian- s I wander further down the Fountain and fronting they only played along with him, hearted among Viceroys. But it AKhader Nawaz Khan Road, Indian Review D’Angelis/Bosotto/Airlines Ho- Indian history may have been was a long time in coming. The I wonder whether I should give tel was the statue of Lord Ripon, different. Congress Party met in Madras in the Silk Worm boutique a miss. he Indian Review, a monthly periodical “devoted to the the one we now see in front of There were many path-break- 1903 and passed a resolution re- It’s just a saree store, I think. But Tdiscussion of all topics of interest” was founded in 1900. the Corporation headquarters – ing legislations under Ripon. questing a statue. Nothing hap- then I haven’t bargained for the Over the course of the next fifty years, it gained renown as one of delightful explosion of colours India’s leading intellectual journals thanks in no small measure . It has been there First was the repeal of the Ver- pened thereafter, but, in 1910, to the fact that its contributors included the best of names from for so long that most researchers nacular Press Act thereby giving the publisher G.A. Natesan took and textures that meets me once across the legal, political and literary spectrums. That it was able have assumed that this was the Indian language Press the up the cause. Money was col- I step inside; nor the impeccable to attract a stellar list was due to the tireless efforts of the founder, where it was first installed. After same status as the English one. lected. Almost simultaneously, a attention of young Hisham, the the well-known publisher and nationalist G.A. Natesan. all, where else would you expect His Local Self Government Act similar effort was being made in store manager. Hisham is your Born in 1879 in Kumbakonam, Natesan graduated with a B.A. to find a statue of Lord Ripon but enabled Indians to participate in Calcutta. It is noteworthy that in ultimate seller of sarees – he is degree from Presidency College. A keen debater and thinker on in front of a building named after municipal affairs, thereby taking both cases, not a single rupee courteous to a fault, and tireless social issues, he was the Secretary of the College’s Literary him? But a closer look will reveal their first steps in public life. came from any European. The Society. Advertising as “G.A. Natesan, Student, Presidency in displaying the textiles on his College” in his search for lecturers and chairpersons, he was that the statue is not symmetri- There were other Acts involving Indians in Calcutta commis- neatly ordered shelves. It’s diffi- instrumental in organising lectures by several eminent cally located with respect to the Education and Financial sioned the sculptor Francis cult these days to find a boutique personalities of the time. handsome edifice. The centre- Decentralisation, all with a pro- Derwent Wood to make a bronze that sells mainly sarees and Despite being offered a job in Government Service, Natesan piece there is Sir Pitti Thea- Indian slant. His request that the statue of Ripon. Those in Madras Hisham’s own excitement about The signs of ‘Bond Street’ (Picture: S. Anwar). chose to train as a journalist and joined the offices of the Madras garoya Chetty’s statue, with the Imperial Civil Services Examina- followed suit. The sculptor was a the colours and textures he Times as an apprentice under Glyn Barlow, its longstanding one to Ripon’s memory standing tions be held simultaneously in familiar name here, for his statue spreads before the customer is in- editor. Having learnt the ropes of journalism, he quit the – SRIRAM V on the right and sideways to the India and England so that more of V. Krishnaswami Iyer was al- fectious. Even if you don’t buy clothes starting at the Rs. 2,000 man here has an opinion on why newspaper when it was time to be employed, as important building. Indians could sit for it was shot ready gracing the beachfront. positions, especially in newspapers, were out of bounds to Indians anything right then, you know price range. We even have cos- many VIPs shop on this road. thanks to the European ownership. He was unwilling to take up down, but he did succeed in en- The Calcutta statue was un- you will return soon and buy tume jewellery starting from Rs. “Firstly, it is quiet and private Lord Ripon with the Vizianagaram Fountain, Mount Road, in the background. the small post that Barlow offered to create for him. With the hancing the age limit for the veiled by the Viceroy, Lord those gorgeous sarees. Hisham 500.” here,” he points out. “They won’t knowledge gained out of his apprenticeship, he founded the exam from 18 to 21. Hardinge of Penshurst in 1915. seems to know that too. “Call me If you want to take a break get mobbed here. And, secondly, eponymously named publishing house, G A Natesan and Co in The British establishment Hardinge was another detested when you come next,” he says from shopping at this point and you get a far wider selection of 1897. viewed all these steps with suspi- figure in that city, for he had confidently. “I’ll make sure we grab a coffee, as I do, you have goods in these shops than say, in The idea driving the starting of The Indian Review was to bring In memory of cion. It was, however, the Ilbert planned and executed the shift- have something special to show the choice of walking into the the outlets in the malls.” out a journal that would be devoted to the welfare of India, but at Bill of 1883, named after Sir C.P. ing of the imperial capital to you!” Starbucks outlet across the road Come to think of it, the cycle the same time would be independent enough to ensure that both Ilbert, Law Member, Viceroy’s Delhi. Sir C. Sankaran Nair, by Europeans and Indians could contribute to its columns without It is perhaps this attitude that or enter the Café Coffee Day shop is not all that much of a sur- Executive Council, which sought then Member for Education, any inhibitions. Reflecting this ideal, the design comprised a parlour, a few shops ahead. I love prise. I look around and see sev- to do away with “Judicial dis- Viceroy’s Executive Council, got sets the boutiques on this street European and an Indian standing side by side. The motto, “Away ‘Father’ Ripon the aroma of the Starbucks store eral stores selling fitness ma- the Governor, Lord Pentland, to apart from other shops in the city with Ill feeling” was chosen by Glyn Barlow. and the small bits of shopping chines. Then there are the gyms The magazine was a success right from its inception. Edited his is a tale of two lost land- The first of these was the unveil the Madras statue. It was (where the attitude of the sales by Natesan himself, it covered topics of varied interests and Tmarks; well not actually lost Vizianagaram Maharajah’s foun- installed at the entrance of people is either businesslike or and spas that generously flank championed several causes both within the country and abroad. – one vanished and the other was tain. Endowed by Sir Ananda D’Angelis hotel. The statue re- indifferent).When you enter the the road. After being greedy Over the years, its contributors included the likes of Sir C.P. merely relocated. It is, neverthe- Gajapathi Raju, the Maharajah mained there till 1939, when in- smart, cool interiors of G by about clothes and food, it seems Ramaswamy Aiyer, Rt. Hon’ble V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, V. less, a story worth recounting. of Vizianagaram, a man whom creasing congestion in that area Evoluzione, you do so with some only right that people sweat it Krishnaswamy Aiyer, C.A. White (Chief Justice of Madras), J. J. Janaki Venkataraman The intersection of Blacker’s Governor M.E. Grant Duff re- forced the Corporation to move trepidation. Apart from the fabu- out to reach the goals of leanness Cotton, Alfred Chatterton and R.C. Dutt. lous clothes from the best Indian and fitness. G.A. Natesan as early as 1896 had been in touch with a and Mount Roads is best known ferred to as the Prince Charming it. The Corporation Headquar- barrister in Natal who had been fighting for better treatment for today for what is known as the of Madras, it was to commemo- ters, completed in 1913 (and co- designers that hang endlessly And then there are the furni- Indians in the colony. In 1915, when this barrister came to Bata Building but which in its rate Queen Victoria’s Golden incidentally inaugurated by the from the racks, the sales women you can do there, for sachets of ture and furnishing stores. There Madras, he stayed with G.A. Natesan at his residence in Thambu time was D’Angelis’, then Jubilee of Accession, in 1887. same Lord Hardinge) had been all look as if they are ready to instant coffee or ceramic coffee is a Simply Sofa outlet that sells Chetty Street. Their friendship grew closer as the Independence Bosotto’s, and finally, Airlines This structure, described as “40- named after Lord Ripon, in grati- walk the ramp themselves. mugs or just to sit at your table pure leather imported couches movement gained steam and the barrister gradually changed his Hotel before it became the foot square, Indo-Saracenic in tude for what he had done for Tarun Tahliani, Rohit Bal, nursing your latté and watching and arm chairs. If you stagger out role to become known as . Durairaj Nadar Complex. It then style and topped by a dome” local self-government and so it Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Manish other customers come and go. If after learning how much they Natesan passed away in 1949 and the magazine was edited ‘mysteriously’ caught fire and is ceased being a fountain by the thereafter for some time by his son Maniam Natesan. It wound was felt that the statue ought to Arora, Ritu Beri – the labels that you read a book or write on a cost, you might cross the road up in 1962 and was resurrected in 1970 by T.T. Vasu, who now being demolished internally 1940s and was more of a public be located in the same com- hang from the dresses read like pad, no one really hurries you. and enter Atmosphere, the bou- bought the journal as a space for his father T.T. Krishnamachari with the façade standing chiefly latrine with idlers congregating pound. And there it remains. In- the roll call in India fashion But the coffee in Café Coffee tique furnishing store where the to voice his views on the happenings of a young nation. Helping because the High Court’s judge- all around it of an evening. The statue at the junction of Mount Road and Blacker's Road. terestingly, Ripon served as week. Despite their looks and Day better suits the Indian pal- swathes of linen and furnishing out in this venture was M.C. Subrahmanyam, veteran journalist ment regarding heritage build- Standing as it was in the middle Mayor of his eponymous home- fine grooming, however, the sales ate and there is a fun selection of material take your breath away and founder of the Public Health Centre in West . ings has been interpreted to of Mount Road, with Wallajah Ripon’s statue has an interest- qualification based on racial dis- town, long after he had served as people in Evoluzione are surpris- small eats. It’s definitely a place by their understated beauty. The After TTK’s death in 1974, Subrahmanyam kept it going for a mean protecting just the fronts of and Blacker’s Roads leading off Viceroy. shop has been here for 14 years, few more years. His demise in 1982 brought about its closure. ing history, deserving of a Vice- crimination” that brought on ingly friendly and understanding. to hang out in with your friends. such structures. So that too will it, with Government House on roy who was different in many British wrath. According to the The statue in Calcutta too “We do a lot of bridal dresses,” Well before the Coffee Day which is saying something in this The DLI has in its archives several editions of the magazine soon become a lost landmark. one side, Commissioner J.P.L. whose contribution to the Independence movement and in ways. He was the only Viceroy to proposed Bill, Europeans in India moved after Independence and says Shilpa Patel, Vice President, outlet is a shop that seems out of street of quick turnovers, and shaping the political and social discourse of the times through its Fronting it were the two monu- Shenoy of the Madras Corpora- be born in 10 Downing Street, could be tried by Indian magis- now stands in the lawns of the Luxury Retail, looking cool in place in this avenue of boutiques seems to breathe style and qual- pages largely remains in the shadows today. ments that are no longer there. tion felt it was time to remove for his father Lord Goderich was trates and judges. The opposition Victoria Memorial. Dotted all black and white. “We sometimes – the Cycle Store. It’s a shop that ity. Former Chief Minister the fountain. cried Prime Minister of England. He to the Bill from the officials and over India are other memorials to get together a theme for the sells fitness cycles. Many of these Jayalalithaa apparently bought foul, probably because it was was also the only Roman Catho- powerful business houses Ripon. The municipal offices of whole family. We even do special are made by TI cycles. But they all her bed linen and furnishing Shenoy’s plan to build a public We today, publish donations received lic to be Viceroy of India, serving ensured Ripon’s resignation. He Multan, now in Pakistan, are lehenga-s for toddlers.” I look at also stock a number of imported material here. But the bulk of the with thanks for the period from 1.07.16- toilet at the spot, but to no avail. from 1880 to 1884. He was the left India in 1884 but not before housed in a handsome building the heavily beaded, sequinned ones. “Canondale, an American shop’s clientele is made up by the Thank you, donors 15.08.16 – The Editor The monument was dismantled only Viceroy to be sworn in at experiencing one of the longest completed in 1888 and named and embroidered lehenga-s and brand, is very popular with sports big hotels and industrial houses. 401: Sampath A. brick by brick and reassembled in Ripon Hall. This was renamed af- Simla, the hot-weather capital farewells ever, being met by tops hanging from the rack near- people and actors,” the salesman It has to be said that the shop has 450: Walia P.S. 600: Parthasarathy N.S., Thomas Sivaraman K.; Srinivasan T.; what is described as a “park ter Jinnah in 1948. Riponpet in and not in Calcutta. Ripon was deputations of Indians in est to us and gulp. As if reading informs me. The cycles are a lovely interior that showcases 495: Vipradas G.B. Tharu Subramanian N.; Vijay Sriram nearby”. The closest such ame- Shivamugga, Karnataka, and 500: Alexander A.X.; Chandrasekaran 750: Parthasarathy N.S. 1000: Jaya Krishnaswamy, the first of two Viceroys to resign practically every railway station my mind, Shilpa says, “We actu- colourful and sleek, very Tour de its fabrics and, well, if you can’t nity is Napier’s (May Day) Park Ripon Street in Kolkata com- A.; Hemalatha Bhat.; Muthukrishnan 900: Appa Rao M.S.V.; Color Parthasarathy N.S.; Radhakrishan R. mid-term (the other being that his train stopped at between ally cater to all age groups. A lot France, as are the accessories like afford the smooth as silk bed but there is no such structure in- memorate Ripon too. Mumbai V.; Parthasarathy N.S.; Prema International.; Desikan M .; Edwards 1750: Parthasarathy, N.S. Curzon), leaving India after four, Simla and Bombay. “Ripon Engal of college kids come here. They helmets and gloves. The price linen and sheers, then maybe you Sathyamurthy.; Rajasundaram V.; M.J.; Ganapathy K.S.; Janakiraman 2000: Malathi Ramaswamy side it now. The Vizianagaram has a Ripon Club, exclusive to and not the usual five, years. Appan” (Ripon is our father) was might buy the occasional expen- range starts at Rs. 15,000 and can buy yourself a couple of Ratna Prabhu M.;Shanthi Nikethan S.; Kannian G.; Patta Radhakrishna 4900: Adyar Times (A.D. Ranjan), Fountain is history. Also, no Lastly, unlike many of his prede- the cry in Madras. He went on to Parsis. Kerala has a town called J.D.; Sharma K.S.V.; Sivarama Menon (Dr.).; Ramakrishna P.; Ramanujan N.; Nagesh Somadev sive dress, but we have plenty of goes up to Rs. 3 lakhs. The sales- (Continued on page 7) longer standing in London is a cessors and successors, his depar- have a distinguished career in Ripon, located in Wynad. 6 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2017

90+ and still going strong (Quizmaster V.V. Ramanan’s questions are from July 16th to 31st. Questions 11 to 20 relate to Chennai and Tamil Nadu.)

1. The Defence Research and De- velopment Organisation (DRDO) Finding a way, recently rolled out the ‘Muntra’ at its Chennai lab. What is ‘Muntra’ the first of its kind? 2. Name the frontman for the popular rock band Linkin Park who that’s her way committed suicide by hanging re- cently. ducationist and Padma Shri recipient Mrs. YGP, a.k.a. Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy, has been primarily responsible for Padma Seshadri Bala 3. The remains of which eminent E 20th Century painter was exhumed Bhavan (PSBB), one of Chennai’s premier schools. recently to extract DNA to settle a I met Mrs. YGP just as she Mrs. Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy. paternity case? returned from an alumni meet- “Generally, newspaper, bath and breakfast is the routine and 4. Britain’s Chris Froome won ing at the school, all excited to and enjoy, on radio and televi- tinue to invite some of the best which prestigious and gruelling meet her old students and be a after that I get onto each day, in anticipation!” she says with a sion too. Whether Carnatic dancers and musicians of the sporting event for the third straight vital part of their exuberant ca- music or the Spic Macay con- country for the benefit of stu- time and and fourth in five years? maraderie. “All of us are busy smile. “Being up-to-date with all the goings-on in the country, certs, each session is energising. dents, besides offering cultural 5. Microsoft because of a public with recordings for the celebra- I also enjoy veteran maestros on scholarships to over 500 stu- backlash, has reneged on its deci- the State and elsewhere too is tion of our upcoming anniver- the shehnai and the thavil. Every dents,” she says. sion to end which programme and, sary,” she says. She is ‘in touch instead, have in its app store rather week is meticulously planned, “While I used to travel every with all the PSBB Schools G than bundled with future editions by sometimes even a month ahead. year to USA and Russia earlier across Chennai’ – five branches of Windows? Shobha Menon Actually, my diary is currently to study methodology of teach- with over 8,000 students and 6. Which two cities will host the fully booked with appointments ing and exchange programmes, 500 staff members – as their 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics? for the next two months… wed- a medical condition in the last Dean and Director, and actively 7. Ram Nath Kovind is the first per- what I enjoy… whether recon- dings to attend, music, drama, two years has made it difficult involved in policy decisions, fo- son from which State to hold the necting with an old acquain- the preparations for the YGP for me to move around on my office of President since Indepen- cusing on ‘an application-ori- tance I read of in the day’s Centenary, Bharat Kalachar own, and I have to use a wheel- dence? ented and not knowledge-ori- newspapers, or pitching in in programmes,” she rattles them chair. But of course, ‘Never say 8. The Food Safety and Standards ented education’. some manner to alleviate the off effortlessly. “And, yes, I love die’ has been my motto Authority of India (FSSAI) has Most times there are at least distress of a lonely pet dog in my to go to the beach whenever throughout my life. It will be banned the use of stapler pins in three official meetings she has to neighbour’s home! Some people which commonly-used edible pack- possible, for the calm and peace hereafter too!” she smiles. attend in a week, sometimes age from January 2018? may think it is a voice from their it brings into me!” “Philosophical and practical is more. “I enjoy interacting with past, but well… it is always good 9. The United States Navy offi- “Being able to recognise new my way. I believe in taking life students and teachers thor- cially inducted the world’s largest to reconnect,” she says with a patterns in Arts and Literature as it comes and overcoming ob- oughly! Wherever in the world I nuclear-powered and most ad- twinkle in her eyes. – Music, Dance, Drama and stacles that come up. vanced aircraft carrier recently. Af- am, I run into my students and it Mrs. Parthasarathy has de- Education has been greatly re- “Don’t give up. Find some ter which 1970s President is it is so heartwarming to reconnect grees in mathematics, journal- freshing, across all these years. I named? way, has to be the plan! When with them. I remember how in ism, education and history and remember arranging a session at a certain point, the Director- 10. On July 18th, which corporate 1990 in Broadway, New York, a rich repertoire of interests. where M.S. Subbulakshmi and giant became the second firm to ate of School Education said on the way to the theatre, I heard Education and these apart, Balasaraswathi sang Neelamayil- cross Rs 5 lakh crore in market that a woman cannot be a prin- a Sri Gurubyo namah (the cus- other areas that she is actively vahanan together in 1951! Mak- capitalisation? cipal of a boys’ school, I was fu- tomary greeting in our schools) interested in are Music, Dance ing the Arts an inclusive pro- * * * rious. That was the time I hap- and how we enjoyed exchanging and Theatre. “There are so cess was how the Bharat 11. Who started the pened to meet Indira Gandhi at Sangeetha Sabha as a counter to notes over the years!” many interesting things to learn Kalachar began and we con- the Music Academy? a conference in Kashmir and I expressed my anguish. She 12. Which Tamil word, now used helped me cross that hurdle!! for a specific topographical feature Or when we had to move out of synonymous with Madras, meant RENAMING OUR ROADS our old school premises when ‘underground water’ and was used Cross and TNPSC. Have they to refer to wells? (Continued from page 1) Why cannot newer areas of the the was built. city sport these names? been consulted? It does not ap- During its inauguration, one of street name that has been 13. Name the temple that was sub- The timing and the process pear to be so. our students read out a touch- merged because of the creation of around for two hundred years followed in the present name It is high time our civic body ing poem asking for space for the Poondi reservoir. lends a certain gravitas and change too are not correct. An begins focusing on matters be- the ‘evicted’ school! And so it character to a place. A colonial 14. Who set up the pioneering elected council is not yet in yond the cosmetic. It could came to be… granted by the name in or George Documentary Films Limited on place. The polls are imminent. clean up Fraser’s Bridge Road, powers that were! Lloyd’s Road that made the first Town speaks of the area’s colo- A name change is to be ratified or present a filthy stretch. It is documentary on the Mahatma. nial history. What imagery does “My energy levels, I attribute by the Corporation council and also time for it to bury this re- naming after the Red Cross or to the happiness I feel when I 15. In 1940, which Governor was then passed on to the Legisla- naming activity for good. No responsible for retracting compul- TNPSC evoke? Generations in meet people and through stay- tive Assembly which, too, has earthly purpose is served by sory Hindi tutoring in Madras future may just assume that ing connected with everything to approve it. In the present in- such activities. Changing Ma- schools? these streets had no history be- around me. If it is bad news, I stance, the Special Officer has dras to Chennai achieved noth- fore these two institutions came try and help in some way, if it is 16. Name the two animals that are simply arrogated to himself to ing beyond some short-lived pa- recurring motifs on the outer walls to occupy them. The next ques- good news, I am happy to cel- change the name. Officialdom rochial posturing. The city has of the High Court in Chennai. tion: What happens when ebrate together. I have no re- may quote precedent from the not improved in any way since. TNPSC and Red Cross move grets at all because I have made 17. On August 15, 1947, at 4.30 1970s, ’80s and ’90s when the Changing street names is going out of these roads? Will the new good use of the qualities I had. a.m., what song did the local All Special Officer in charge of the to mean even less. It is only the India Radio broadcast to celebrate locations be named after them And I will look forward to take Corporation authorised local resident who will have to Independence? too? Will that not cause prob- life as it comes,” concludes this changes in name. But there was go through the pain of notifying lems of multiple roads having ‘92 years young’ (as she often 18. Which fashionable road in no Corporation council func- banks, couriers and others of a the same name? says) personality. is named after a tioning then, the civic body change in address details. civil servant who retired as the Col- As it is, Chennai suffers from having been suspended follow- lector in the Revenue Department having the same political heroes ing the muster roll scandal. in the early 20th century? lending their names to road af- That example does not hold MADRAS MUSINGS ON THE WEB Who was the recipient of the ter road, colony after colony, 19. good now. Bharat Ratna had a car with the and place after place. If these Lastly, do the residents of To reach out to as many readers as possible who share our keen interest in registration number TMX 4777? are new creations and those the streets thus renamed not Madras that is Chennai, and in response to requests from many well-wishers who occupy them genuinely – especially from outside Chennai and abroad who receive their postal copies 20. Who wrote the play on which have any say in the matter? the film Thuli Visham was adapted want these names nobody can very late – for an online edition. Madras Musings is now on the web at Both Montieth and Fraser’s www. madrasmusings.com in 1954 with Sivaji Ganesan play- object. But what is the purpose – THE EDITOR Bridge roads have a number of ing the villain? in renaming existing roads? (Answers on page 8) residents other than the Red August 16-31, 2017 MADRAS MUSINGS 7 Closing the chapter on Veerappan

n 2004, he was yet another over for his final stint with the began recruiting gang members fallen back and the Deputy Iwho had led a force to put an STF in 2004, Vijay Kumar from among jobless miners and Conservator of Forests was end to the murders and may- pointed out that Veerappan’s resentful villagers. The village trapped. hem committed by Veerappan gang of 150 had been whittled folk served as his couriers, The see-saw battles between and his men. With his book, down to single digits. But this guides and his eyes and ears. As Veerappan and the STFs of two Veerappan, Chasing the Brigand was not before the official count a leader, he gave the impression States – at one point even the released this year, K. Vijay stated that 44 police and for- of holding sway over all the vil- BSF was brought in – contin- Kumar IPS has resurrected the estry personnel and at least 80 lagers. He also employed them ued. Around midnight of May life and times of the brigand on civilians had been killed by the for cutting down sandalwood 19, 1992, Veerappan and his whose head there was a reward Veerappan gang. Not to speak trees and smuggling them. men attacked the Rampura po- The cover of the book. of Rs. 5 crore. In an anecdote in of the kidnappings of Kannada The Veerappan saga would lice station leaving five police- the book, a villager asks, “How cinema demigod Raj Kumar, have taken a different turn in men dead and two grievously dispute, release of members of much is that in goats?” He was Karnataka Minister Nagappa, 1986 when he was arrested in injured. It was Veerappan’s re- the terrorist group TNLA, and told that assuming each goat DSP Chidambaranathan, and Bangalore. But he escaped. The sponse to the death of his right- even one on the procurement cost Rs. 2,500, it would amount some wildlife photographers. incident echoed 14 years later hand man, Gurunathan, in po- price of tea leaves. After 108 to 20,000 of them. “What Veerappan’s notoriety reached in the Supreme Court during a lice custody. The forest days, Raj Kumar was released. would I do with so many? It’s dizzying heights, even Time and hearing on the Raj Kumar kid- brigand’s tactics were guerilla Fast forward to October 18, better to preserve one’s life than a Chinese daily carried reports. napping case. In Bangalore to warfare at its best, while from 2004, Veerappan and three of run after an unmanageable re- According to a horoscope of buy ammunition, he was ar- the STF’s side they were able his men fell into the STF’s trap ward, which you may not even Koose Muniswamy Veerappan rested and handed over to a su- only to weaken Veerappan by a of being taken away to the live to see,” the villager bluntly obtained by intelligence perintendent in the forest cell. man here, a man there. safety of the LTTE-held parts of responded. On April 9, 1993, and also to a doctor Vijay Kumar, who had three Veerappan ambushed the to remove the cataract in one stints in Tamil Nadu’s Special jungle patrol headed by of Veerappan’s eyes. The en- Task Force (STF), has retold G by T.K. Srinivasa Chari ‘Rambo’ Gopalakrishnan. The counter and shootout at Padi, the story of the meteoric rise of former DSP of Ramnad District 12 km from Dharmapuri, Veerappan. The book also tells was taunted by a huge banner codenamed Operation Cocoon, the stories of the forces pitted in Kolathur village daring him started at 10.50 pm and ended against him. Having put to- sources, he was born on Janu- Srinivas, a forest official, took to catch Veerappan at a desig- 20 minutes later. The encoun- gether in one narrative the 20- ary 18, 1952 in the thickly for- custody of Veerappan but the nated place. In spite of warnings ter was high-profile. Other odd years of Veerappan’s life of ested area where Gopinatham brigand escaped from him into not to take up the challenge, than Vijay Kumar, only four smuggling, poaching, killings village is, in Karnataka, near the Boodipagada forest. The es- the police officer persisted. The others were aware that their tar- and kidnappings, the author the Tamil Nadu border. Every cape proved costly, especially to bandit had planted explosives get was the 52-year-old tells us upfront that many of the other family in these jungle ar- Srinivas, who was much later all along the route Rambo’s Veerappan. Two of them were episodes in the book have been eas had a crude firearm, typi- shot and beheaded by a venge- party was to take. The body driving Veerappan and his recounted by piecing together cally the unlicensed native ful Veerappan. Srinivas had count – 21 charred to death. cohorts in their last moments in secondary reports from multiple muzzle-loaders, to keep wild mobilised villagers to stand up Rambo escaped with serious in- a police vehicle remodeled as an sources. Differing versions of animals at bay. Veerappan did against the gang leader. He suc- juries. The book calls the trag- ambulance. The two policemen the same event have been rec- not have to go far to become a cessfully raided one of edy ‘The Good Friday Massa- jumped out at the last onciled to give readers a logical marksman. Even as a juvenile, Veerappan’s hideouts and con- cre’. moment. and accurate account. Woven he got on the wrong side of the fiscated nearly 800 kg of sandal- Another event that cata- Dedicated to J. Jayalalithaa into the narration are recollec- law for hunting wild boar but wood and got 20 bandits to sur- pulted Veerappan to national and to all search teams, Vijay tions of his colleagues – Inspec- made good his escape into the render. Eventually, Srinivas was and international attention was Kumar’s book has won encomi- tor Karuppusamy, DSP Ashok forest, the first of many times in fooled into meeting Veerappan the abduction of Kannada film ums from writers like Amish Kumar and TN and Karnataka his life. He then joined Sevi who had expressed his willing- star, Raj Kumar, on July 30, Tripathi: “True stories have STF joint chief W.I. Dawaram, Gounder’s gang to poach el- ness to surrender. Srinivas 2000. The consequence was the rarely been this exciting,” and among others. ephants. As villagers of the tiny made the mistake of going in calling off of all STF operations. Ashwin Sanghi: “A meticu- Speaking to his men at the hamlets were wary of officials of the company of only some vil- Like a seasoned politico, lously researched non-fiction Force’s headquarters in any hue, Veerappan became fa- lagers. As they neared the meet- Veerappan made demands per- work that hooks you like a com- Sathyamangalam on taking mous by defying officialdom. He ing point, the villagers had taining to the Cauvery water pelling thriller.” They bestrode its EXCLUSIVITY IS THE LURE corridors (Continued from page 5) that it might be too spicy and over to Tuscana in Wallace cushion covers – that would walk away. There is Mamagoto, Garden Road, nearby, and have (Continued from page 3) women by donating his palatial only set you back by a few thou- that serves Thai and Pan Asian my standard thin crust pizza residence to the cause of sands. food. There is Ink 303, very with vegetable toppings. S. Subramania Iyer, the first women’s education. So too Sir It’s past one pm. Time for popular, but mainly a bar with What is the allure of Khader Indian to be appointed as a Mutha Venkatasubba Row. lunch. I have several choices very interesting alcoholic and Nawaz Khan Road? Exclusivity, Government advocate, was el- And the contributions of Jus- before me. There is Love, Peace non-alcoholic cocktails. The I think, or the appearance of evated to the Bench. After he tice Basheer Ahamed Sayeed eats are small ones, like nachos, this rare commodity. There is retired, he rendered sterling ser- and Karma that sounds intrigu- to the education of Muslim chicken wings, brownies and so something gracious about the vice to the Madras University ing. But the man at the gate says women has few parallels. on. The Cascade serves Korean place, something that only and also the Home Rule move- hastily, “Madam, it’s a hookah Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer’s ment of Annie Besant. lounge!” “Is it vegetarian?” I food. Shanghai Annachi serves comes with wealth and good contribution to drafting the Advocates like C. Raja- persist. “It is,” he answers, “but South Indian food, a little heavy taste, things that everyone as- Constitution of India is well gopalachari, Sathyamurthi, it is a hookah lounge.” I sigh. on the meat, but the parotta-s pires to but is not always able to known. And Rajamannar were all part Obviously, greying, saree-clad are crisply layered and recom- achieve. At the very least, it is a and T. Prakasam served with great distinction as of the freedom struggle. On that women might not fit in with the mended. Some of the shopkeep- great street to wander down, the first Indian Chief Justice of aspect alone, there is a list of at decor. I could go to Mana ers recommend Nasi and Mee browse a little, buy a little, eat a the and was least fifty names. Andhra, that has great reviews that has a South-east Asian little and feel contented with the envy of courts in the country. V.L. Ethiraj contributed im- as serving authentic and tasty menu. I ponder about these op- life. If only they’d fix that road. mensely to the education of (Concluded) Andhra food. I worry, however, tions and then meekly walk (Concluded) 8 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2017

was senior to Kapil as well. Nor- mally, he should’ve been Remembering Jaggu honoured before Kapil. Yet, the Little Master, the batsman of all times said: aggu was a loveable, endear- Politics took me away from even Kanpur had only a matting ders. The “deities” (idols) of “I am of course ever the ing man, a privilege to have cricket for two years. In be- wicket for Test matches. Today, yesteryears. I had the privilege J opening batsman for India. But as a friend. But it was all cricket tween, I resumed cricket only at of course, Kanpur like any other of bringing with me old remember only after the bowler with him, ever. I used to know Allahabad in 1943. I had the Test venue in India has turf Sambasivam of Kamyuth Club bowls my work begins. No won- him, remember him in my fortune of being an opening wickets. (now defunct) and then great der I am to face you all only af- younger days, as that player for batsman for my university along Jaggu had come to know that all-rounder (batsman, pace ter our pace bowler Kapil. So I Egmore. I am talking about the with my captain (Prince) I was a writer of ‘sorts’. Once, he bowler, hockey wizard) M.J. congratulate Straight Bat for years around and after the Balendu Shah who in 1947-48 pulled me aside at a concert, Gopalan. Together with A.G. this small detail.” 1940s. As a boy (playing for PS became eminent as captain of even as music permeated the air. Ram Singh and a few others, High School), I used to go along the UP Ranji team. And then I “Swaminathaa! How could they were all sitting together at Jaggu had scored even here. on Sundays when (Mylapore) left for USA on training in you ever? I mean how could you the front, even as Kapil was Cricketers in India today, in Kamyuth Club used to play 1946… thus never again to play be a writer?” honoured with a diamond ring the hi-tech world, cannot imag- league (cricket). Of course, I cricket. Shame on me. One day “Ah Jaggu! Why not Jaggu! for bringing glory to Indian ine what all has gone into this was too young to be in the team. watching the Brooklyn Dodgers If one is a cricketer and even if cricket. Jaggu may not be so game called ‘Cricket’, invented Tendulkars were not accepted clash with the Boston team was he is not a great cricketer, but particular with the “God of by the British. Many have those days. enough for me. How could you dedicated to cricket. Nothing is Gods” at Tirupati. In honouring served this game. They served When Jaggu started cricket call this a game? This mock impossible to him in life.” Kapil with this costly gem, he out of love and endearment and as a player, rarely did I talk to form of Gali Danda – this is was only paying his respects to not for any status or monetary him whenever I had a chance to called baseball – of my village. his God Cricket. gain. I recall how that fast see him in the field. He devel- It was and is cricket ever and G When on another occasion bowler from Madras, that po- oped into a fine (leg) spin ever. Thus it’s Jaggu for me by Jaggu decided to honour India’s liceman as A.F.S. Talayarkhan bowler, an all-rounder in fact. It ever. L. Swaminathan greatest and foremost opening used to call him, Rangachary, is a shame that I never played But with Jaggu it was ever The 93-year old author batsman Sunil Gavaskar, sum- took leave for a week, took a league cricket. I regret this be- cricket. In the history of Indian was a close friend of the mons were issued (like court or- third class ticket by GT Express cause I would’ve clashed with cricket, I doubt whether there late S.R. Jagannathan. der). His friend, Swaminathan, and in the morning at the this man Jaggu with my bat. could be many like Jaggu. So must be ready with a speech to Feroze Shah Kotla broke the devoted. No wonder he never welcome Sunil Gavaskar. stumps of one of the three And I told Jaggu what that missed a single committee Just a couple of days before, “Ws”. century-an in real life and cen- meeting of the Madras Cricket a sort of tragedy hit tury-an of many innings for I remember my friend P.E. Association (later Tamil Nadu Swaminathan: chicken pox. Maharashtra, Poojya Sri Profes- Palia with a small furniture Cricket Association). He was, The cassette was promptly dis- sor Deodhar told me, at, of all shop, making a living at Banga- of course, a Vice-President and patched to Straight Bat, ready places, Chicago in 1947 in front lore in his later years. The list is August 20: Military Tattoo featur- all that. And I am emboldened for the occasion. Nothing could ing Equestrian show, Motorcycle of his beloved daughter Tara endless. Not only did he play for to make this statement. If, like and should stop Jaggu. India, he was also a national se- stunts, Military band perfor- me Jaggu had an opportunity to who was a student there: mance and others. Organised by Swaminathan, lying on the floor lector. Jaggu, as a teenager, as a Colours of Glory Foundation (at go to the USA for studies, I am “Remember, Cricket is as a patient, receives a phone player, today would probably be MCC Higher Secondary School quite sure that Jaggu would’ve Thapas.” call – Urgent. Whom else from “sold” for many lakhs. declined. Of course if it took grounds, . 4-7 p.m.). Nothing is beyond a than Jaggu? India had many Jaggus those him to UK, he’d have gladly Till August 20: Art Exhibition of Thapaswi. If Jaggu fancied “Tomorrow, come what days all over the country. They gone. He would then be playing paintings and sculptures by the something else in life, it was may, you dress up well, cover up served cricket in many ways. on turf that was denied to us in artists of Cholamandal Artists’ there for the taking. But Jaggu your ‘bubbles’ and read out your Jaggu never played for India. No Village (at Dimple’s Art Gallery those days. It was either coir was totally devoted to cricket. speech at the function and then need to. Let lesser men than the from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.). mat or jute mat for us. I believe And with that devotion he you may leave.” likes of Jaggu play for India. founded Straight Bat. That was Jaggu’s commit- But I doubt whether many a ment. That was Jaggu for you. But if India is ranked Answers to Quiz amongst the top cricketing batsman plays with a Straight Nothing stops Jaggu, if it has 1.India’s first unmanned, remotely operated tank, 2. Chester countries, it is due to the service Bat today. You don’t really need anything to do with Cricket. Bennington, 3. Salvador Dali, 4. Tour de France, 5. MS Paint, 6. Paris and a cricket bat for T-20s. A large rendered by so many dedicated LA, 7. Uttar Pradesh, 8. Tea bags, 9. Gerald Ford, 10. Reliance Industries Of course, I could not make men like Jaggu. wide danda would do, ah? it. The function went off well, I Ltd. Yet, no one remembers the * * * And Jaggu ever remem- heard from friends. They even bered. When on an Annual Jaggus. So what? 11. T. Sadasivam, the husband of MS, 12. Cooum, 13. narrated to me how Sunil began Thiruvenbakkam, 14. A.K. Chettiar, 15. Lord Erskine, 16. Swan and Day, Jaggu had invited the one his address. Usually in cricket, For them all that mattered snake, 17. ‘Aaduvomey Pallu Paaduvomey…’ (sung by D.K. Pattammal), and only Kapil Dev as honoured it is a batsman who gets all the was cricket. – (Courtesy: 18. Khader Nawaz Khan, 19. MGR, 20. Chandilyan. guest, Jaggu remembered his el- attention. And Sunil Gavaskar Straight Bat.)

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PublishedPublished by S. byMuthiah, S. Muthiah Lokavani for SouthernëChennai Printers Heritageí, Pvt. 260-A,Ltd., 122, TTK Greams Road, Road,Chennai Chennai 600 018600 and006. printedPrinted by AnuT J GeorgeVarghese at at Lokavani-Hallmark Lokavani Southern PressPrinters Pvt. Pvt. Ltd., Ltd., 122, 122, Greams Greams Road,Road, Chennai 600600 006,006. and Edited edited by byS. S.MUTHIAH. Muthiah. August 16-31, 2017 MADRAS MUSINGS 9

buildings the British left behind. For regn: No participation fee. Madras [email protected] or call 99400 40215. For details: www.storytrails.in/india/traildetail/british-blueprints

Week ’17 August 19-24 20th to 27th August 2017 G Exhibition: ‘Maps of the Coromandel The Folly, Amethyst 1705-1909. From the collection of Updated till August 11th Dwaraknath Reddy. Organised by Amethyst.

Till August 24 August 19-27 G Exhibition: Military Heritage Exhibition. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. G Exhibition: Vintage photographs of Old DakshinaChitra. A rare opportunity to have a peep into the rich C.P. Art Centre Madras: People, Culture from 1800s. military heritage of our country, know about The exhibition will showcase rare photos the wars fought and the weaponry used and of life in the city back in the 19th Century film shows on our military history. Organised Updated till August 10th by Colours of Glory Foundation and C.P. August 19-31 G Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation Exhibition: The ART of Traditional Games – 10.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. – an exhibition of artwork and the traditional Forum Art Gallery Till August 30 games of Chennai. The exhibition will exhibit [email protected] G Exhibition: Photo exhibition by Sujatha 10 a.m.-6 p.m. artworks of artists like Achuthan Kudalur, B.O. Shailesh, Shankar Kumar titled Lands through My DakshinaChitra Biswajit Balasubramanian, Chandra Morkonda, Harsha Biswajit, Lenses: Journeys from Chicago to Chennai. Museum K. Muralidharan, Lakshmi Srinath, Neerajaswamy Organised by DakshinaChitra Valimindi, Ramesh Gorjala, S. Kalaiselvan, Santhosh Kotagiri, Shalini Biswajit, Thejo Menon, Y. Shivaramachary. Till August 31 The exhibition will open with a short talk on the traditional G Film: Documentary film screening on 11 a.m.-1p.m. games of Chennai by Kreeda and will be followed members of Madras Art Movement, like and 3-5 p.m. by an informal play session. Available for play at the K.C.S. Panicker, Alphonso Arul Doss, DakshinaChitra gallery during the duration of the exhibition. Organised by P. Perumal, Suriyamoorthy, Vidyasankar Kreeda in association with Forum Art Gallery Sthapathi, Achuthan Kudallur, K.V. Haridasan, S.G. Vasudev and R.B. Bhaskaran August 19 G Walk: Justice Party Heritage Walk – T’Nagar 6-9 a.m. August 18-20 led by Govi. Lenin, Editor-in-Charge, Assemble at: G Exhibition: Eyes of Madras – Photo exhibition 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Nakheeran. Thyagaraya Nagar (T’ Nagar) , Usman of The Chennai Photowalk Group. The theme C.P. Arts Centre was created as an urban suburb of Madras Road Jn (opp. of the Exhibition is “Essence of Madras”. Mini Gallery during the 1920’s by the Madras Presidency Saravana Stores) Photographs taken by the Chennai government led by Raja of Panagal of the Rs. 100 per person Photowalkers in and around Chennai Justice Party. The streets, parks and localities payable at the spot during the Photowalks will be displayed. in the new neighbourhood were named after August 18 important members of the Justice Party. To register: call 94440 77171 G Walk: Peacock trail. An easy walk through 4-7 p.m. Mylapore. For regn: [email protected] Reporting G Walk: Trace the history of Anna Nagar by 7-8 a.m. Starting or call 99400 40215. For details: venue: Outside walking down the Naduvakkarai-Anna Nagar point: Tower Park, www.storytrails.in/india/traildetail/peacock-trail Rasi Silks route. Organised by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Ayappan temple side Rs. 550 per person Nam Kadhai. Thirupurasundari +91 94442 53532 G Talk : R. Kannan speaks on Anna a.k.a. 5.30 p.m. Talk: Sriram V. speaks on Down Memory 8.30-10.30 a.m. C.N. Annadurai. Organised by RMRL, Lane – Madras and Madras Chamber. Hotel Raintree, Roja Muthiah Research Library (RMRL) Organised by MCC. By invitation only Anna Salai G Quiz: Annual Heritage Quiz competition for 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. G Seminar: Peninsular Perspectives of Maritime 10.30 a.m.-1.30 p.m. children aged 10-13 years. The quiz The participants India. Organised by C3S, National Maritime C.P. Arts will include topics on General Knowledge, should assemble Foundation & . Convention Centre Heritage & Culture, Current Affairs, at DakshinaChitra by For details: 94440 71788 Identifying the Artifacts etc. There will also be 9.30 a.m. audio-video rounds. Only for students of 6th, Talk: Talk: K.S. Sripathi, former Chief Secretary, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 7th and 8th standards. No participation fee. speaks on Planning for an Expanding ORF Conference Hall Each school can send one or more teams. Each team should comprise Chennai. Organised by ORF, Chennai Chapter. Reliance Building of 3 members. The first prize will be high-end cycles from TI Cycles of By invitation only. Tel: 98410 10718 Radhakrishnan Salai India, the second and the third prize winners will receive exciting gift G vouchers and coupons. All finalists will be awarded certificates from Nature Walk: Butterfly Walk. Reporting Time: DakshinaChitra. Organised by Madras Naturalists’ Society. 2.15 p.m. Please bring along Binoculars & Cameras. Adyar Poonga Registration is mandatory and further information and to register Car parking, entrance and camera fees payable Group size: 20 contact: Lakshmi Thyagarajan: 98417 77779; Adhi Vishnu 98842 17393; as per Poonga Rules. Please email Umesh at Prabu: 98412 49600 [email protected] to confirm your participation. August 19 and 20 Confirmation strictly on first-come basis. G Walk: British Blueprints trail. This walk is being 5.30-8 a.m. G Quiz: ‘Know Your Madras,’ a quiz by 3-5 p.m. done in two parts: Lighthouse to War Reporting venue: S. Muthiah. Organised by Madras Literary Madras Literary Memorial on Day 1, Beach Station to Fort on Lighthouse on Day 1 Society. Free for MLS Members. Rs. 50 Society. Regn. by Day 2. Discover colonial Madras through the Beach Station, Day 2 for non-members. 2.30 p.m.

NOTE: G Open to all, but terms apply. Limited seating at all venues on first-come, first-served basis.

Check www.themadrasday.in and Madras Week App for up-to-date programmes. Promotion and Publicity: PRISM Public Relations. Email: [email protected] 10 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2017

For enquiries contact : Rejith :+91 99404 58435; G Exhibition: Exhibition/play session 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thirupurasundari: +91 94442 53532 or mail to on games from Chennai. Organised by Kreeda. Hanu Reddy Res. [email protected] For info: [email protected] 41/19 Poes Garden G Competition: Make your own Social History 5-6 p.m. G Quiz: Madras Quiz. (Open Quiz) 2.00 p.m. onwards Album/Scrap Book. Start with a 4-generation Anna Nagar Organised by the A.M.M. Higher Sec. family tree (minimum), add pictures, plan of School, your house (before and now), write stories, add function invitations, G postcards, sketches etc. – and how your family moved to Anna Nagar. Tree Walk: Natesan Park. Organised by Nizhal. 5-6 p.m. When? How? Why? For 8 to 16 year-olds. Organised by Nam Veedu, Registrations: [email protected] Venkatnarayana Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. Thirupurasundari Sevvel +91 94442 53532 or by calling 97910 29568, 98406 27376, Road, T. Nagar 98404 44010, 99410 04642 Presentation: How your family moved to G Tree Walk: Tower Park 5-6 p.m. Anna Nagar. When? How? Why? How your Organised by Nizhal. Registrations: Anna Nagar family is related to Anna Nagar? Organised by [email protected] or by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. calling 97910 29568, 98406 27376, Thirupurasundari Sevvel +91 94442 53532. 98404 44010, 99410 04642 Once you register for the event, the venue details G will be communicated. Prizes will be distributed and Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: 6-8 p.m. selected works will be displayed and felicitated Sriram Ayer speaks on The magic of Hyatt Regency in the 2nd Anna Nagar Social History exhibition, Nalandaway and The Chennai Children’s to be conducted in August. Choir. Organised by Madras Musings

G Talk: Air Marshal M. Matheswaran will 6.30 p.m. G Talk: Launch of book 6.30 p.m. speak on Madras, Aviation and the Indian C.P. Arts Madras on My Mind – a city in stories, Odyssey, Adyar Air Force. Organised by Colours of Glory Convention Centre by Chitra Viraraghavan and Krishna Shastri Foundation. For details: 94440 71788 Devulapalli, followed by an interaction with some of the contributing authors featured in the book G Game session: Launching a traditional game 6.30 p.m. from Chennai. Talk about the game followed Odyssey, Adyar G Food Walk: Food Walk. Starting Point: by an informal play session. Organised by Organiser: Sridhar Venkataraman Ekambareswarar Kreeda. For info: [email protected] (97909 57208). This is a morning walk Temple, Mint Street

G Food Walk: Mylapore Food Walk. Starting Point: August 21 Organiser: Sridhar Venkataraman , North G Walk: Food trail. A walk through Sowcarpet – 4-6.30 p.m. (97909 57208). This is an evening walk Mada St. and R.K. with your appetites leading the way! Reporting venue: Mutt Road, Mylapore Taste street food and learn about communities Joonus Sait & Sons August 20 that have contributed to Chennai’s culinary scene. Rs. 700 per person G Nature Walk: Backwaters. Reporting Time: For regn: [email protected] or Organised by Madras Naturalists’ Society. 6.30 a.m. call 99400 40215. For details: Please email Umesh at Group size: 25 www.storytrails.in/india/traildetail/food-trail-chennai [email protected] to confirm Reporting place your participation. Confirmation strictly Bridge on OMR- G Talk: S. Muthiah speaks on Madras – the 5 p.m. on first-come basis. ECR Link Road at American Connection. Organised by the CPT Campus Kelambakkam Press Institute of India (PII) Tharamani

G Heritage Walk: The Arcot Nawabs’ Trail 6-9 a.m. G Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: 6-8 p.m. conducted by Kombai S. Anwar. Assemble at Samyog Wedding Planners on The Folly, Beginning from the Palace, the walk Statue of Labour The evolving role of wedding planners. Amethyst takes you through the various monuments (opp. Madras Organised by Madras Musings in and around associated University) G Quiz: Quiz on Anna Nagar. Registration before with the Walajahi Nawabs. To register: Rs. 300 per person August 18. Organised by Nam Veedu, call 94440 77171. Walk ends with breakfast Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. G Talk: Pradeep Chakravarthy speaks on 7 a.m. Thirupurasundari Sevvel +91 94442 53532. Thiruvottriyur Temple – History, Inscriptions Thiagaraja Swamy G Competiton: Drawing Competition: For Venue and other and Games. Organised by Kreeda. and Vadivudiamman children in junior and senior categories. details will be For info: [email protected] Temple, Thiruvottriyur Topic will be given on the spot. Organised by provided on regn. G Bicycle Tour: Heritage Ride 5-10.30 a.m. Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. along the . Organised by Registration Thirupurasundari Sevvel, +91 94442 53532 Cycling Yogis. Start & Finish Point: is mandatory Inn, Santhome High Road. August 22 U Turn Point: Manimangalam Dharmeswarer G Workshop: Workshop on traditional games 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Temple. Total ride distance: 100 km. and the Maths behind them. Organised by Ramanujan Museum For details: Cycling Yogis/Ramanujar. Kreeda in association with Ramanujan Maths and Math Education M: 98840 23123 Education Centre. Info: [email protected] Centre, Presentation: Audio visual presentation on 11.30 a.m. G Walk: The Women who made Madras – A 7 a.m. Madras that is Chennai, to children of Open Air walking tour by Prajnya, who will lead you through Register by 18th Class 5, sharing the story of this historic Theatre a discovery of the women who played an city, followed by a painting session where Stella Maris College important role in the establishment of Madras the young children will have an opportunity as one of the most important urban centres to unleash their creativity on canvas, by in India. The walk in the southeast will be led by adding colour to images of Madras. Archana Venkatesh. To register, please Organised by the Dept. of Fine Arts, email [email protected]/http://www.prajnya.in Stella Maris College

G Walk: A History of Madras Museum by 10-11 a.m. Rejith Nair with the Explore Differently group. For details: Rejith: +91 99404 58435 August 16-31, 2017 MADRAS MUSINGS 11

G Tour: A tour of important locations at the 10.30 a.m. August 25 (ICF), , Pickup point: G Talk: Sreemathy Mohan speaks on 5 p.m. including the Chennai Rail Museum where Railway Officers’ Club The magic of textiles of the Madras CPT Campus an art camp for students will be conducted. (Sterling Club) Presidency. Organised by PII Tharamani For transport service, call M.M. Dhanish Sterling Road G Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: 6-8 p.m. at 90031 41010. Limited seats. Dr. Sunil Shroff speaks on Why Chennai Raintree G Talk: Partab Ramchand speaks on 6 p.m. is India’s Organ Transplant Capital. Anna Salai Covering Sport in Madras – A CPT Campus Organised by Madras Musings senior journalist recalls his experiences Tharamani over fifty years. Organised by PII August 25 G Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: 6-8 p.m. G Book release: A Difficult Choice, a book of 7 p.m. Arun Krishnamurthy speaks on Vanishing Hanu Reddy short stories by Madras author R.V. Rajan. Odyssey, Adyar Science when it comes to Chennai’s Residences Two other Madras authors participate in a Waterbodies. Organised by Madras Musings 4/19, Poes Garden Madras Week ‘Author Speak’ programme

Talk: Anuradha Uberoi speaks on The making 6.30 p.m. August 26 of a book on communities in Chennai. Savera G Walk: The Women who made Madras – A 7 a.m. Organised by Rotary Club of Madras South Only for Rotarians walking tour by Prajnya, who will lead you Register by 24th through a discovery of the women who played G Talk: Capt. D.P. Ramachandran will speak 2.30 p.m. an important role in the establishment of Madras on Madras Soldier: A Military History Shakuntala Art Gallery as one of the most important urban centres 1704-2017. Organised by Colours of Glory C.P. Arts Centre in India. The walk in the northeast will be Foundation and C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar led by Archana Venkatesh. To register, please Foundation. For details: 94440 71788 email: [email protected]/http://www.prajnya.in G Talk: A. Srivathsan speaks on 60 years 6.30 p.m. G Heritage Walk: Third Annual Trace Origin 7.15 am. From of City Planning in Chennai: What went Spaces, 1, Elliot’s of Madras heritage walk at Pazhaverkadu Loyola ICAM wrong and how to go forward? Organised by Beach Road (). The heritage walk will also include by AC coaches with Chennai Architecture Foundation (CAF) Besant Nagar a visit to a 1515 CE built church, 25th milestone lunch and water G Talk: Madras in Fact, Faction, Fiction. 6.00 p.m. on east coast canal and Dutch buildings. Rs. 975 per person Introduction by S. Muthiah and speakers: Starmark, Express Organised by AARDE Foundation. To register Sriram V., Krishna Shastri Devulapalli & Avenue Mall email: [email protected] or contact Sivasankari. Organised by The Hindu ‘’ 98846 33409/98840 33409

G Contest: Heritage of Chennai – Finals of For info: G Walk: Walk around . Organised 8-10 a.m. multimedia presentation contest for city schools. www.themadrasday.in by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. Starting point: Shenoy Theme: Old city markets. Organised by Mylapore Times Thirupurasundari Sevvel: +91 94442 53532 Nagar Metro Station

August 23 Talk: Bombay Chanakya, GM, Kavithalaya, 10 a.m. G Talk: Swapna Satish speaks on 5 p.m. Film-maker & Theatre director will speak on Russian Cultural Value, Nostalgia or Showmanship – CPT Campus Madras in the eyes of legendary film & drama Centre How the Nabobs took a part of empire Tharamani director late K. Balachandar and now back home. Organised by PII Chennai, in the eyes of Sri Bombay Chanakya. Organised by Probus Club. G Competition: World Storytelling Institute Anytime from Open to members and guests only presents, A Drawing Session for people 5:30-8 p.m. of all ages. For relaxation, creativity, and World Storytelling G Music: Sounds of Madras – presented by 11a.m.-12 noon imagination. Hosted by Eric Miller. Institute, Chetput the Students of School of Indian Film Music. Madras Literary Participants will be invited to draw their Rs 100 per person Come and experience the essence of Madras Society. impressions of Madras/Chennai — (includes drawing through music and sounds. Organised by characters, buildings, events, etc. Contact: materials and Madras Literary Society. Free for MLS 98403 94282 [email protected] tea/coffee) Members. Rs. 50 for non-members http://storytellinginstitute.org For enquiries contact : Rejith :+91 99404 58435; Thirupurasundari: +91 94442 53532 or mail to Talk: Sriram V speaks on Chennai. 5.30 p.m. Hyatt Park [email protected] Organised by Rotary Clubs. Hotel, For members and their guests only Talk: Dr. Shobha Varthaman speaks on 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tamil Jains. Organised by ORF, ORF Conference Hall G Talk: Pradeep Chakravarthy speaks on 6.30 p.m. Chennai Chapter. By invitation only Reliance Building Daily life in Madras 1000 years ago. Alliance Francaise Tel: 98410 10718. Tel: 98410 10718 Radhakrishnan Salai Organised by INTACH – Chennai Chapter and Auditorium, Alliance Francaise, Madras College Road G Photowalk: Yocee (http://yocee.in) conducts Meeting Point: 9th annual Madras Day photowalk MRTS G Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: 6-8 p.m. for children – A peninsula next to an island. Station Vinita Siddhartha speaks on Chennai – Hotel Savera For children of 10 years and above. The walk Starts at 4 p.m. and A Storehouse of Traditional Games. is led by N. Ramaswamy, Chennai Daily Photo ends at dusk Organised by Madras Musings & Chennai Photowalk. Open only to first 25 registrations. Bring your own camera (any type). August 24 Carry your water bottle. Dress easy. Register with G Talk: D. Hemachandra Rao speaks on 5 p.m. Revathi at 98405 44629. Rediscovering the – CPT Campus 1782-1806. Organised by PII Tharamani G Quiz: Madras Week sports quiz by 5 p.m. Partab Ramchand. Rs. 6,000 worth Odyssey, Adyar G Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: 6-8 p.m. Odyssey book vouchers to be won as prizes Ishwar Achanta speaks on The Madras Chamiers Golf Club. Organised by Madras Musings G Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Mahesh 6-8 p.m. Ramakrishnan speaks on Bespoke Suited. Crowne Plaza Organised by Madras Musings 12 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2017

August 27 August 29 G Nature Walk: Tank. Reporting Time: G Walk: Heritage walk in Stella Maris Dept. of History and Organised by Madras Naturalists’ Society. 6.30 a.m. College, Mylapore, Madras Day Quiz for Tourism Please email Umesh at Group size: 25 colleges in Chennai, storytelling by Stella Maris College [email protected] to confirm Reporting place students on Madras your participation. Confirmation strictly Bus stand opp. Talk: Dr. G. Santhanam (Retd. IAS officer) 6.30 p.m. on first-come basis. IT park near Toll speaks on Administering Chennai and Savera Plaza in Perumbakkam Tamil Nadu: My Experiences. Only for Rotarians G Walk: Chennai Storytelling Association presents 7:30 -8:30 a.m. Organised by Rotary Club of Madras South the 10th Annual Living Statues of Marina Assemble Beach Walking Tour. Performers and at the Kannagi Statue, August 30 G audience members will walk to six on , Talk: Nina John (Toastmasters Club). Stella Maris College statues. At each statue, there would be Bharathi Salai Organised by Dept. of History & Tourism brief enactments — in Tamil, and then in August 31 English. The suggested scripts G Presentation: Vanishing Heritage in Mylapore. 6-8 p.m. (in English) are at http://storytellinginstitute.org/28.html. Organised by Ashvita Foundation. Ashvita Bistro If you might like to perform a character and/or For details: 90033 65436 Bawa Road read/recite/sing a character’s poetry — and for additional info about this event — call 98847 28412, email to [email protected], and/or Talk: Madras on my mind – beyond 6.30 p.m. see http://storytellinginstitute.org/28.html Stereotypes. Sriram V. in conversation with GRT Convention Chitra Viraraghavan and Krishna Shastri Centre G Heritage Walk: The Arcot Nawabs’ Trail 6-9 a.m. Devulapalli. Organised by Madras Book Club conducted by Kombai S. Anwar. Assemble at for members and their guests only. Beginning from the , the walk Statue of Labour takes you through the various monuments (opp. Madras September 1 in and around Triplicane associated University) G Talk & Film: S. Muthiah will speak on 6.30 p.m. with the Walajahi Nawabs. To register: Rs. 300 per person ‘The Anglo-Indian: their 500-year story’ The Folly call 94440 77171. Walk ends with breakfast followed by a documentary by Harry MacLure Amethyst and Rehard O’Connor on ‘The Anglo-Indians G Tour: Bronze Gallery, Egmore Museum 11.15 a.m. of Madras’. Organised by INTACH, Chennai. led by Dr. Chithra Madhavan. Organised Egmore Museum G Talk: Storytelling session by Eric Miller Dept. of History & by the Apparao Galleries. (Director, World Storytelling Institute) Tourism Stella Maris G Talk: Major V.V. Narayanan speaks on 4-6.30 p.m. College The predominant mental state of Madras Deshbandhu Plaza September 9 G and Madrasis, then and now (Is it parent, Near Express Mall Quiz: Murugappa Madras Quotient Quiz 2017. 1 p.m. onwards adult or child?). Organised by NLP and TA Organised by Murugappa Group. St. Bede’s Auditorium Circle. Admission free for members. For invitees: 91500 00615

G Tree Walk: Harrington Road Park. 5-6 p.m. Organised by Nizhal. Registrations: Meeting point OTHER ACTIVITIES [email protected] or by Shoppers Stop Jn. G calling 97910 29568, 98406 27376, Chetput Video/PPT Presentation: How your family moved to Anna Nagar, When? 98404 44010, 99410 04642 How? Why? How is your family history related to Anna Nagar? Open to individuals of age 15 years and above. Submission of video/PPT to Nam G Tree Walk: Neer Vanam. 5-6 p.m. Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. Thirupurasundari Sevvel, +91 94442 53532 Organised by Nizhal. Registrations: Meeting point G Cycling Yogis will mark Madras Week with a booklet called Cycling Trails. It [email protected] or by Chitlapakkam Eri includes 40 trails with details about what to see on them. Every trail in the calling 97910 29568, 98406 27376, booklet has been cycled on by the compilers over the last year. Some of the 98404 44010, 99410 04642 noteworthy trails are called Madras the First, Madras the Oldest, Historic G Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Vallabha 6-8 p.m. Residences, Mahatma Gandhi and Police Heritage. For booklets, contact Srinivasan speaks on The beauty of Hotel Maris [email protected], then make use of them during ‘Madras Month’. Tamil Literature in Sculptures. G Tamil Short Story Contest: Kizhakkupathippagam is hosting a Short Story Organised by Madras Musings contest. Stories must have Chennai/Madras as its character/landscape or be G The Madras Week special edition of 7.00-8.30 p.m. set in Chennai and should be in Tamil only. Stories should be fresh ones The Bliss Catchers, a monthly event series, Odyssey Bookstore and should not have been published elsewhere. The results will be an- that celebrates people who went Adyar nounced during the 4th week of August. Shortlisted stories will be published on to do what they love doing the most as a book by Kizhakkupathippagam. in Life. In this edition Chennai’s most famous voice – For more details: [email protected] and RJ – Niladri Bose and popular actor-producer- G director Mathivanan Rajendran of Stray Factory will participate An extensive display of books of over 150 Chennai authors will be held at Odyssey, Adyar and . Commemorative Madras Fridge magnet G Artwork: Odyssey in association with Odyssey Adyar worth Rs. 99 FREE on purchase of any 2 books by Chennai authors. Display- ITC Classmate presents Celebrating Madras Odyssey cum-sale of specially created ‘Celebrating Madras’ merchandise. through Sketches using sketch pens. Thiruvanmiyur G Shoot Madras 2017 Photo Contest Theme: People/Places of Madras. : Photographic Society of Madras (PSM) Age group: 2 groups – 8-10 years,10-13 years. is holding a photography contest marking Madras Week. There are ITC gift hampers will be given to winners of two sections: 1. Open to all and 2. Open to students. There will be three My Madras: both groups. Special Discount Coupon themes: The photographer’s personal tribute to Chennai, Only in Madras: 10% OFF on all ITC products will be given to depicting what it means personally, Scenes which are all participants unique to Madras, be it a modern woman in jeans and tops with jasmine flowers on her hair or the thenga maanga pattani sundal on the beaches, and August 28 and 29 Evolving Madras: Shift from the ancient to the old to the modern. Buildings G Exhibition: Fort St. George, traditional food Dept. of History and with modern facades, yet vintage structures at the rear. Brand new bridges, stall, philately, traditional games, photo Tourism flyovers and metro lines. Evolving roads, markets in parallel with structures booth, What's in a name! (streets of Madras), Stella Maris College of yesteryears. An exhibition of prize-winning and other striking entries will bioscope and cinematic Madras, merchandise be held later.