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Vol. XXVII No. 17 MUSINGS December 16-31, 2017 A plea to save war bunker (By A Special Correspondent) or years, this square shelter made of concrete has been lying uncared for on Fthe side of the Express Highway. It has been used as a makeshift urinal and toilet, it has been lived in by squatters, and from the numerous bottles found in it, has been used as a bar as well. But nobody can deny that this is an air-raid shelter left over from the World War II. Known affectionately as the pillbox, it has been around for quite a while. This is not an architectural landmark. But it is certainly a historic marker. It reminds us of a war from which our city actually benefited in a big way, never to look back thereafter. Only now, it is squarely in the path of a proposed pipeline of Chennai Petrochemical Corporation. And efforts are on to demolish it. Last week the wreckers began hammering away at it when locals from the Kasimedu area Work on demolishing the World War II air raid shelter in . (Photograph: Shantanu Krishnan.) gathered around asking the rea- son for the demolition. was alerted and it carried a detailed story. That did the A memorial policy needed trick and work stopped, but not before some damage was done. (By A Special Correspondent) exhibits of awards, specimens of But a whole plethora of ques- dresses in famous roles such as, tions have since emerged, all of say, Kattabomman or Karnan, which are indicative of a larger he relocated Sivaji ing Rs. 2.8 crore and taking up would have enhanced spectator malaise in the way heritage is TGanesan memorial in 28,400 square feet, equivalent value; if necessary, a small audi- handled in our city. Adyar and the controversy sur- to nearly 12 grounds of land torium could have been added Whom does the shelter/bun- rounding it highlight the need space. where visitors could press a but- ker belong to? The army has no for an objective and impartial The building is in the ton to choose a film scene that records of its existence, or at policy on memorials, their type, Dravidian style of architecture, they want to recall. No wonder least there is no one there who scale and location. adorned with domes. The me- there are very few visitors. knows. The Archaeological After the High Court said it morial consists of a central hall Overall, it is a dull affair. Survey does not have anything was a traffic hazard and blocked and surrounding corridor, all Spending so much of the to do with, it as it recognises the view of traffic on the Beach measuring 2,500 square feet or taxpayer’s money and using up only monuments that are clas- Road, the statue was removed so. On visiting it, you wonder if valuable land space, it is an ex- sified as ancient. The Heritage to a location near the Adyar it should have taken as much as pensive apology for a memorial. Committee of the Chennai Bridge. It is now housed in a Rs. 2.8 crore for building a hall A statue in the middle of one of Metropolitan Development mandapam-style structure cost- of this size. Hung on the sur- he Institute for Social sonal rights, freedom of choice ways. You could be a very good butthe bafflingbusy squares is the highof the score City of Authority says this is not within Competitiveness, India, and inclusiveness. performer but low in rank be- 91.28would onhave water served and the sanitation purpose, its jurisdiction as it has, in its T has published a Social Progress From the scores for 2016, it cause the class is made up of thatmuch does better not tallyreminding with our us ev- of blinkered fashion, decided to Index for individual States and is seen that, generally, smaller excellent performers. One be- erydaySivaji and observation his contributions. and experi- restrict its scope to just the 400 for the country. Tamil Nadu, States have done well, record- ing onlyThe Sivaji just Ganesan above statue average ence.Apart from the fact that and odd buildings given to it by with an overall score of 65.34 ing good scores although their could shinein the in Memorial. a class of medi- littleOn thought Well Being seems, the to State’s have the High Court of Madras. And for Social Progress has done GDP size is smaller. Their scores ocrity. Looking at the absolute performancegone into designing is 58.84, a memorial, falling even there, it is doing precious much better than the country are as follows – Goa 63.39, scorerounding of 65.34, corridor it wallsis just are above pho- intoa larger the averageissue is category.whether thereWell little. The Corporation, to give score of 54.90. India itself ranks tographs featuring Sivaji Beingshould comprises not be a set environmental of norms for it credit, is willing to organise a 98 out of 133 listed countries, Ganesan with well-known per- quality,the creation health of issuesmemorials like lifefor shifting of the shelter to some- which is not something to crow sonages of his time. To go expectancy,personalities prevalence in different of respi-fields where else, provided some about. around the hall and view the ratoryand of infections, varying stature. unsatisfactory For in- agency or private donor is will- Social Progress is divided in pictures, it takes hardly ten levelstance, of whatenrolment about in a primarysimilar ing to bear the cost. Of course, minutes, as there is nothing else memorial for, say, N.S. the Study into three dimen- Himachal 65.39, Kerala 68.09, the “middle” category. So, we and secondary schools, school transferring this structure is no of interest relating the exhibits Krishnan, the famous comedian sions. The first dimension is Ba- Mizoram 62.89 and cannot rest on the distinction of drop-out rate and gender parity. easy task as it weighs several to the memory of the great ac- of Chaplinesque calibre? What sic Human Needs comprising Uttarakhand 64.23. Contrast being near the top in the coun- Greater attention in terms of hundred tonnes. Bureaucracy is tor who thrilled millions by his about famous musicians and nutrition, water, sanitation, these with traditionally well ad- try. investment and raising institu- unlikely to consider this matter unique style of acting and deliv- sports persons? And, so on, in shelter and personal safety. The ministered bigger States like Deeper analysis of the com- tional efficacies at the top priority, but to the few who ery of powerful lines. His sten- second is Well Being Needs Maharashtra at 57.88, ponents of each of the three di- grassroots is necessary on these (Continued on page 2) torian voice, famous dialogues, under which areThe included basic MemorialKarnataka in Adyar. at 59.72 and Tamil mensions of the Index provides fronts.(Continued on page 2) education, access to informa- Nadu at 65.34. insight into what our State On Opportunities, we just Madras Musingstion and communication,wishes its WithinReaders the country, A Tamil Veryneeds Happy to work on to improveand its Prosperousemerge out of the average cat- health and pollution-free envi- Nadu tops the list, not taking social progress record. On Ba- egory at 60.92. The compo- ronment. The third dimension smaller States into reckoning. sic Needs, we seem to be doing nents that offer scope for is Opportunity comprising per- RankingNew is misleading Year. in some very well with a score of 76.25, CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS December 16-31, 2017 A plea to save war bunker Talking the Walk he Man from Madras brought in to bring some sem- ing in holes after removing (Continued from page 1) tures like this have against T Musings was at a traffic blance of order to our chaotic banners will suddenly fall idle? demolition or wanton damage? signal. He was saying his roads. Earlier, we had cameras Whatever be the thought be- are concerned with the matter, Presently, officialdom has prayers rather earnestly, for he that were supposed to take hind all this, our civic body de- the lack of proper documenta- asked The Hindu to investigate was walking and had to cross photos of vehicles that jumped cided it must protest and was tion and ownership may prove the background of the pillbox. over to the other side. The signals. Nobody knows what duly rewarded for its efforts a deterrent. In the absence of But is it not the onus of the traffic showed no signs of slow- happened to them after a rather with some sharp remarks from anyone coming forward, the Government to look into its ing down. There was no option fanfare-filled launch. There the bench. bunker may have to go. Not records and see when this shel- but to make a quick dash for it was then a plan to get Their Lordships noted that and hope that nothing would transgenders to man traffic sig- Greenway’s Road is full of that we protected it or main- ter was built? Work has been tained it well when it was stand- dash against MMM while he nals and publicly shame those posters and that if a man were suspended for the nonce on was navigating. Just as MMM who violated rules. That re- to stand idle on that thorough- ing undisturbed. What is also demolition, but this is not likely amazing is that not one person was girding his loins for the mained just an announcement. fare he would find a poster or to remain that way for long. Un- plunge, he could hear a voice Now we have these voices that two pasted on him. The point in officialdom had any idea less some details emerge from above. At first it was a breath o’er our Eden. Heaven that MMM would like to make about the history behind the quickly. But since this is a city mere mumble, barely audible knows how long they will last. here, and gently at that, for he structure. And they did not where emulating Singapore is over the din of traffic but it But what is for certain is that fears being hauled up for con- bother to find out as well. considered the best way, let us soon became clearer. The the disorderly state of our traf- tempt, is that it is not just All of this raises larger ques- point out that such pillboxes voice was counting down from fic will continue forever. Greenway’s Road that suffers tions. When the maintenance ten, as is done when a rocket is MMM sometimes thinks from this. If their Lordships and the World War II construc- launched. MMM felt like Joan Tennyson’s brook got its ideas were to look up once in a while of even important public build- tions are well protected there. ings is not adequate, what price of Arc. If you recollect, she too on eternity from our traffic. when being driven to office, the lesser-known landmarks of EDITOR’S NOTE: The heard voices from above and Too bad that pedestrians are they will notice that several, in led the army to victory. not likely to live as long. fact, most thoroughfares in the the city? Secondly, what is the Government Museum has process by which we can add plenty of space for locating structures to a list of historically this air raid shelter as a important edifices in our city? If memory of World War II, just SHORT ’N’ SNAPPY an arch can be de- as the Fort Museum clared a heritage monument remembers the Great War based on a Chief Minister’s with relics of the Emden’s whim and then protected, why shelling of the city and World MMM was so taken aback All is, however, not lost. city suffer from this malaise. It can a World War II bunker not War II with a bomb fragment that he froze. He was dimly MMM feels that the voice should also be noted by their enjoy the same status? What from a raid by a solitary Japa- aware that the lights had could be put to much better use Lordships that it is not just the protection do uncared for struc- nese aircraft. changed and there was a brief if it named and shamed offend- political parties that deface lull in traffic lasting all of a ers on a live basis. After all, walls. The Tamil magazines nano second. He could have these are days of machine in- are greater offenders as also taken his chance but he telligence. If only the voice are those offering quack cures missed it, so mesmerised was could say something like this – for everything from piles up- he by the voice from above. In “You there bald-headed coot wards. In effect it is in our cul- MEMORIAL POLICY fact, he stayed on to listen to driving two-wheeler no. xyz – ture to paste posters and not its message in full. And he look where you are going. Lady all the laws of the land are go- NEEDED liked what he heard. The in red saree – did you not no- ing to clean up our walls. voice was like that of a school tice the lights turning red? You The Corporation in marm who teaches the nursery moron there – spitting on the MMM’s view is more in touch (Continued from page 1) leadership. The John F. rhymes to the infant classes. A road, how would it be if I ap- with ground reality. This is, Kennedy Center for the Per- various fields. Feasibility of rather fruity voice with a hint plied it back on your face? Fat after all, a city where flex forming Arts has on-going live erecting mandapams for every of tremolo. The message first man answering call of nature – boards are erected and posters theatrical performances. Other in English and then Tamil, had Toilet is just around the cor- pasted for every stage of life – one of these, occupying prime ways of commemoration pro- the voice counting down from ner, Sir. You can zip up and birth, first birthday, puberty land in an already crowded city, mote public interest, as for in- 10 and on reaching zero an- come out from behind the ceremony aka turmeric is itself highly questionable. stance the Adams National nouncing that it was safe for junction box.” If the voice shower bath, wedding, birth of Memorials should not be intru- Historical Park. pedestrians to cross. could speak in the local Madras baby, first birthday of baby, sive and, preferably, not take up Only it wasn’t. The voice bhashai it would be even better. puberty ceremony aka tur- prime land. Where a special To avoid using up space and may have had its head in the meric shower bath of baby, structure is to be created, it money without contributing to clouds, for it had no truck Poster matters wedding of baby, birth of should add to a public facility at public purpose, it is advisable to with reality. It could count baby’s baby, sixtieth birthday, the same time – a library or park name existing highways, roads, down till it was blue in the face ne of the Judges ruled that eightieth birthday, kicking of no posters or flex boards or hospital, for instance. An ex- squares, airports, adding a and announce that it was safe, O bucket, in memoriam, first statue in a prominent location but this was not a sentiment featuring living beings can be year remembrance and so on. ample is of memorials in the shared by pedestrians, chiefly put up in the city. The Man Their Lordships can at most United States in the form of li- at these sites, instead of going from Madras Musings assumed for exclusive memorial struc- because hardly any vehicle hope for a clean Greenway’s braries and museums, to honour bothered to stop. They simply that the Chennai Corporation Road. past Presidents and perpetuate tures and complexes. Now that whizzed past leaving pedestri- would be delighted and politi- their legacies. airline connections are being ans to their fate. Those on foot cal parties most disappointed Tailpiece Only in exceptional cases of extended to regional centres at were like members of the with this judgement. In reality high historical significance do district levels, there is enough Light Brigade, who if you re- it was the other way round – alking down a road be- memorials have an exclusive scope to name these airports af- member entered the breach the political parties could not Wing repaired, The Man care less and simply continued from Madras Musings recently physical element built, such as ter public figures and accommo- even as cannons to the left and right of them volleyed and defacing walls with posters and saw this sign. It could well be the Washington, Lincoln and date the growing demand for memorials. In cases of national thundered. This was exactly erecting banners lauding living the motto of our city’s civic Jefferson monuments. and dead leaders alike. On the body. or historical importance, a what happened to MMM and Most memorials have a liv- the rest. It was only as he was other hand, it was the Corpo- ing element of high public us- higher class of memorial could halfway through the pedes- ration that protested, challeng- age value, an example of which take the form of specially cre- trian crossing and nimbly ing the judgement! is the Woodrow Wilson Inter- ated public facilities like librar- jumping about to avoid ve- MMM for one is completely national Center for Scholars. It ies, research facilities, auditoria hicles that it occurred to unable to see the logic. In what has a small exhibit on President and museums. MMM that no great good has way is the Corporation ad- Wilson’s life and work, but is A well thought out policy, ever come of listening to versely affected if there is a law banning posters, graffiti and best known “for its work to setting out the norms for voices from above. The late Joan of Arc, if you recollect, banners? Is it in the business of unite the world of ideas with the conferring the honour and the was burnt at the stake. The defacing private walls and dig- world of policy”, providing fa- type of commemoration to voice having done its bit never ging holes on footpaths or is it cilities “for scholarship linked to express it, are necessary to came to her rescue. Ditto this a custodian of civic space? Or issues of contemporary impor- avoid unseemly controversies voice when it came to MMM. is it afraid that its overworked, tance”. Similarly, the Harry S. and to ensure that resources are These disembodied voices super-efficient staff who have Truman Scholarship honours used to serve public purpose are the latest that our rather been wearing themselves to the U.S. college students dedicated while honouring the meritori- quixotic police force has bone removing posters and fill- –MMM to public service and policy ous. December 16-31, 2017 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

● G VIEWPOINTS AN OPEN LETTER TO SCERT Essential to stress Disappointing syllabus the Humanities

G Some weeks before the State Council of Educational and for Social Sciences Research Training Committee announced its new syllabus for Tamil Nadu High Schools, your Editor, in his personal capac- ity as a person connected with Education for forty years, made he framing of the new High The syllabus for Social Sci- should not be a systematic ap- the following suggestions to the Anandakrishnan Syllabus TSchool syllabus by the ences is staggering in terms of proach but a holistic approach Committee. An interaction was promised and that was the State Council of Educational content (as it always has been), from the view point of the eco- last he heard of it. As suggestions are still being called for, he and Research Training has been both for the students and the system, landscapes, natural repeats them as an open letter accompanying the views of two a herculean effort, involving teachers. There has been no cycles and heritage, at the same veteran Social Science teachers. many teachers, educationists, change in the new syllabus. It is time imparting the technicali- members of academic institu- ties and special language of the tions and bureaucrats for over subjects. This is a must if the The SCERT Syllabus Committee Dear Sirs six months. There was a sense G An assessment of students have to be prepared for of excitement for all the people the Social Science the change which is taking 1) Humanities must get as much attention as the Sciences. As connected with the educational syllabus by two place in the world and which in my day, History, Geography, Nature Study/Environmen- scenario, hoping for new per- concerned educa- will accelerate in the next de- tal Science and Civics-and-Constitution (which could be in- spectives in the curriculum, tionists. cades. Science and Maths will cluded with History) must be compulsorily taught as sepa- particularly in the field of hu- take care of the technological rate subjects from Class 3 till Class 10 by specialised teach- manities. Unfortunately, the changes, but what about the ers, not grouped together as Social Studies, taught by an ad hoc teacher. The studies in the first three subjects must fol- new syllabus has fallen far short just flat wines in old bottles. human perspectives? Students low this scheme: Class 1) City/town/local area of the school; of expectations – at least in the The content is so vast that stu- will have to learn to live with 2) District; 3) State; 4) South India; 5) Rest of India; 6) Social Sciences. dents will develop a distaste for the others and with humanity in South and Southeast Asia;7) Rest of Asia; 8&9) Rest of the the Social Sciences – which harmony. This gap between the World. The heritage and environment of every student’s compresses History, Geography, Sciences and the Humanities is domicile must be known to him/her, leading him/her to a Economics and Civics into one what has led to the present dis- later appreciation of these features in the country and the Wordless general subject. There is a stress connect in society. wider world. Gopulu on information rather than Analysing the new syllabus 2) English language for teachers as well as students must be knowledge. Teachers are still at the different levels, we find strongly focused on, whatever be the medium of instruction going to struggle to complete that at the primary level a in the school. There must be specialised training for teach- G The late Gopulu during his ers in Communicative English and they would need to pass Ananda Vikatan days had a the entire syllabus within a very praiseworthy effort to integrate on the knowledge to the children. Children must be ready series of wordless jokes short time span, made shorter has been made at Class 4 using to answer in English simple questions about their subject/ that brought about loud with all other extracurricular the concept of the Tamil ‘Aiyn interest asked in English. In fact, they would need to be pre- laughter. These were activities, unexpected holidays Thinai’ – the ecosystems. The pared to ask questions and carry on a dialogue in the me- brought out as a book, in and examination weeks. historical perspective also dium of instruction as well as in English. 2005, and a copy was In the 1960’s and 70’s there should be included in this. This 3) Also compulsory must be moral instruction/ethics, a voca- recently sent to me by was a systematic study of His- same concept has been ex- tion chosen from three or four options offered (carpentry, motor vehicle or electrical engineering, farming, needle- Charukesi. We are pleased tory and Geography. Economics tended to Class 5 also, but it has and Civics were not included to be more clearly defined, to fit work, nursing, weaving etc.), physical education, and sport. to publish these cartoons Every student needs to learn to be hands-on and also appre- for a new generation of till the Higher Secondary level. these landscapes within the ciate the dignity of labour. Students also need to develop Madrasis. Teaching and learning was a physical framework of India. values and healthy bodies with healthy minds. If there are – THE EDITOR more enjoyable process, and The various agricultural prac- no grounds for sport, space can be made for indoor games concepts could be understood tices in these landscapes should like table tennis, squash, wrestling, boxing, gymnastics, vol- and applied. In the learning ob- be inclusive, not dealt with as a leyball, basketball and badminton, for example. jectives for these subjects, po- separate topic. Similarly, with 4) There must be a library in each school with a variety of litical overtones, prejudices the coastal landscapes, the im- books and every child must be encouraged to read at least based on caste and gender are portance of the ocean should be one book a week. It was from such reading that I got my first given. It is better to avoid ex- stressed. When dealing with lessons in history and language. posing children at this level to that particular landscape, Class S. Muthiah negative aspects. It would be in- Three should include study of teresting for children to learn the particular district as well as Civics through practicals. The Tamil Nadu. The principle is India is necessary, the old NEET could be more success- school can be used as the gov- from the “Known to Un- ryotwari system is to be taught). fully attempted? Could not the ernment and its different func- known”. Local study, as area Sometime the content is not objective have been broader, tions can be fitted into judi- study, is very important at this specific – like just mentioning drafting a syllabus aimed at ciary, legislation etc. The text level. the word ‘hazards’? What haz- equipping students to face a books need to be written with It is at the middle school ards? rapidly changing world. If criti- these aspects in mind. All these level that there is no clarity. We The secondary level syllabus cal thinking is developed subjects – ‘the Humanities’ as it don’t know whether the sylla- is the most overloaded, going through the syllabus, children were – are now clubbed under bus is linear or concentric. back to the systematic study of will automatically take NEET the subject ‘Social Science’ – an There is no connect between all three subjects. There is a or any other competitive exami- obvious misnomer (a misnomer the History and Geography and sense of deja vu. The subject nation with self-confidence. of the worst kind) ! Economic content. Ideas put matter deserves 100 marks The present syllabus will The idea was to integrate forth in one are repeated in the each, instead of the 25 allotted. function as is it has been func- the subjects so that the stu- other (e.g. the occupations). It is at this level that there is tioning so far, stressing rote dents’ load could be reduced. The History syllabus is daunt- more of a strain on the teacher learning, something like motion But the reality is that there is no ing, as it is in chronological or- and the taught, as students face continuing till inertia takes integration – the subjects are der and also descriptive of ad- the first public examination. over. still taught systematically and ministration, social and eco- What we wonder were the A great deal will depend on separately under the heading of nomic life etc. Many of the objectives for framing the new the development of content, Social Sciences. The only thing older systems are given undue syllabus? Was the objective the kind of text books made which is integrated is the text importance (they are obsolete, only to bring the State Board available, to suit the level of book. as in the case of agricultural sys- syllabus on par with the Central understanding of the students, For integration, the per- tems, where the study of the Board, so that competitive ex- and the skill and capability of spective has to change. It present state of agriculture in aminations like the I.A.S. and the teachers. 4 MADRAS MUSINGS December 16-31, 2017 December 16-31, 2017 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 Where music & dance flourished or the December Music Sea- – Fson audience of today, this Soundarya Mahal name will make no sense. Yet in the 1920s and the 1930s, this was the venue of choice for all music and dance performances. It was also hired by political outfits, so- cial service organisations, and labour unions. Located on Govindappa Naicken Street, George Town, it was the smaller option for organisers who did not want to hire the Gokhale Hall on Armenian Street, which could seat at least 700 people. The records are sketchy and there is not even a photograph in the public domain of Soundarya The most unforgettable Briton Mahal. But we do know that it comprised two levels – a ground Announcing MS singing at Soundarya Mahal. floor that could seat 200 and a small balcony that accommo- dated 50. There are also ac- LOST LANDMARKS OF CHENNAI the City has known counts that say Soundarya Mahal – SRIRAM V was not at ground level and had e sported the fancy title of Tamil Nadu; Kakinada and basics of composition and focal known to have a short fuse, and I dhoti.” The photo director of the spread rabies. “I shoot them to to be accessed by stairs. If so, it is stars had their debut here. There T.S.Seshagiri Iyer in the chair. and became a lifelong admirer. Director of Photography, Uppada in Andhra Pradesh; Puri length and lighting. pity the victims of his wrath. Indian Express was in the alto- save the people of Madras.” not clear as to who occupied the was yet another factor that “The meeting was well at- This was also a venue for H Indian Express Group. (I doubt if in Orissa; Chittagong and Cox’s Around that time, a friend of Miller told me, “For Heaven’s gether. “There was a photogra- “Do you have a licence for the ground floor. worked in Soundarya Mahal’s tended and among those present highbrow regional language the- any other major newspaper in Bazar in Bangladesh; Colombo, Miller, a visiting British fashion sake, Madhu, don’t write about pher around,” recalls Miller. gun, Sir?” asked one of the offic- The property itself was owned favour – women of the Devadasi were: Dr. U. Rama Rao, Mrs. atre. Telugu plays were staged India has ever had such a func- Negombo and Beruwela in Sri photographer, had left a few this anywhere. The Old Man “What a stupid fellow. Instead of ers. by Dewan Bahadur Salla community were not allowed to Margaret Cousins, Rev. H.A. here as were also those in – SRIRAM V tionary.) This Briton’s friendship Lanka. He was particularly lo- rolls of precious negatives with won’t forgive me. But do what snapping a fantastic moment, he “No, I must apply for one,” Gurusamy Chetty. In his time, he perform in Gokhale Hall owing to Popley, Messers Satyamurti, W. Kannada. Of the latter, the best with the Madras police (who fre- quacious in a car – car journeys Miller – of some luscious ladies you want after I am gone.” Since covered his eyes with his hands Miller said. “Please leave the re- was a man of many parts – a suc- a condition to this effect laid by Doraiswami Iyengar, C.D. known was, according to Randor quently sought his help for pho- seemed to at once unravel his in the nude. He told Miller, “I’m neither Miller nor “The Old and looked away!” volver here till you get the li- cessful lawyer, social activist, pa- Annie Besant, the founder. All Rajaratna Mudaliar, C.R. Guy, the play Samsara Nowka, tographs of criminals and crime memory and loosen his tongue. going out of town for some time. Man” is around anymore, I guess Miller asked me why cence,” he was told. “Okay, may tron of the arts and a prominent the handmaidens of God there- Srinivasa Iyengar, Rao Bahadur which later was made into a suc- scenes) and the access he en- Result: stories, anecdotes and I don’t want to keep carrying it’s okay to share this anecdote Tamilians are so colour-con- I leave now?” asked Miller. Yes, Freemason. His active years ap- fore sang only at Soundarya C. Ramanujachariar, R. Krishna cessful film. joyed to top brass in government jokes aplenty – about Madras, its scious. He said he once photo- said the Customs guys, and pear to have been from the early Mahal. Thus it was that the sis- Rao Bhonsle, and Dewan Perhaps the most illustrious and elsewhere made him an in- personalities high and humble, graphed K. Kamaraj, the former Miller left the airport without 1900s to about 1940 or so. ters Brinda and Mukta, grand Bahadur Salla Guruswami personality to visit Soundarya fluential person. You crossed him animals and snakes, the Indian Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. “I paying a paisa as duty for the Gurusamy Chetty lost his wife daughters of Veena Dhanam, Chetty. Mahal was Mahatma Gandhi. He at your peril. Express – some of which were thought they were pretty good camera equipment! He retrieved Soundaryavalli and it was in her had their early performances “The following resolution was addressed the women of Madras Voluble, witty, entertaining known to very few. photographs. But Kamaraj’s re- memory that he built Soundarya here. In 1933, M.S. adopted unanimously: here on September 16, 1921, un- and highly self-opinionated, Why the car journeys? As In- sponse was ‘You have made me Mahal as a multi-purpose hall, Subbulakshmi was presented “that this meeting considers der the auspices of the Harry Miller was always ebullient formation Officer of a FAO/UN look so black’.” Miller said Indian may be in the second decade of here for the first time to the au- that a Musical Academy be Sarvajanik Mitra Mandal. The G company. project, the Bay of Bengal photographers sometimes used by the 1900s. While it was put to diences of Madras, by the Indian started to develop and encourage Mahatma spoke in Gujarati and Miller made Madras his home Programme, I had suggested a “red-ink treatment” to make S.R. Madhu good use for meetings of various Fine Arts Society. indigenous music and the same stressed the necessity for the as- in 1956 and lived here till his photo exhibition on small-scale their subjects fairer. kinds, it became an important More important than all this shall be known as the South In- sembled women to give up im- death in 1998. He had earlier fisheries to raise public awareness Miller could resort to bluster location for the fine arts. was the role that Soundarya dian Academy of Music”. ported clothes. It was also here represented The Hindu as its about our work. The project di- his revolver later. I didn’t ask During the 1930s, the scholar Mahal played in the formation of Nothing came of the idea in in 1923 that the seeds of the to overcome difficult situations. London correspondent and was rector, Lars Engvall, readily (“As a vellaikkaran, I get away Miller what use he put it to. Dr. V. Raghavan wrote reviews the Music Academy. It was here the immediate short term but a Dakshin Bharat Hindi Prachar even for two years its correspon- agreed and suggested that we en- Miller had had an encounter for the magazine Sound and that a meeting took place on year later, the All India Congress Sabha were sown. Rather ironi- with some nonsense in Madras!”) dent in Pakistan, a country he gage Harry Miller, whom he He told me that on one occasion, with the Customs earlier. He oc- Shadow under the pen name of January 7, 1926 and the details Session saw a revival of the same cally, it was at rival Gokhale Hall disliked intensely. He went back knew through the Madras Club, casionally received protein-rich ‘Bhavuka’. From these we get to are worth quoting in full: scheme and by August 18, 1928, that the anti-Hindi agitation had he arrived at Madras airport from to the U.K. and lived there for to photo-document our work in London with some expensive “whole milk biscuits” from New know of performances at “A large number of well wish- the Music Academy became re- its beginning. seven years before coming to India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Zealand for distribution to poor Soundarya Mahal by stalwarts ers and lovers of classical music ality. In its very early years, when The later history of Soundarya photo equipment bought in the Madras – a city “that gave him I accompanied Miller on field U.K. He apprehended heavy im- children in Thirumullaivayal. such as Papanasam Sivan, T. had expressed a desire that effec- it conducted monthly concerts, Mahal does not make for very the powerful feeling that this was trips in the three countries to On one occasion, he received a Balasraswathi and Chidambaram tive steps should be taken to the Music Academy made use happy reading. The general deg- port duty. When the Customs home.” He married Revathi, brief him about our work. asked him whether he had any- notice from the Customs de- Srirangachariar. These were all stimulate interest in indigenous Soundarya Mahal. So did its rival radation of George Town and daughter of Parthasarathy Miller took several hundred manding Rs. 25,000 for a con- artistes who drew a select but music in this part of the country – the Indian Fine Arts Society, the shifting of music and dance thing to declare, he replied, “Yes, Iyengar aka ‘Sadhu’ Partha- photographs for the Bay of Bengal Harry Miller in typical ‘action (above) and some of his photographs (top) for I have a gun.” signment. Miller tried to argue scholarly audience and, so, a and to develop musical culture established in 1931. In later to venues in that the consignments were non- sarathy (a leading lawyer of Programme, and we held two suc- the Bay of Bengal Programme’s exhibitions. This triggered consternation. small hall suited their perfor- along sound lines. It was felt that years, each went its own way. But meant that the place came to be dutiable and for charity. Even Chennai who took to sanyas af- cessful photo exhibitions – one at “He has a gun,” the Customs of- mance style best. It was also a an Academy should be estab- Soundarya Mahal remained a rarely used for meetings and con- the New Zealand High Commis- ter building the Vaishnavi the in Madras, these negatives around with me. with readers. ficer yelled out to his colleagues, venue that could be used for de- lished in Madras for the purpose. venue of choice for much longer. certs. It did serve a purpose as a sioner in India supported his temple in Thirumullaivayal). another at the Galle Face Hotel in Keep them safely for me till I Another Miller anecdote: and they gathered around him. but performances when A preliminary meeting was held It was here that T.T. wedding hall. The property was claim. But the Customs did not Miller joined the Indian Ex- Colombo. The exhibition began come back.” Miller kept the Miller was interested in temple “Why do you have a gun, Sir?” organisers were not certain about on 7th January 1926 at Krishnamachari heard M.S. administered by a Trust insti- relent. They even billed Miller press in the 1950s and did pretty an association both instructive negative wallets in a darkroom architecture and his TamBram one of them asked. “To shoot audience size. Several latter day Soundarya Mahal with Subbulakshmi for the first time tuted in the name of Salla Rs. 50,000 for two earlier con- much what he wanted to do. He and entertaining. cupboard. father-in-law put in a word with mad dogs,” Miller replied with a Gurusamy Chetty and this body signments! published provocative and occa- But what I would like to talk One afternoon, Miller took the temple authorities in straight face. felt that the land could be put to On an impulse, Miller dashed sionally eye-stopping photo- about today are the stories and the orphanage kids out on a pho- Rameswaram for a special better use. There was the ques- “Dogs? Why?” off a long telegram to Prime Min- graphs. He wrote a popular col- anecdotes Miller shared with me tography field trip. He then told darshan for his son-in-law. Miller Thank you, Donors tion of the Arya Vysya Maha “Have you ever carried dying ister Indira Gandhi. He had met umn, ‘Madras – city of neglect’, on those car journeys. One de- them to process and print in his decided to go to the temple bare- G Sabha of which Gurusamy children in your arms, children her and Pandit Nehru a couple We today, publish donations received Rs. 400: Dasarathy, G.; Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetti; about civic problems – clogged lightful story concerned his boss darkroom what they had shot, chested and clad only in a dhoti Chetty had once been a pillar. sewers, uncollected rubbish, poor in the Indian Express, Ramnath with rabies? I have done that. of times in London while he was with thanks for the period from 1.06.17- Pillai, R.S.; Ponnuswamy, S; Ravikumar, R.; while he went out for some time. (without underwear). The This organisation was still using Believe me, there can be no a correspondent for The Hindu. 15.10.17 bus services, failing streetlights, Goenka – or, rather, about an When he returned a few hours temple elephant raised its trunk Sivakumaran, T.V.; Venkatesan, R the building. But in 1995 a solu- death more horrible.” The audi- He reminded her of those meet- – The Editor illegal buildings. And undertook orphanage Goenka had set up in later, what did he find? to give Miller a well-trained Rs. 500: Madhavan Sulabha Madhavan, S.; tion was hammered out and the ence of Customs officers were ings and complained that he was important photographic assign- Chennai for destitute boys. He The kids were on the floor gig- namaste, encouraging him to Muthukrishnan, V. building was brought down. tongue-tied and all ears while being penalised by the Customs Rs. 50: Srinivasan, V. ments. once told Miller “These boys are gling and sniggering, huddled draw closer. Rs. 505: Vipradas, G.B. What stands in its place is an Miller gave them a zoology les- in India for charity work for chil- Rs. 100: Balraj, (Dr.) C.T.A.; Dhanalakshmi, S; Lakshmi Back in 1980, I was Miller’s on vacation from school. They over several prints of women in “Something incredible then Rs. 900: Satyabhama, S.; Ananthanarayanan, T. electricals and plastic goods mar- son. He said people harbored an dren. The PM did not reply, but Narayanan, K.V.; Meenakshisundaram, A.; Muthu companion over several thou- are idling away, wasting time. the buff. They had somehow dis- happened,” Miller said. “Perhaps Rs. 1000: Vijay Sriram/ Kavitha Vijay ket of unsurpassed ugliness. Who sand kilometres of road journeys Teach them photography.” irrational fear of snakes, most of a week later, the Customs guys Damodaran, G.; Rajagopal, S.; Sukumaran, C.K.; covered the “steamy” negatives, the elephant had never seen a Rs. 2000: Subramanian, N. can believe that music and dance – in Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Miller took the chore seriously which were harmless. But they phoned him most courteously Sundaram, G. and used their new-found skills to white man before. It suddenly Rs. 2900: Dharma Raja, A.R. once flourished here? Kanniyakumari and Tuticorin in and imparted to the children the were indifferent to mad dogs Rs. 200: Premchandran process and print them! Miller is twirled its trunk and removed my which freely roamed the city and (Continued on page 8) 6 MADRAS MUSINGS December 16-31, 2017

standards of education and was rang up an old classmate who primarily responsible for en- was keeping indifferent health Back to hancing the reputation of the and indulged, as was our wont, (Quizmaster V.V. Ramanan’s hundred-year old (then) insti- in a bit of “Samuel-speak”, he questions are from November tution. A feeling of fear, mixed quoth: “I wasted Life and now 16th to 30th. Questions 11 to 20 with respect, tingled through doth Life waste me”! It was in- relate to Chennai and Tamil school after our spine whenever he walked deed a pleasure to hear Samuel Nadu.) down the corridor and casually play the piano in different 1. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu re- cast a glance in the direction of moods – be it in the Assembly cently became only the second our class. He would be the first Hall, Church or at his home. Linley Harris, historian and ge- Indian woman to win a World to assemble for Prayer in the Our Tamil teacher, Subbiah ages! nealogist of the Waller family, championship gold in which morning; after a hymn was needs a special mention; some Olympic sport? who had come from Australia, sung, he would give a short of us in the classroom would oc- inaugurated the proceedings 2. Who was honoured with the homily before ending with the casionally send out a wave of Indian Film Personality Award ucked away unassumingly with a moving speech. But I was Lord’s prayer and specifically giggles whenever we saw him 2017 at the recently-concluded Tbetween a complex of cin- distracted by my own nostalgic intoning the following words bravely coaxing a motley group 48th International Film Festival ema theatres and a popular so- thoughts; I cast a longing glance with great emphasis and clarity: of Sindhi, Jain, Punjabi, Chi- of India? cial club on , the ma- at the rear to catch a glimpse of “May the Grace of God and the nese and Anglo-Indian students 3. How did Manushi Chillar jestic spire of Christ Church a picture of Christ with the fol- Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be into reading some passages from make news on November 18th? soars into the sky, symbolising lowing legend at the bottom: with us this day and forever their Tamil prose book! 4. ISRO has announced that the eponymous School’s motto, “Behold, the kingdom of God is more”. (Even now, after a hia- The organisers did also India’s first dedicated scientific “Do Your Best”. The school cer- within you.” (Unfortunately, tus of sixty years, those words recognise and applaud some top mission to study the sun would be tainly has, overcoming a maze because of the heavy cluster of are impressed indelibly into my retired Government officials launched in 2019. What is it to of problems and hurdles of all people in that corner, I was un- psyche!). who had passed out with be called? kinds. able to see it). His alter ego, David Samuel, rankings around fourth or fifth 5. Which bank is launching the As I entered the portals of After the speech by Ms was an institution by himself. in 1966. Before moving over for country’s first integrated lifestyle Christ Church High School on Harris, there were a number of He taught us to love the nu- Dinner, I accosted a couple of and banking digital service plat- the occasion of the celebrations songs and dances of a rather ances of the English language the main organisers and men- form named YONO (You Only of its 175th birthday, I could not pedestrian variety by the cur- (“as she is spoke”) and treated tioned that they had erred in Need One)? Wren and Martin as a their HISTORY! Had they 6. The President recently pro- Bible! He easily raised gone through the School mulgated an ordinance under Ar- us above the level of records correctly, they would ticle 123 to omit which common Lamb’s Tales of have spotted one V. Kalidas plant species from the definition Shakespeare and made who ranked SECOND in the of trees? us appreciate the Bard State and was even felicitated 7. Who has been chosen to re- of Avon in his own in- in a public function along with ceive the prestigious Indira imitable style. He the first and third State Rank- Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarma- identified a small ers in 1957. I also happily pulled ment and Development this year? bunch of us and out the medal from my jacket 8. Which African leader was taught us Advanced which my wife had thoughtfully forced to step down as President English at his home given to me to be shown to Har- after being in office for 29 years? on Sunday afternoons ris, which I found too delicate 9. How did Rachel Markle, an while his wife plied us to do. American actress known for her with biscuits and or- It was a memorable evening role in the TV series Suits, make news? ange juice. Soliloquys meeting with old friends and from Shakespearean classmates, hewn into different 10. To which neighbouring coun- plays and couplets shapes and forms, by Father tries did Pope Francis recently make a six-day visit? from the Lake Poets Time. My class-mates, Col. used to flow from his Kohli, (Retd.) and S. * * * 11. What is now housed in lips while he joked Radhakrishnan, (retired Chair- Chamundeswari Bagh? about spoonerisms, man, TNSC Bank) called ear- malapropisms, figures lier in the day. It needs to be 12. What was started in 1923 by Christ Church, Mount Road, after renovation, and its school in the background. Mrs. Waller, along with some Eu- of speech, mixed mentioned that the school con- ropean women, with the aim of metaphors and the tinues to churn out top guns in help but feel a lump in my rent students which left you quaint use of idioms. His eyes the Defence and leaders in promoting philanthropic activi- throat for I had left the school feeling rather embarrassed. I ties? would sparkle when he lauded Business and Governance. sixty years ago and never had an wondered what the genteel lady Tennyson’s use of onomato- 13. Which busy Madras thor- opportunity to visit my Alma would have thought of them; oughfare of yore had buildings poeia in his famous poem, ‘The V. Kalidas Mater again. she did maintain her stoic com- Brook’. The other day when I [email protected] named Manonidhi, Vinnagar, Entering the Church, I stole posure and revealed no signs of Sadhana and Kamalalayam? a glance at the pipes of the or- discomfort at the onslaught of 14. What was the famous pseud- gan and recalled how an Irish cacophony. What a contrast onym of the author Ja. Ra. Chaplain moved us with those from the good old days when Sundaresan, who passed away re- timeless hymns, ‘Lead us Heav- Shakespearean plays were CHENNAI HERITAGE cently? enly Father’, ‘Yield not to staged by the School’s students, No. 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, Westcott Road, , Chennai 600 014 15. According to historian and Temptation’, ‘Calvary Tree’ conceptualised by David author A.R. Venkatachalapathy, etc. Those were the days when Samuel, our teacher, who stood why do ‘kaapi tumblers’ have rims? we sat on its steps and rushed for all that was perfection in I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List 16. Who is the present Arch- through our lunch boxes so as pedagogy ! No...... ) / I have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it hereafter. bishop of the Madras-Mylpaore to catch a short game of Hockey The next part of the diocese? before the post-lunch bell sum- programme relating to acknowl- G I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for 17. To enjoy which English poet’s moned us to our class-rooms. I edging the contribution of the Rs. 100 (Rupees One hundred) payable to CHENNAI works did Subramania Bharati thought of the school’s hockey teaching staff with mementoes HERITAGE, MADRAS, as subscription to Madras Musings start a club in Ettaiyapuram? stalwarts like Maurice Timms drew well-deserved applause. for the year 2017-18. 18. Which popular magazine de- (son of a Deputy Commissioner My thoughts raced to our G As token of my support for the causes of heritage, buted on January 15, 1970 with a of Police then) and Eugene own group of teachers of the pair of donkeys on the cover? environment and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, Edmonds and a couple of other Class of 1957 who had groomed I send Chennai Heritage an additional 19. Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair Anglo-Indian school-mates as us painstakingly to serve soci- Rs...... of Leela Hotels’ fame is credited well as some Chinese like Rob- ety, the nation and our own (Rupees ...... ) Please with inventing and popularising ert Chen Benchu and Pen Lo, homes as responsible citizens. keep/put me on your mailing list. which famous textile synonymous with Madras? who migrated to Australia and The teaching faculty of the Name : ...... New Zealand many decades Class of 1957 represented all 20. Which is the oldest unit of ago. that was best in building up stu- Address: ...... the Madras Regiment that was raised in 1704 in Padma- The School and the Church dents for a great career in the ...... nabhapuram as bodyguards for are steeped in History. The years ahead. We had a formi- All cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. DD/Cheque should be sent by the Maharajah of Travancore? School was founded in 1842 by dable Headmaster in John Speed Post only. Thomas Parker Waller. Esther Asirvatham who raised the (Answers on page 8) December 16-31, 2017 MADRAS MUSINGS 7 IE heads for its Golden Jubilee an someone without spe- league P.S. Ramamurti looked Ccific academic qualifica- after advertising. Veteran jour- tions or experience in journal- nalist P.R. Srinivas was the ism and no financial resources Consulting Editor. P.A. Seshan but with just a dream, launch an and T.V. Anantharamaseshan industrial magazine and run it of The Hindu lent invaluable successfully for 50 years? S. guidance. Dr. P.S. Lokanathan Viswanathan (SV), founder and Chitra S. Narayanaswamy Editor & Publisher of Industrial were among the regular con- Economist (IE), dared to do this. tributors. And SV’s parents SV will be celebrating two land- pitched in too. mark events in his life in 2018; According to SV, the con- his 80th birthday in January and cept of the ‘Advertorial Supple- the golden jubilee of IE on ment’ on a particular topic/ March 15th. event introduced by IE was the After Loyola and first of its kind in business jour- Vivekananda, where he got a nalism. The supplements had BA (Hons) degree in Math- anywhere from 24 to 80 pages. ematics and a Masters in Politi- The first supplement was on the cal Science with Economics, he inauguration of Madras Refin- joined the Directorate of Indus- eries Ltd. in September 1969. It try & Commerce and got was a part of the regular issue of trained in government’s sys- the magazine and carried spe- tems. Then followed a few years S . Viswanathan. cial features on the prestigious of teaching Mathematics at the him to visit Daimler Benz, plant built with multinational Jayanthi Tutorial College, IIET, involvement. MRL ordered Volkswagen, the Hanover Fair The cover of IE’s inaugural issue. Loyola College and Madras etc. He then went to the UK. 5,000 copies of the supplement Christian College. H.B. Stanford of Simpson’s, for distribution. It was a good SV’s first brush with writing Madras, introduced him to Brit- business idea and IE has pro- ing the expansion of Neyveli double glazed windows, roof- and printing happened during ish Leyland and the Society of duced over 100 such supple- Lignite Corporation and suc- top solar power, sensor-based this period. His association with Motor Manufacturers and ments. A few of these were truly cessfully pursuing it. SV has at- lights in toilets, security cam- the Social Service Centre, Traders, London. He covered outstanding; the one on the tended these conferences for eras etc. , provided him the the British automobile industry Sakthi Group won 2,55,000 re- the last 44 years, a record in- With steady rent coming opportunity to work on social extensively, visiting a dozen prints, and on deed! from lessees, SV has been able issues like hygiene, and nutri- plants. The trip “opened my 85,000. SV used the Delhi visits to to bring out IE regularly, mod- tion, and bring out a souvenir eyes to the immense opportuni- The growing business neces- go to projects in North, West, estly supported by advertising. for the Centre. It was a good ties and scope for industry-fo- sitated shifting the office from Central and East India. He has Importantly, he has been able to experience in editing, advertis- cused journalism.” his home in T’Nagar to a 4,000 the distinction of covering be independent. SV fought a ing and marketing. He also got The trip also led SV to phase sq. ft. rented premises in projects in all Indian States ex- long legal battle to win the right involved with music and liter- out Mobile. He explains: “India Gopalapuram in 1973. With the cept J&K and Assam. of journalists to be critical of ary activities. These brought was then producing in three au- In 1985, SV switched to corporates. The magazine today him in touch with Krishna tomobile plants less than 20,000 electronic/computer typeset- covers a readership of 75,000. Srinivas (KSri) who was pub- ting and desk top publishing/ Married to Padma for 46 cars a year. Volkswagen was G by lishing two magazines, Indian producing in a single plant digitisation. Eight years later, IE years, SV has a son, Bala, and Industries and Poet, both printed R.V. Rajan celebrated its Silver Jubilee. To daughter, Sangita, both of 6,200 cars a day! I decided to [email protected] at his printing press. Impressed widen my canvas and bring out commemorate the 1993 Silver whom are settled in the U.S. by SV’s work, KSri invited him an ‘industry based-magazine fo- Jubilee, IE instituted the first Both cut their teeth in journal- to help him run the magazines cused on South India’.” At the ever Business Excellence ism and communication at IE, and the press. Armed with the same time there was an opening move also came the idea of ex- Award for a corporate in South like many others who were knowledge gained working with up of a window of opportunity: panding the press. SV imported India. He formed an indepen- groomed by SV in economic KSri, Viswanathan decided to economic journals from a printing machine from Ger- dent awards committee to make journalism. Neither of them, turn entrepreneur at a very Kolkata (Capital), Delhi (East- many and a linotype machine the decision. The Awards were however, is interested in taking young age. He was only 24 ern Economist), and Bombay from the USSR. These got discontinued in 2001 when SV over the mantle from their fa- when he launched in 1962 the (Commerce), all industry-owned caught in the red tape involved found the mushrooming TV ther. monthly magazine Mobile de- publications, had folded up. in imports at the time. By the channels in Delhi presenting a To celebrate its Golden Ju- voted to the transport industry. And, so, Industrial Economist time he installed these, along plethora of awards. bilee, IE plans to have a semi- nar spread over a day with ses- He got guidance from S.N. (IE) was born. with a couple of Indian ma- In 1994, SV decided to go sions on the economy, industry, Ramasami of the TVS group. The first issue of IE was re- chines, technology had public. His company IE became He travelled around the leased as a fortnightly on March changed. Letter-press became a unit of the new company, agriculture and technology-in- country interviewing the lead- 15, 1968. It had 36 pages, a obsolete and computers took Economist Communications novation followed by a public ing lights of the automobile in- cover price of 75 paise (annual over. SV struggled for a decade Ltd. function in the evening. The dustry for Mobile and seeking subscription Rs. 15), and a print before deciding to quit the In the early 1980s SV moved focus will be on the South. It the advertising to support it. order of 2,000 copies. The cover printing business! to rented property in promises to be one of the major Less than two years later, he page carried a cartoon by Even while SV was fighting Industrial Estate. When new events of the new year. started another trade magazine, Thanu and the inside pages fea- a battle on the business front, sheds were built there, he got Trade Wheel, devoted to the tured well-researched articles/ burdened with term loans, he allotted a 2,500 sq.ft. shed and, two-wheeler industry. reports on industry, commodi- was fast gaining recognition as in 2001, 5,600 sq.ft. land. Fore- An important breakthrough ties, stocks, trade etc. These an economic editor. He started seeing the transformation of came when he traded advertis- were based on information getting invited to the annual Guindy into a large commercial ing space for a round-trip ticket culled from company reports, Economic Editors’ Conferences hub, he raised a sophisticated Till December 31: Blind Poet and to Europe with PanAm. He plant visits and interviews with hosted by the Union Govern- commercial building with de- Butterflies an art exhibition by C. used his connections with the company executives. IE was ment in Delhi, and which pro- sign by C.N. Ranganthan (C.R. Douglas. The exhibition of Press Bureau of German Indus- well-received. Thanu and, later vided for interactions with Cen- Narayana Rao architects) and mixed media works comprises 30 small format works shown along- try in India to get the opportu- Gopulu, embellished the cover tral ministers and senior civil construction by L&T. In a nity to visit the six renowned record seven months, Economist side Korean Zen poems. A film and inside pages in the early is- servants. From 1973, SV was, on the artist, titled Black Mirror, German companies that built sues. for several years, the sole repre- House was built. It incorporated the Rourkela Steel Plant and several sophisticated features: will also be screened at In the early years, SV’s sentative to focus on southern DakshinaChitra with InKo Cen- the German government helped total rainwater harvesting, brother S. Narayanan and col- economic issues, like demand- tre. 8 MADRAS MUSINGS December 16-31, 2017

(Continued from page 5)

and respectfully, and said, “Sir, we have waived the Customs Madras’s unforgettable duty for the milk biscuits. We will deliver them to your place. When can we do so?” The chil- dren got their biscuits. Briton Miller was a naturalist and wildlife enthusiast, particularly reputation as one of the pio- other novels. Clarke settled in live in that bloody cold coun- ferred to Madras, and that he knowledgeable about snakes. neers of photo journalism in In- Colombo in 1956 and lived try?” he wisecracked. But when would henceforth have to live He wrote an article for National dia. there till his death in 2008. someone else posed him the in that rotten old place. The Geographic in September 1970 One of Miller’s most endur- Miller and Clarke often visited same question, he replied “Who other boy responded, “Oh, Ma- on ‘The cobra, India’s good ing contributions to Madras was each other. Clarke wrote a fore- else except Indians will tolerate dras can’t be all that bad. Harry snake’. For many years Miller’s in preserving a precious collec- word to one of Harry Miller’s a guy like me?” I suspect the real Miller lives there.” home in Chennai was a two- tion of a few hundred glass plate books, A Frog in My Soup. reason is that Miller had got Miller says in one of his acre house in Thirumullaivayal negatives of old Madras and Titled ‘Miller of Madras’, the used to being pampered in Ma- books that India is a land of (in Thiruvallur District, near more of other parts of India. foreword said, “I have always dras and India – servants, assis- amazing variety and contradic- ) – that he built on land These were photographs shot by enjoyed Miller’s splendid pho- tants, VIP treatment – which tions, “also a land of friendly, gifted to his wife by his father- German and English photogra- tographs and hearing his fasci- he wouldn’t have received back warm-hearted people, where I in-law. Visitors to the house in phers during the period 1870- nating stories, many of which home! He liked the Madras have chosen to spend the larger a rural setting were varied – 1930. The value of these high- may even be true.” He added: weather; he also liked people part of my life, where I shall cer- frogs, snakes (including cobras, quality photographs is inesti- “He has an unparalleled under- looking up to him or fussing tainly die, and which has given kraits and vipers), monkeys, mable. Its Madras component is standing of India, its people and over him. me more happiness than any pigs, mongooses and many the only authentic photo docu- its animals …There must be few Journalist Rahul Singh, man could justifiably deserve.” strange insects. Miller fre- mentation of the city of that pe- Westerners who can match his former editor of Reader’s Digest, Miller passed away in 1998. quently received a frenzied SOS riod. knowledge of this endearing once told Miller an amusing The event was mentioned by all from neighbours about snakes How did Miller come by this and sometimes infuriating story of two boys talking to each local papers, but it didn’t hit the intruding into their homes. collection? An aging and impe- country.” Clarke also described other at the swimming pool of headlines. Considering his Priests of the Vaishnavi temple cunious Anglo-Indian nanny in Miller’s house in Thirumullai- the Gymkhana Club, Bombay. many contributions to Madras in Thirumullaivayal depended Coonoor, one Miss Cooper, had vayal as a “menagerie” and said One boy bemoaned the fact that is Chennai, he deserved a on him to get rid of the snakes with her four huge custom- Miller had wrapped his pet py- that his father had been trans- more handsome tribute. slithering in their compound. made teak boxes crammed with thon round him. He kept a pet python in a cup- glass plate negatives. They were Miller told me an anecdote board, and once offered to gar- left with her by a German fam- about Clarke which was per- land me with it. I fled before he ily she had worked with in Ma- haps true. Clarke migrated to Answers to Quiz started insisting! dras. She didn’t know what to Ceylon because of his interest in 1. Weightlifting, 2. Amitabh Bachchan, 3. She was crowned Miss It was Miller who introduced do with them. She showed Eric scuba-diving. (He set up a div- World, 4. Aditya- L1, 5. State Bank of India, 6. Bamboo, 7. Former Romulus Whittaker (founder of Stracey, then Inspector-Gen- ing school in Hikkaduwa.) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, 8. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, 9. the Madras Snake Park and eral of Police, the collection Miller said Clarke persuaded She has become engaged to Prince Harry, the younger son of Prince later of the Crocodile Park) to when he visited and he had the Ceylon Government to give Charles and Lady Diana, 10. Myanmar and Bangladesh. the snake-catching Irula tribes them moved to Madras where him tax-free status; he told of Tamil Nadu. Rom was so im- he gave them to Harry for pres- them that if they did so, many * * * 11. Russian consulate in San Thomé, 12. Guild of Service, 13. Ed- pressed with the Irulas and their ervation. Miller found that the Western millionaires would skills that he moved from ward Elliot’s Road, 14. Bhagyam Ramaswamy, 15. So that lower castes collection comprised some move to Ceylon in the hope of could drink the coffee without sipping it, thus cutting down ‘pollu- Bombay to Madras so that he 1,500 glass plate negatives of similar treatment. The Govern- tion’, 16. Most Rev. Dr. George Antonysamy, 17. Percy Byshe Shelley, could work with these tribes various Indian events and ment acceded, and amended its 18. Cho’s Tughlak, 19. Bleeding Madras, 20. 9th Battalion. and sell venom from them to places, including more than 300 laws to make this possible. But the Haffkine Institute in of Madras. Miller years later the promised migration of Bombay. sold the collection to Vintage Western millionaires to Sri It was also Miller who in- Vignettes, a five-man partner- Lanka did not happen. The par- MADRAS MUSINGS ON THE WEB vited S. Paul, brother of Raghu ship with a sense of history. ticular law came to be known To reach out to as many readers as possible who share our keen Rai, to join the Indian Express in One of Miller’s friends was informally as the Arthur Clarke interest in Madras that is Chennai, and in response to requests from New Delhi as its chief photog- the legendary British futurist, amendment. many well-wishers – especially from outside Chennai and abroad rapher. Paul accepted and astronomer and science fiction I once asked Miller why he who receive their postal copies very late – for an online edition. worked with the Express for 26 writer Arthur C. Clarke, author chose to live in India rather Madras Musings is now on the web at www. madrasmusings.com years, when he cemented his of 2001, a Space Odyssey and than Britain. “Who wants to – THE EDITOR

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