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• She freed the devadasis MADRAS • Of sparrows & snakes • A poonga & the wetlands • He set off chess boom

Vol. XVII No. 14 MUSINGS November 1-15, 2007

You can click only if you report that we are wearing very expensive From left to right: Capper House, Pentland House (1915), and Stone House (1918) reveal the clean lines of Classical architecture on South Beach Road in and the latest designer outfits and 1919/20. jewellery...! Lens attack Someone is taking the phrase ‘15 seconds of fame’ a bit too Classical no more at seriously, and Chennai has become dangerous as a result. Random cameras are afloat, stalking you everywhere. QMC? Everyone’s fair game... even the non-celebrity, non-Chief- Guest, non-I-love-to-see-my- (By A Staff Reporter) self-in-print-or-TV types. You may be out on innocuous, here was much excitement routine errands; or merely Tat Queen Mary’s College honouring an invitation to an (QMC) last month when the event, or even at what you In picture on left, Capper House as it was in 1919/20. On right, Capper House with all its additions before it was Minister for Local Administra- assumed was a private social pulled down c. 2002. Below, the Kalaignar Block that has been planned to replace Capper House and which is promised tion, M.K. Stalin, laid the foun- gathering. to be “in keeping with the architecture” in the campus. dation stone for the Kalaignar Within 24 hours, there is a Block, which will be the good chance you’ll find your- self in a newspaper (where College’s new main building. apparently certain page The new facility, comprising numbers are of far greater ground plus two floors, will significance than others) or come up on the site where once magazine or TV channel – stood Capper House, which had sometimes accompanied by been the main building for over captions being funny at your 85 years. innocent expense. Capper was a soldier and Citizens are becoming furtive, geographer in the 1800s. His glancing this way and that, trying to ensure the deadly house, the first on the camera is nowhere around – beachfront, was later converted to capture the unguarded (Continued on page 6) over-wide yawn or grin, the poor posture, the bored look, or that truly dreadful moment when you are trying Ben’s Gardens: Awaiting development? to negotiate a large, or slip- pery, item of food into your he Ben’s Gardens property, (By A Special Correspondent) whispered that the deal was not mouth. Tstanding at the intersection in keeping with the spirit of de Some people now dress for of Boat Club and Chamier’s property was 105 acre and was which was leased to Parry and Monte’s will and some members vegetable shopping. Roads, is once again in the left with specific instructions Co. till 1996. Originally having of the community, led by M.G. Can you blame them? news. As is well known, the that none of it ought to be sold only one big bungalow, which Devasahayam, retired IAS of- This could be the day they do a property was a part of what John and the income from it was to could well have been the garden ficer, formed the Forum of story on cabbages... and you’d better not be wearing de Monte, the wealthy Portu- be used for the benefit of “Or- house of the property, it later Catholic Unity to protest. L.M. what you wore last week. guese business magnate of the phans, Widows and distressed hosted three bungalows built for Menezes, a former IAS officer, Big Brothers are all over... and 19th Century, left to the Families and also Charity the executives of Parry and Co. who retired as Secretary to the they’re watching. Church. This huge legacy was Schools.” (now EID Parry). Government of India, Joseph C. But the leave-me-alone types to be managed by the Bishop, or Subsequently, as and when It was decided by the Church Kuriacose, a retired IIT profes- have their rights too, to Vicar General, of St. Thomé the need arose, the Church did to hand over the property on sor holding a Doctor of Science be...er...left alone. and his successors. The succes- dispose of parts of the property, long lease in 2001 to two influ- degree from Louvain, Belgium, Not everyone is into fame. (Or sor, with the changing shape of always after obtaining the per- ential businessmen belonging to and Harold D’Silva, a retired se- notoriety?) dioceses, has become the Arch- mission of the High Court. Fi- the Roman Catholic commu- nior executive of Hindustan Especially of the unsought kind. bishop of Madras-. nally, what was left included nity. As the businessmen Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Ranjitha Ashok The original extent of the nine acres called Ben’s Gardens moved into the property, it was (Continued on page 2)

CMYK 2 November 1-15, 2007 Synes of Our Rodes he Man from Madras with word and gesture that he road in an industrial estate is T Musings can never tire of better move on or else. MMM not clear to MMM. this subject and, thanks to did and promptly got lost. The Heritage lovers of Madras those who put up road signs Man from Madras Musings’ that is Chennai, however, will and street names, there’s no Lady has often remarked that if be glad to note that if one place end to the subject. With the MMM has a weakness (and she is unchanging it is growing tendency among shops can list quite a few), it is inabil- Industrial Estate. The roads are and establishments to sponsor ity to ask anyone for directions. as battered as ever and the boards bearing road and street But a passing cyclist noticed strips of land beyond the road, names, the mutilation of names MMM’s predicament and came meant for sidewalks at one One of the city’s rode synes. keeps increasing. MMM forward to help and so if you time, are as full of refuse as thought Pycroft’s Garden Road are reading this column you ever. It appears that every claring the four Mada Streets police stood by unconcerned. and Jilvan Lodge Colony took have only the cyclist to thank organisation in the estate uses around Mylapore temple a pe- After all, this world is but an the cake. But then he had not (or blame). these spaces to dump its filth destrian area. If it can be done illusion, as the good book says, seen all. The latest is to do with Building a flyover is all very and this includes the IT com- in T’ Nagar, why not in and it is best to take such Lazarus Church Road in the well, but does it have to involve panies that are rapidly filling up Mylapore also? The area is sim- matters in our stride. area. This is a removing every road sign in the the estate, thereby causing land ply crying out for such a restric- Planning ahead fairly old street and the name is vicinity so that people are thor- prices to skyrocket. Come the tion and during the recent well-known. But a well-known oughly confused, thereby rains and the roads can only get Navaratri festivities the chaos he city, as The Man from boutique in the area has put up adding to the chaos caused by worse. there had to be seen to be be- TMadras Musings could see a board which proudly pro- the construction? Also, MMM And this is meant to be a lieved. Shops there cannot on a recent journey, is rapidly claims that it is “Loser’s would like to know what pioneering estate in our city! claim any loss of sale because growing along the road to Church Road”. Wonder what exactly is the status of the of such restrictions for the Chengalpatttu. And yet, while Lazarus would have thought of project. He recalls a presenta- T’ Nagar one-ways shops in T’ Nagar have not the four-lane road there is it? As for the residents, some of tion made by the then chief of seen any reduction in business excellent, we appear to be them are up in arms. A couple the Tamil Nadu Road Develop- he Man from Madras owing to the new traffic regula- repeating the same mistakes of lawyers who practise in the ment Corporation a couple of T Musings has not yet found tions there. MMM lives in that we have committed earlier vicinity have informed the bou- years ago, wherein a rather op- time to visit the place, what hope. in the city. tique to correct the name but timistic power point presenta- with his having just returned Dredging drains The land earmarked for to no avail. Perhaps it is not tion showed a beautiful clover from Padi and Ambattur, but future expansion on either side enough for lawyers to bring it leaf-shaped flyover with ver- he hears nothing but praise for he road where The Man is occupied by illegal shops, to the boutique’s notice. A dant greenery, angelic road us- Tfrom Madras Musings lives tenements and flag-posts bear- lawyer’s notice may be more ers, orderly traffic, pedestrian is at a fork, one prong of which ing political party insignia and effective! pathways (oh, can you believe SHORT is a vital artery leading to it will be only a short while And then what do you have that), kiosks and such things ’N’ Adyar. Traffic rumbles along before these spill on to the road to say about East Coach Road? predicted for Padi. It only on it day in and day out. Came and choke it. As it is, most A signal at Brodie’s Castle junc- needed a couple of waterfalls, a SNAPPY a day when the laying of drains, junctions which just a few years tion declares that by turning to few cherubs and seraphs and a which is now proceeding apace ago used to be easy to drive past the right you can enter that couple sporting under a fruit in the city and like all digs ap- have become busy traffic inter- thoroughfare. And so it goes tree to indicate that it was the present traffic arrange- pears to be just one step ahead sections. Can steps not be on. Watch this space for more. Eden. The TNRDC chief had ments from those who use the of the monsoons, reached this taken to ensure that the confidently asserted that the /Usman Road particular stretch. roadsides are kept clear of Puzzled in Padi flyover would be completed in area. To MMM, never at his The modus operandi for the encroachments so that any a few months, the exact figure best when it comes to under- work to begin was quite simple. expansion in future need not be hat was how The Man of which escapes MMM’s standing directions, it all 9.00 am, which as everyone, delayed due to court cases, high Tfrom Madras Musings felt mind. But that deadline is appeared as confusing as ever. except the police and the profile demolitions and road when he, having stopped his obviously long gone. But those in the know claim PWD, appears to recognise as rokos in protest? car at the Padi Junction, At present the structure that the changes have brought peak traffic time, was selected The road runs parallel to the wondered as to which way to resembles a rather badly down the chaos considerably. as the auspicious hour. At the railway track on one side and turn. MMM was visiting the resurrected dinosaur’s skeleton Large areas have become more appointed time, two burly law the city is developing on the area after more than a year and with a few key bones missing. or less exclusive to pedestrians enforcers came along and, by other side. Most rail users to- on approaching the junction MMM looks forward to the day and many roads are one-way, the simple act of moving two day simply cut across the road where the TVS group when it will be all over and with specific spaces earmarked metal barricades across the endangering their own lives companies have their plants, he done with. for parking vehicles. The road, declared it out of bounds. owing to high medians and also was surprised to find that the autorickshaws, always a men- Traffic on both sides came to a the high speed traffic. Perhaps topography of the place had Ambattur horrors ace on the roads, have been halt. As usual there had been it is time for the government to changed completely. There was prohibited from using certain no prior announcements either begin working on subways from nary a signboard in sight he Man from Madras stretches. And, what’s more, in the local tabloids, or in the stations to the other side of the explaining directions. MMM T Musings has often written these restrictions are being form of roadside signboards road to ensure road safety. It is recalled rather wistfully an old about the pathetic condition of strictly enforced by a posse of and it was an on-the-spot shock easier to get this work done one that stood at that junction roads in the city’s industrial policemen and several private for most of those driving along, now when the traffic is still in days past and showed the estates. The excuse often given security personnel. generating no emotion other manageable. But then such way to , Ambattur for their condition by the pow- While MMM has taken his than pure road rage in their planned activity does not bring and other places. Wondering ers-that-be is that these roads informants’ views as correct – hearts and minds. The ensuing in votes. Unless some heat and where it has gone, MMM take a beating thanks to the though readers of Madras gridlock lasted a few hours dur- dust and much noise are gener- would have gone on standing heavy vehicles that ply on Musings may have other views ing which the road diggers dug, ated, how does it benefit those there indefinitely had a bus them. Now what other kind of – it only buttresses MMM’s car and bus drivers honked, in power? driver not indicated to him vehicle is expected to use a long-standing demand for de- argued and abused, and the – MMM Ben’s Gardens: Awaiting development?

(Continued from page 1) and also identifying the lost The second deal involving 50 bidder has plans for putting up veloping the place on such an properties and restoring them to grounds was with the MGM a five star hotel, a mall and an of- ambitious scale. It should be filed a suit in the High Court in the original purposes for which Diamond Beach Resort and was fice complex on the property. pointed out that the University February 2002 to set right “the they were meant. The Archdio- for 50 years at a cost of Rs. 12.5 However, the Church is yet to had plans for putting up a mismanagement” of the Trust cese tried defending its deal of crore. The Forum of Catholic seek the permission of the Court hospital on the site and that this properties. The convener, Rs. 75 crore for leasing out 150 Unity is still fighting this. to proceed with the matter. was struck down. In what way Devasahayam, also impleaded grounds of Ben’s Gardens to the In the meanwhile, the Arch- With the Univeristy not having will the proposed development himself. Sathyabhama University. The diocese called for sealed bids on vacated the premises, it is be any different, considering the In the meanwhile, a kinsman Court in its judgement of 2006 the property that was originally anybody’s guess as to what will narrow roads there that are al- of de Monte, Ian McDonald struck down the deal. However, to be leased out to Sathyabhama happen to the place now. ready under severe pressure? Fennhahn Cain, resident of it is evident the University is yet University. This bid was for a However, what is surprising But such considerations cannot Houston, USA, filed a third to vacate the premises, as the lease for 66 years and was is the assumption of the amount to much when party suit praying for the recon- University’s vehicles are still awarded to Nitesh Estates for a developer that permission will real estate is so valuable in the stitution of the de Monte Trust found parked in the property. value of Rs 642 crore. The be given for commercially de- city! November 1-15, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

Apart from shoddy project planning and implementation and project mismanagement, Enforcement is what’s needed the CAG of India has also t is unfortunate that the Chennai Corpora- year, during the pre-monsoon period, it plants brought to notice financial Ition is proceeding with the beautification saplings which whither away after a few weeks irregularities. project of Elliot’s Beach unmindful of the vari- due to lack of any attention. Even the existing Ignoring the past None of this appears to have ous criticisms levelled against the project by citi- street lights are not being maintained properly been seriously discussed or zens of Chennai and particularly the residents and in several places the area is often dark. hennai Heritage needs to noted in the two meetings of Besant Nagar. The Corporation and the Police frequently Cbe commended for initiat- organised by the Chennai Heri- There is a widespread feeling that the allow cinema shootings to take place, with con- ing ‘catalytic efforts’ to clean up tage with Dr. Bimal Patel of the Chennai Corporation will be wasting several siderable noise and other associated problems. the polluted waterways of Sabarmati Water Front Devel- lakhs of rupees in this so-called beautification This makes one wonder as to whether the au- project. The immediate question that comes to thorities have any desire to maintain a beautiful Chennai. But this can never opment Project, Ahmadabad. happen if Chennai Heritage and mind is how can anyone beautify nature at all. beach at all. However well-meaning the Elliot’s Beach is an awful sight at present due One easy method to make the beach more ‘Chennai’s opinion makers’ intentions of Chennai Heritage, decide to succumb to sudden to very poor maintenance and lack of cleanli- environmental-friendly is to ban the plying of what we first need is a thorough ness. I have seen people even urinating on the two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers amnesia on the history of past enquiry into the Chennai Wa- beach, particularly during the Velankanni festi- on the beach, insisting that the visitors should efforts. terways Project by an indepen- val. Spitting on the beach is commonplace. The only walk to the beach from a distance of one It is one thing to generally dent body, which should hawkers are there everywhere, selling all sorts kilometre. I doubt whether the Chennai Corpo- bemoan the past failures of include outside experts and civil of products, including food that is either packed ration can enforce even this simple measure. political and bureaucratic will society representatives, to fix or unpacked and not certified. Spending tens of If the Corporation proceeds with its so-called lakhs of rupees is not required to solve these beautification project, we will see in the next and quite another to suppress responsibility for the multiple the scandalous failure of the problems. few years an Elliot’s Beach full of commercial failures in the Project, the enor- The Corporation is not in a position to evict activities and artificial structures, marring the Rs.1000 crore Chennai Water- mous wastage of public funds the hawkers whose number is increasing every natural beauty and wiping out the image of ways Project funded by the and the financial irregularities, day and is said to be negotiating with them “to Elliot’s Beach as a beautiful beach, for all time. Central Government under the and recommend steps to hold buy peace”, while relocating them on the Beach National Rivers Conservation all the officials involved sand itself. N.S. Venkataraman Project, which has been under accountable. The Corporation is not even able to main- M 60/1, 4th Cross Street Besant Nagar, Chennai 600 090. implementation for almost a If we do not demand this, we tain the avenue trees on the Beach Road. Every decade, right under our noses. would be guilty of sweeping ten This is what the Comptroller years and Rs.1000 crore under and Auditor General of India the carpet, pretending that we Issues not addressed he Corporation seems to have adopted an and day-to-day management, or merely spent on has to say in his report for the are starting on a clean slate, and T be living in a fool’s paradise if architect’s plan and a version of it is put up lawns, pergolas and seats? year ending March 31, 2007: at the gym on the beach. However, no details 3. Existing issues on the beach have not been “The Project aimed at alle- we think that the next project have been made public. A company bidding for addressed: the Schmidt Memorial will crash any viation of floods and abatement will not meet the same fate. the project is to be chosen to implement it – and day, hawkers have doubled and the kuppams do of water pollution in Chennai L.M. Menezes that is expected to happen soon. not have any sewage management system, so city by increasing the carrying Convenor, Transparency India A few issues are unclear/not addressed. sewage is let into the beach. Shouldn’t the Cor- capacity, resettling the families TN Chapter 1. Little is said about addressing the current poration address these too? When and how? issues of the beach. 4. We sense that the Corporation wants to living on the banks, and preven- F 122, Chennai 600 102 Hawkers’ management and sales, garbage get on with the work come what may. Is there tion of pollution of the water- clearance, urination, sewage provisions, pollu- still a need for a final debate/discussion or is ways. Many works essential to EDITOR’S NOTE: The issues tion from the kuppam areas and from the beach public money to be spent the way officials think the achievement of the twin ob- mentioned by Reader Menezes road region (where rainwater runs off into the it should? Does a protest campaign have a role jectives were not included in were mentioned at both meet- sands), cleaning the dirty shore side. How does to play in such issues? Or is there need for some- the Project and all flood relief ings, even if in not as detailed a the civic body plan to address these issues? thing else? works included in the Project fashion as stated above. But 2. It is not clear, many people say, why a natural beach needs beautification. Should the Vincent D’ Souza were not sanctioned for execu- Reader Menezes must also keep Editor, Mylapore Times tion. Poor coordination in mind that Chennai Heritage Corporation’s monies be set aside for beach cleanliness, provision of toilets, drinking water [email protected] between various implementa- is not a watchdog organisation. tion agencies delayed the We wonder whether Transpar- level and bordered by lush gar- pouring of the soul. His kritis re- mal days. In the case of the execution of flood defence ency India is. If it is, then it dens and trees), the San Anto- flect the mood of the saint and omnibus operators they are pay- works and sewage continues to would be up to it to take up the nio river which winds through the ragas are also indicative of ing all types of road taxes pollute the waterways even af- matter. As for CAG reports, downtown is home to many his feelings and moods. That is depending on the passenger- ter completion of the sewerage who is meant to act on them? attractions, points of interest, why they stand the test of time carrying capacity of the buses. components contemplated in Governments or the citizenry? shops and restaurants. I could and enthral the listeners, if sung But then why should these op- the Project. Consequently, the not but recall the condition of soulfully like M.S. did. erators run buses only at night? Project was a failure even after The Texan way waterways in Chennai and long The important aspect of the execution for seven years and T.M. Sundararaman for our city administrators to whole problem is that there is an expenditure of Rs. 621 crore. uring my recent visit to 19, Nallappan Street DTexas, I had the good for- emulate and develop the oppor- no transparent Transport “The Project components Mylapore tune to visit the tourist paradise tunities in Chennai. Chennai 600 004 Policy. were executed by the PWD, the of San Antonio. The famous Returning to Chennai, I was Considering the future, it is Chennai Corporation, the River Walk (Paseo del Rio) is a happy to read about Chennai Change bus policy time the Government came out TNSCB, the CMWSSB and the wonderful attraction for tourists Heritage presenting the with a clear-cut Road Transport CMDA. t is a known fact that private — yet the river is not even as Ahmadabad way as a possible Icompanies run buses to vari- Policy allowing healthy partici- “The Project as a whole was wide as our pointer to showcasing our wa- ous places in Tamil Nadu under pations of private companies in monitored by the CMDA. The (for details visit www.thesanan- terways. I had the good fortune the guise of what is popularly both long and short distance High Level Committee, headed tonioriverwalk). to visit Ahmadabad in Decem- called ‘omnibuses’. The buses travels throughout the State. I by the Chief Secretary of the While enjoying the world-fa- ber 2006 (my earlier visit was in are modern, clean and well hope the outcome of this policy State, was constituted in 2001.” mous River Walk (below street 1958) and I could see for myself maintained. The charges are will be a just fare structure as the magnificent changes also higher. Most of these buses well as well marked parking fa- brought about by the Narmada operate only at night and cater cilities for private vehicles in Project. We should take a cue to thousands of the travelling existing bus stands. It would READABILITY PLEASE from it to create a Singara public all over Tamil Nadu. also create well recognised caf- Dear Readers, Chennai. Our nation is going through eteria and multi-various facili- N. Srinivasan a phase of liberalisation where ties for passengers along various As letters from readers increase, we are receiving more and more hand routes all over Tamil Nadu. In written letters, many of them in a hand so small and illegible or large and S/48, No.9 the Government, both at the scrawled as to be unreadable. Often this leads to our discarding a letter, 35th Cross Street Centre and State, is throwing the long run, thousands of trav- particularly if some part of it is unreadable. Besant Nagar, Chennai 600 090 open various sectors for partici- elling public will be benefited by If you wish us to consider your letter for publication, please type it with The ‘X’ factor pation by the private sector. If such foresighted and policy. enough space between lines or write it using a medium hand, clearly dot- that be the case, why not open Will the Government urgently ting the ‘i-s’ and crossing the ‘t-s’. eader M.K. Chubby Raj has up the transport sector for pri- act? Many readers also try to fill every square centimetre of a postcard space, Rmentioned (MM, October vate participation? It is a known S. Shanker Dev making reading or editing impossible. 16th) the ‘X’ factor in Sri Please help us to consider your letters more favourably by making them fact that Government, inspite ‘Kylas’ Thyagaraja’s Keerthanas. This of augmenting its bus services, more legible for us. 13, Giri Road ‘X’ factor is nothing but pure is unable to cater to present pas- T. Nagar – THE EDITOR devotion and spontaneous out- senger traffic even during nor- Chennai 600 017 4 MADRAS MUSINGS November 1-15, 2007

who delivered the boy after a great deal of difficulty as the child was in a difficult position. Feminism in the 20th Century Muthulakshmi later said that when the child was still to be adras was perhaps the first city in India to launch move- Pen Kalvi which is in the form of an address to his daughters. delivered, Mudaliar strived to Mments for the betterment of women. It also started much Even in his famous novel Pratapa Mudaliar Charithram, he made listen to its heartbeat using a early in Madras compared to other urban cities. The movement the heroine, who had an independent mind, more learned than wooden stethoscope. was started by some enthusiastic males, in an attempt to raise the hero. Similarly, A. Madhaviah, another pioneer novelist of women’s literacy, which would help prevent child marriage and Tamil, in his novel Padmavati Charitram, criticised and It was when she went to feed give young widows the opportunity to earn a livelihood. In 1854, condemned the neglect of girls’ education, the tonsure of widows, the poor in Dr. Vardappa one Gopala Krishna Pillai approached the Government for and pre-puberty marriages. Thus was born an era of awakening Naidu’s Home for Destitute financial assistance to help run the girls’ school that he started for women’s uplift, though in a very small measure and restricted Children, on her child’s Vidhya- two years earlier. to urban area. When Vai. Mu. Kodainayaki Ammal, who never byasam Day, that her life took a Upper caste men wanted their spouses to be educated more as had a formal education, wanted to write, she bought in 1925 a new turn. The plight of the poor a symbol of social status rather than to really uplift or empower magazine, Jaganmohini, a Tamil monthly, to express herself. children made her to feel she women. But a side effect was the growth of a class of thinking When the Congress met in Madras in 1908, the women’s had to do something about women. meeting was organised separately, presided over by Maharani them. th In addition, there were in the early 20 Century revolutionary Gayatri Devi of Vizianagaram. The formation of Hindu Ladies’ When her youngest sister writers and poets who sang the praise of women and sought their Associataion was praised at this session. However, in the uplift, like Subramania Bharati. In the last decades of 19th beginning, it was only the well-to-do women who benefited by all developed some problems, later Century and the beginning of the 20th Century, there were over this. The advent of service to the less fortunate women and diagnosed as cancer, and passed forty journals in Madras alone publishing articles written on and children was by the likes of Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy and that away at a very young age in by women. A journal started in 1899 that ran for 18 years was was what brought about real uplift. 1923, Muthulakshmi was deter- Mathar Manjari – Andappuratthu Tamizh Itazh, dedicated to Annie Besant’s Women’s Indian Association (WIA) which mined to do something to tackle women readers; it seems to have had even the support of the was founded on May 8, 1917, became the torchbearer of the the scourge of cancer. Government. One C.S. Ramaswami edited the magazine. women’s movement. The service-oriented Margaret Cousins, When she got a chance to Andhappuram is a place reserved for women in large houses and Dorothy Jinarajadasa, Muthulakshmi Reddy, Mangalamma study abroad, she had to forego bungalows and, therefore, the magazine must have been intended Sadasivier, Herabai Tata, Sarojini Naidu and others guided the a handsome income by way of for the well-to-do women of society. However, the magazine movement. focussed on education, marriage reforms, equal rights, and From time to time in the fortnights that follow, some of the practice, and yet she undertook awareness among women through education. leaders in the women’s movement will be focussed on. I start with the trip with her husband and It was about this time that the Tamil novel became an influen- Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy this fortnight. children, Rammohan and tial medium to convey the ideas. Respected male writers also used Krishnamurthy. She wanted to their pen to inculcate the idea of necessity of women education. K.R.A.N. study cancer and how to deal The shining example is the treatise by Vedanayakam Pillai, titled with it. Her younger sister, Nallamuthu, was already in London on a scholarship at the London School of Economics. The first woman M.B. & Ch.M, When she was in England, her only brother, Ramaiah, who she left to look after her house in India, suddenly died in 1925. she freed the devadasis In June 1926, Dr. Muthu- lakshmi Reddy attended the In- ternational Congress of Women in Paris as a delegate from India. hen Narayanaswami her out of Pudukkottai, and the to the Congress. Along with Shortly afterwards, she returned W Iyer married Chandra- men’s college originally refused Sarojini Naidu she attended to India and was chosen by the mma, of the devadasi commu- permission. Learning about this one of Annie Besant’s speeches Women’s Indian Association nity, it created a sensation in from her father, the Maharaja under the Banyan tree in Adyar for a seat in the Legislative the princely State of Puduk- passed an order exempting her and became greatly drawn to Council of Madras. When kottai. To them was born case and she was admitted – the the Home Rule movement. elected unanimously, she was Muthulakshmi, when Chan- first girl student for higher stud- In college, she was brilliant, the first woman legislator in the dramma was just 16 years old. ies and she would be one of the stood first in the university ex- world! The Council was the first Of the eight children she bore, class-mates of the great Satya- amination and got the M.B. & to pass a resolution giving the four died as infants. Her only murthi who later was to argue Ch.M. degree. When she was right of franchise for women. surviving son Ramaiah became against her motion in the As- doing her house surgeonship in She was also the first Alder- Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy. an advocate. Another daughter, sembly (her father Narayana- Government Hospital for woman and remained so from Nallamuthu, learned English, swami was the granduncle of reached Madras than she heard Women and Children in 1937 to 1939. went on to study in the UK, be- thespian Gemini Ganesh)! that her cousin, who had been , the British nurses did While practising in Madras, came a professor in Queen Against her mother’s wishes, delivered of a baby girl, had not like the idea of working un- she became a visiting doctor to Mary’s College and, later, its Muthulakshmi refused to get passed away. This gave her fur- der an Indian! She managed to a home run by Sister Subbu- first Indian Principal. The other married and wanted to con- ther impetus to study medicine. get them to like her. lakshmi and began taking active daughter, Sundarambal, be- tinue her studies. At a nearby As there was no hostel for In February 1913, Dr. T. interest in the welfare of desti- came proficient in Tamil and Sundara Reddy, the first Indian tute women and children. She took to music. F.R.C.S. and a well-known sur- was instrumental in bringing l The early feminists of Madras Differently destined Muthu- geon serving in the King George about the legislation for preven- lakshmi started her education by K.R.A. NARASIAH Hospital in Vizagapatam, hear- tion of child marriage. In fact, in the pial school of ing about the first Hindu Haribilas Sarda, who was the Pudukkottai. After 13th year of An occasional series woman doctor, wrote to her first one to suggest such an act her age, she could not go to father for her hand. (and in whose name the act was school and, therefore, studied at Ganapathi shrine she would women, P.S. Krishnaswamy Iyer Worried about her age (she passed) wrote to her, congratu- home tutored by good teachers, daily pray for this, as she was an helped them to get a house next was already 26 years old), her lating her and asking for details and was allowed by Principal ardent devotee of Lord Gana- to his (he was the father of Prof. mother did not want to miss this of her speech which could be (famous mathematician Radha- pathi. An old student of her Swaminathan and Dr. San- chance. But Muthulakshmi used in the Assembly when it krishna Iyer) to attend labora- father, Srinivasa Rao, a student jeevi) and he and his wife took would have none of it; she came up for debate. tory classes in the college, of , sug- care of young Muthulakshmi till wanted to serve as a doctor and The next problem she tack- though not a student. In 1902 gested she could study medi- her family shifted to Madras. did not want to be drawn into led was that of the devadasis. Muthulakshmi passed matricu- cine. When she saw her When she went to Dr. the responsibilities of married The bill for abolition of lation. mother’s suffering, she felt she Nanjunda Rao’s palatial house, life. However, after having spo- Devadasi system was passed When she happened to see should study medicine, espe- she was surprised to find a ken to Reddy, she changed her after much debate in February the photographs of two girls in cially after seeing an American handloom using which Rao’s mind and they were married in 1929. The law regarding Inam Graduate gowns from Madras Doctor Van-Allen who called wife and daughters would April 1914 under the Brahmo lands to be given to the (Kamala and Krishnamma, on their family. weave! She was impressed by Samaj Act of 1872. He joined devadasis without further both Telugu Brahmins con- In spite of opposition from their simplicity in spite of their the Pudukkottai Hospital. service was held up till 1947, verted to Christianity), she her mother, Muthulakshmi’s fa- being rich, and began to look to Muthulakshmi was delivered though she moved it as early as started dreaming about gradua- ther brought her to Madras in Dr. Nanjunda Rao for advice. It of her first child on December 1937. Dr. Muthulakshhmi tion! But her father with his 1907 for admission into Medi- was in his house that she met 23, 1914. It was the famous Dr. meagre pension could not send cal College. No sooner she Sarojini Naidu and was drawn A. Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar (Continued on page 8) November 1-15, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 Nature Study Vanishing sparrows and changing

House sparrows lay 3 to 6 insecticides and fungicides and British Trust of Ornithology environment eggs, with an incubation period the native lawn grass has been reveals a 50% decline in the of 10-12 days, the shortest in- replaced by the shorter Mexican population of house sparrows in farmlands. In London, there is a he house sparrow is one of food includes seeds and insects. cubation period of all birds. A grass. This grass needs the sup- pair of house sparrows raises 2 port of fertilisers and plant pro- 60% decline in the population Tthe most common song In urban areas, it eats insects, of house sparrows. birds in the world. It finds men- spiders, berries, seeds, flower or 3 broods each year. tection sprays and does not Until recent times, people harbour any insects. Apart from pesticides, in- tion in most of our mythologies buds and scraps of food and creasing pollution levels, both and folklore, along with such other waste left by humans. did not use chemical insecti- Apart from this contributing to the decline of sparrows in ur- in the urban and suburban ar- birds as the common crows and eas, other factors for the de- eagles. ban areas, there could be other reasons like high automobile crease in population are: In South India, it is consid- l by Dr. T. Sundaramoorthy pollution which has a residual l Loss of nesting sites ered a good omen if the house Reduction in the availabi- sparrow builds a nest inside the effect on the eggs of sparrows. It l has also been observed in other lity of food and nesting sites house. House sparrows faith- Change in building designs. cides in their gardens. The countries that eggs have be- l fully followed man wherever he Only a few studies are avail- lawns in big compounds were of come thin-shelled. Higher noise went. It is a monogamous bird and able in India, but their results the native variety of grass, pollution might have also af- The house sparrow (Passer breeds mainly in cavities such as indicate considerable reduction which grew fast and needed fected them. domesticus) belongs to the fam- tree holes and nest box. The in the urban population of constant mowing. This kind of In the last three decades, the ily Passeridae. The length of the nests of these birds have been house sparrows. This decline grass was sturdy and needed no house sparrow has increasingly bird is 14 to 16 cm, it weighs found in protected locations may be due to changes in our pampering, except for a good become rarer in many places in about 26 to 32 gram and the such as beams, gutters, roofs, architecture (not using roof spray of water. These lawns also the world — especially in the wing span is 19 to 25 cm. Grey ledges, roof space and top tiles) and in the cropping pat- harboured many insects. The urban areas. Since the popula- and black are the dominant storeys of the buildings. Nests terns (less grain, more insecti- sparrows foraged for insect lar- tion of this species has declined body colours of the bird. It is are often found at heights of 8 cide usage, and less caterpil- vae in these lawns to feed their in the UK, the government de- gregarious in nature, irrespec- to 30 feet off the ground, which lars). The effects of pollution young. clared this species as ‘Birds of tive of seasons. may offer additional predator and pesticide contamination Today, in urban areas all gar- Conservation Concern’. A re- The house sparrow is an om- protection. Both sexes help in are yet to be studied in detail. dens are liberally sprayed with cent study conducted by the nivorous bird and its primary the nest-building activities. This decrease of the most common bird species in the world, indicative of the impact of environmental change, is cause for real concern. (Cour- Can snakes predict earthquakes? tesy: Eco News, the journal of the CPR Environmental eports have appeared in the press occasionally of the queer capital of the Guangki autonomous region in Southern China, Education Centre.) Rbehaviour of different species of mammals and birds well about the curious behaviour of snakes before an earthquake. “Of ahead of earthquakes, even as humans had no idea of the all the creatures on earth, snakes are perhaps the most sensitive impending doom. Similar reports had also come after the tsunami to earthquake,” bureau director Jiang Weisong was quoted as say- of December 2004. The earliest such account seems to be of ing. Jiang said snakes could sense an earthquake 120 km away, earthquake in 373 BC which wrecked the Roman port city of three to five days before it happens. Their erratic behaviour would OUR ADDRESSES Helice. According to the Roman scholar, Pliny the Elder (23-79 be an indication of the quake to come. A report in of AD), one of the signs of a coming earthquake is “the excitation January 12, 2007, based on the same source, further quotes Jiang For matters regarding and terror of animals with no apparent reason.” as follows: “When an earthquake is about to occur, snakes will subscriptions, donations, There are accounts of such phenomena down to the present move out of their ‘nests’ even in the cold of winter. If this earth- non-receipt of receipts etc.: times. Most of the observations, understandably, relate to cats quake is a big one, the snakes will even smash into walls while Chennai Heritage, 5, Bhattad and dogs, farm animals and commonly seen birds. The historian trying to escape. By installing cameras over the ‘snake nests’, we Tower, 30, West Cott Road, Diodorus Siculus records animals leaving the city of Helice in have improved our ability to forecast earthquakes.” , Chennai 600 014. droves days ahead of the earthquake of 373 BC much to the For non-receipt of copies, puzzlement of the human inhabitants. And, in this exodus, he Visitors to zoos change of address, and all other includes snakes also. On February 4, 1975, there was a major circulation matters: MADRAS earthquake in the Liaoning province of China causing widespread n the preface to his book Life at the Zoo (2004), Phillip T. MUSINGS, C/o Lokavani South- damage and loss of lives. This had been preceded for some two IRobinson says: “...more Americans are reported to visit zoos ern Printers Pvt. Ltd., 62/63, months by unusual behaviour of many species of animals and and aquariums annually than attend all major professional sport- Greames Road, Chennai 600 birds. It had been reported in this context that “snakes came out ing events combined, with present numbers approaching 140 006. of hibernation, crawled from their burrows and froze to death on million. Worldwide attendance at zoos and aquariums (in a year) On editorial matters: The the snow-covered surface.” is estimated at 600 million people.” Editor, MADRAS MUSINGS, Various theories have been advanced to explain this phenom- It will be interesting to know the corresponding figures for C/o Lokavani Southern Printers enon but none that will stand scrutiny. There has been no detailed India. Pvt. Ltd., 62/63, Greames Road, or consistent research on this, except some attempts by the Chennai 600 006. Chinese State Seismological Bureau from the 1970s and some The simian context studies by Rupert Sheldrake and Daniel Jay Brown in California No personal visits or tele- from the 1980s which have not led to any significant findings so erbert Spencer (1820-1903), the philosopher, was one of phone calls, please. Letters far.* Hthe earliest proponents of evolutionary theories, even pre- received will be sent from these This note has been occasioned by a report from Reuters that ceding Charles Darwin in some respects, and is credited with addresses every couple of days appeared in The Hindu Business Line of December 29, 2006 on coining the phrase ‘survival of the fittest’. Col. R. Meinertzhagan to the persons concerned and the observations made by the earthquake bureau in Nanning, (Diary of a Black Sheep, 1964) has this story to tell about Spencer you will get an answer from them who was a frequent visitor to his mother’s house: “On one occa- to your queries reasonably sion I asked Spencer if he believed that we were descended from quickly. Strange as it may seem, monkeys. His reply was, “About 99 per cent of humanity have if you adopt the ‘snail mail’ ap- * Dogs That Know When Their Owners Are Coming Home and Other Descended from monkeys and one per cent have Ascended.” — proach, we will be able to help Unexplained Powers of Animals by Rupert Sheldrake (Hutchinson, (Courtesy: Cobra, the journal of the Snake Park Trust.) you faster and disappoint you London, 1999), particularly the chapter captioned ‘Forebodings less. of earthquakes and other disasters’. B. Vijayaraghavan – THE EDITOR 6 MADRAS MUSINGS November 1-15, 2007 Some improvements in Adyar Poonga plans, but...

ne recent Sunday morn- the estuary returns to the natu- fully planned, so as not to scare feel “better an eco-park than tides entering and, at the same Oing, seated under a mighty ral state it was decades ago, is away the birds. It is important any of the other horrifying time, allowing only the spring banyan, with parakeets screech- there not a chance that we to have no artificial lighting that possibilities”. And the project tide – which again is a natural ing merrily above, members of might lose it altogether, espe- will disorient and frighten them planners having a reliable phenomenon. As regard the the Madras Naturalists’ Society cially in a land-starved city like away. Winding down all activi- reputation under their belt, in flora, I understand the planners (MNS) listened to Chennai Chennai where real estate ties by sundown, like in the the form of eco-restoration in are planning to have pertinent Corporation’s consultant from prices for prime land are zoom- National Park, is neces- the Pondicherry area that coastal species – mostly man- Auroville, Joss Brooks, share his ing upward? For any project like sary. Also important is the as- makes them more credible, they groves and its associates only. If thoughts on what he plans for this to succeed, it must have pect of maintenance when the feel. “The question is what kind all these are planned and ex- the Adyar Poonga. He spoke of public support. Walkways are project is completed. If sensitiv- of a park we are willing to settle ecuted scientifically the Poonga 60% wetlands incorporated into necessary for public movement ity to environmental issues and for. Since the government is a good idea. The Poonga area the plans, of restoration of ecol- to ensure that the area does not maintenance is lacking, the seems bent on ‘developing’ that may be divided into a buffer ogy that cannot happen with- regress. And a few compromises whole exercise and the funds area, instead of having zone and a core area to restrict out people’s support, and on may be necessary for a good that go into it will be pointless.” some ghastly theme parks/ human interference. The public how environmental education cause – sensitising thousands of waterparks or having some should be restricted only to cer- Says veteran naturalist initiatives have brought 7000 people to the environment. multi-storied monstrosity there, tain areas where there is mini- Jagannatha Rao, “Definitely a children to visit the Adyar we have what seems a sensi- mal contact with the birds that “But safeguards need to be positive beginning, looked at it Poonga area in the last few tively planned ecopark that in- might breed here (even now we built into the whole plan, in- in the context of the genera- months! Preliminary interac- cludes the people in the plan- have night herons, little egrets cluding the active participation tion. In these last 35 years, for tion over, members were es- ning,” feels Chithra Viswa- and cormorants breeding). of a Working Citizens’ Commit- corted and guided on an over nathan. Only serious bird watchers or tee that is involved at every step two-hour tour of the Poonga l Dr. T. Murugavel, reviewing researchers approved by some of the plan. Absolute transpar- by area. what’s been happening, says, Society or educational institu- ency is necessary.” SHOBHA MENON “Restoring the creek to its pris- tion should be allowed into the The proposed Education The apprehension is that the tine condition is impossible. core area. Maintenance and Centre will “play a supportive eco-park will be a park like any However, it is good to note that management will also be areas role in restoration work”. They the first time, I see hope of edu- other place for recreation, with an attempt has been made to re- of concern in future. The gov- will also use a Sustainable cating politicians on the useful- manicured gardens, plenty of establish some faunal and floral ernment should not view or Schools Programme, Continu- ness of such a project. Enough concrete structures, including characteristics of this ecosys- maintain the Poonga like the ing Education Programmes, Art funds have been allocated, and walkways, not to mention elec- tem. I am aware that the plan Corporation parks and it also Classes for Nature Studies and they are ready to listen to the trical lighting – all of which will has undergone a lot of changes should not indulge in activities a Bird Watchers’ Study Group. ecologists. This project could be make it as unnatural as it can based on scientific and public like constructing roads on the The conversion of the Poonga the start of helping people get possibly be. A senior member opinions. The earlier plan had coastal zones, that might have space into an ecologically sig- back to feeling for the environ- says, “The projected plans are 60% of land and 40% water. But an impact on the fragile estuary nificant and sustainable one in- ment and see it happen. Initiat- good, but interventions need to now it is 60% of water and 40% and creek ecosystem.” volves “phased eradication of ing interest in the environment be minimal, with a focus on pro- of land, which is a welcome One final suggestion on the Proscopis juliflora, implementa- is important, coupled with prac- tecting the bird and wildlife. change. An inspection of the Eco Park (by a member) is the tion of a water management tical experience. But such large Also careful thought is needed creek area will indicate that “the need for a multi-institu- plan, the deepening of existing projects must be taken for what about the estuarine ecosystem though it is more of an estuarine tional citizens’ monitoring water-logged areas to create a they are, with ‘a pinch of salt’. that has already been modified ecosystem, it also has two natu- committee that should not just stormwater reservoir, and the To help the thoughts of young- over the years. What is going to ral freshwater ponds. The plan- be for this project but for the introduction of appropriate flo- sters get going must be the main be done should not drive out ners need to give serious overall environmental health ral biodiversity.” focus.” the smaller micro-organisms thoughts to these aspects too. and sustainability of Chennai The Adyar Poonga project, that are food for the birds. Many naturalists agree on Also there is a need to create a and its immediate surround- however, has been going Walkways need to be very care- the choice of development and sand bar to prevent the high ings...” through protracted wrangling over environmental issues be- tween various ecogroups and the Government representa- CLASSICAL NO MORE AT QMC? tives. I record below a few opin- ions of some MNS members (Continued from page 1) residence of Sir S. Subramania tion stone ceremony is the nial style in Chennai. What is who have been witness to the Aiyar, was acquired in 1920, result. even more ironic is that those happenings in the area, pre- and into Capper House Hotel, the together with another house on involved in the project claim post-project proposal period. During the recent event it first beachfront hotel. In 1915, the Marina. was announced that QMC that the renovation will be in K. V. Sudhakar, Secretary, the Government rented and The oldest of these build- would be elevated to the status the Indo-Saracenic style, forget- MNS, says, “The recent clean- later acquired what had by then ings, Capper House, definitely of an University and Rs 2.5 ting that Capper House itself did ing and protection has encour- become a run-down property merited heritage status, but, as crore would be spent in build- not belong to that style of archi- aged the regeneration of indig- for the Madras College for is common with such buildings ing the new block which would tecture, nor does the proposed enous species and has seen the Women founded in 1914. This in the city, it was neglected till house 87 classrooms, a library building. area to the west of the was the second women’s college a part of it collapsed in the rains and other facilities. In addition, The College authorities are Poonga begin to support birds in South India and Madras’s in 2000. And then, with not a Rs. 50 lakh was sanctioned for undoubtedly delighted that new like cormorants and night her- first. It was re-named Queen word to anyone and no hue and renovating the other buildings facilities are coming up. But if ons. Spotbill ducks and Water Mary’s College in 1917. cry, it was pulled down in in the campus. the manner in which the origi- hens too! This is a definite im- For long, Capper House sur- 2002/3. While it was publicly prom- nal building was done away with provement over what it was a vived, with classes and offices In 2003, the State Govern- ised that the new block would was nothing short of vandalism, couple of years ago. But by just cheek-by-jowl in it. Additional ment’s, hasty and ill-conceived be in keeping with the architec- the proposed building is in no fencing the area off and hoping buildings came up, thanks to decision to move the State ture in the campus, any hope of way harmonious with the exist- the vigorous campaign of Miss Secretariat out of Fort St. seeing a building sympathetic in ing structures in the place – as de la Hey, the first Principal, George into the QMC campus design to the other buildings in was promised. Capper House, in with Governor Lord Pentland. was met with a spirited protest the campus – and Capper House short, joins the long list of Our Quizmaster Pentland House in 1915, Stone by the students, ensuring that itself – which is what conserva- Chennai’s heritage buildings V.V. RAMANAN is on House in 1918 and Jeypore the move to take over the Col- tionists would have hoped for, which were demolished along vacation. His column House in 1921, all in the Classi- lege premises was abandoned. is now dead. A sketch of the with the assurance that the new will resume after cal style and harmonising with The next Government prom- proposed building has a dome structures would be in harmony his return. Capper House, thus came up. ised reconstruction of Capper and much of the mish-mash with what originally stood in Neighbouring Beach House, the House and the recent founda- which today passes for the colo- their place. November 1-15, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 7 Kartik made A match not treated seriously the ball talk (By A Special Correspondent) n September 2007, without much fanfare, a rather weak here is a saying in the game top flight action at the behest of ITamil Nadu team was sent to Colombo to play in the revived Tthat cricketers do not new skipper M.S. Dhoni who Gopalan Trophy game. It was unfortunate that seasoned play- retire; they go to the commen- ers like the still-fit and in-form players, such as M.R. Srinivas, saw merit in his style of bowling tary box. Murali Kartik is one Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan and a few others, were ignored by the that has dwindled in interna- of those who has undertaken selectors. And, Dinesh Karthick, S. Badrinath, S. Anirudha and tional cricket, mostly because of the journey in the reverse direc- Vijay Yo Mahesh were on national duty. Also many a Tamil lack of quality among practitio- tion. Having been out of inter- Nadu player had deserted the home association to join the ‘rebel’ ners of the art. national cricket for a couple of Indian Cricket League. All this was rather unfortunate, as this was not to be an “exhibition match” but a serious one. years, he has travelled from the Kartik had apparently The selectors, in this context, would have had a tough time commentary box to the playing picked up not only a clipped ac- picking players for a top-level game. The inexperienced young field and with great success at cent for the microphone from players were unable to stand up to the pace of promising Sri that. the English county cricket cir- Lankan pacemen U.W.M.B.C.A. Welegedara and Dammika cuit, but had also matured as a Prasad. And the visitors’ bowling attack was scattered by opener When the Australians were spinner who could now appre- Tharanga Paranavitana’s brilliant 166, Michael van Dort (32), here for a Test series to cross ciate the value of sticking to the skipper Bandala Warnapura (31) and Prasad (57). what they called the Indian basics of line and length and Batting first, Tamil Nadu was skittled out for a mere 74 with frontier, Kartik had bowled leaving out the more grandiose just three players reaching double figures. Walegedara claimed them out on a helpful Mumbai Murali Kartik 5 for 34 and Prasad 3 for 18. The hosts surged ahead on the first forms of exaggerated flight out pitch, albeit after the trophy day to 202 for two wickets. They eventually declared at 372 for of the bowling equation. On a had been won and lost. Maybe, sive left arm spinner bowling the nine wickets. Skipper R. Ashwin captured three wickets for 100 surface on which the ball was it was a case of deja vu as Kartik restrictive line from over the runs and paceman C. Ganapathy bowled with zip to take 2 for already gripping, the Delhi- did much the same to the wicket. 84, while R. Naresh bagged 2 for 74. based Tamil Nadu bowler who Tamil Nadu put up a semblance of a fight in the second in- Aussies in a dead rubber game Having graduated from the switched from pace to spin early nings, scoring 202. Upcoming youngsters Abhinav Mukund in what must rate now as his Bishen Bedi school of flighted in his career used the arm ball (20), R. Srinivasan (73), S.S. Kumar (41) and Ganapathy (23) favourite hunting ground – spin, the orthodox spinner may to keep the batsmen guessing. fought a losing battle and Columbo won by an innings and 96 Wankhede Stadium. have come to believe that the This delivery may not have the runs. Welegedera bagged 5 wickets conceding 61 runs. The re- only way to bowl is to give the deeming feature was that some of the debutants, like Srinivasan The game abounds with pace, sting and pronounced and Kumar, put up a valiant fight. comeback tales and of players ball air and challenge the bats- swerve of his teacher Bedi’s men. Such methods met with It will be a good move if Tamil Nadu always fields a strong being drafted from extraordi- deadly arm ball. But, on a eleven and organises one-day practice matches against the se- nary places to make the playing limited success, particularly turner, it gave him the edge to against the world champions nior Sri Lankan team which seeks to play practice matches while XI. Kartik’s return to big time create the ultimate tale of suc- touring India. It’s pity that a team from the Island played a third international cricket must be who back themselves to be ag- cess in a player going on from rate Mumbai team early this year before the ODI series against considered remarkable even gressive in any kind of game being a mere ‘gob on a stick,’ India; TNCA lost a great chance then. Such opportunities among a plethora of comeback situation. which is how producers term should not be lost in the future. (Courtesy: Straight Bat) stories. The Aussies had hit him After a couple of seasons the commentators, to a pur- EDITOR’S NOTE: That the M.J. Gopalan Trophy contest, a all over the park in the finals of with Middlesex at Lord’s, where veyor of the ball that virtually long rivalry which once did much for Madras and Ceylon the tri-series when India toured he was more welcome than in talked. – (Courtesy: Straight Cricket, was revived again after a lapse of six years was welcome down under, from when on Team India which merely paid Bat.) – but it was sad that little attention was paid to it. Certainly I Team India had to select spe- him a retainer to keep him on had not seen any report of it till this one; perhaps it was felt that cific roles for Kartik as a defen- the books, Kartik returned to R. Mohan such a historic match deserved only a paragraph that anyone could miss.

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and its affiliated district units Anand triggers Chess started organising more tourna- ments. Slowly, the game be- came mass-based. Once it hap- pened, more sponsors came in,” explosion in T.N. Kameshwaran explains. Vishwanathan In Chennai alone, there are Anand more than a dozen neighbour- Consider the following facts: played in this part of the coun- Not taking any of the credit ers. “No other state has such a hood chess clubs, apart from the l In the Indian team that won try for a long time and chess from Anand for a moment, huge number,” boasts Aaron. district association. “Thanks to the Youth Chess Olympiad organisations are well estab- many functionaries of chess as- Indeed, Tamil Nadu is produc- them, we are able to conduct at Singapore, four of the five lished in Tamil Nadu, it cannot sociations feel that the strong ing one GM and at least two State level championships in players were from Tamil be denied that this growth has organisational structure of the IMs on an average every year. the age groups of 7 to 19,” he Nadu. been fuelled by Vishwanathan Tamil Nadu State Chess Asso- In 2007, Deepan Chakkara- adds. “During the ‘Before l In the 10th National Cities Anand, now the World cham- ciation (TNSCA), with the ac- varthy, from Madurai, became a Anand’ period, we had only Team Chess championships, pion for the second time. In a tive participation of all the dis- GM and S.P. Sethuraman from Manuel Aaron, who didn’t get Chennai ‘A’ won the cham- trict associations, the benign Chennai became an IM. “In enough opportunities to partici- pionship, with another team presence of many regular spon- fact, Sethuraman is India’s pate in tournaments abroad. Chennai ‘B’ winning the l by sors, and the conduct of many youngest International Master,” Now, even children below ten third position and Chennai N. RAJARAM age group tournaments, has says Aaron. participate in many interna- ‘E’, the sixth position. Two helped to strengthen the chess However, the Vice-Presi- tional tournaments,” points out other teams from Tamil base in the State. “The TNSCA dent of TNSCA and India’s first Kameshwaran. “And thanks to Nadu finished within the top felicitation function to Anand, has been functioning actively International Arbiter, Kamesh- such a huge following, non- and 12. cricketer Rahul Dravid called for the last 60 years and has waran, agrees that the chess less active players have started l Almost 25% of rated players this the ‘Anand effect’. “Just been vigorously promoting the scenario in Tamil Nadu can be to become trainers,” he says and in Indian Chess today are like the effect of Bjorn Borg on game,” points out Manuel divided into ‘Before Anand’ and cites his own son’s example. K. from Tamil Nadu. Swedish tennis, Anand’s tri- Aaron, Secretary, TNSCA. ‘After Anand.’ “The spurt and Visweswaran, in spite of an En- These and more such facts umphs in various world level Thanks to it, Tamil Nadu today popularity in the game has gineering degree, is now a full merely emphasise the fact that championships have boosted boasts 6 Grandmasters, includ- many interconnections with time chess trainer. “As a trainer, Chess has grown exponentially the image of the game and ing Women GMs, 15 Interna- Anand’s victories. When the you can earn from Rs. 10,000 to in this State during the last de- helped many youngsters take to tional Masters, not to mention interest level in many children Rs. 30,000 a month,” says cade. While the sport is being the sport,” added Dravid. the numerous FIDE rated play- grew thereafter, the TNSCA Kameshwaran. Though enrolled as students, youngsters like Deepan Chak- The doctor who freed the devadasis karavarthy and Srinath Nara- yan are criss-crossing the world to participate in various inter- (Continued from page 4) necessary for its basic facilities harshly wrote, “Though Rajaji is specialised hospital for cancer. national tournaments. “Thanks Reddy says in her autobiography she sold her jewellery! a great politician, and sacrificed However it was only in October to active help from All India that though Gandhiji asked When Gandhiji was arrested much for the country’s freedom, 1952 that she could realise her Chess Federation, more and Rajaji to help pass the bill, in 1929-30, she resigned form in my opinion he is a reaction- dream when Pandit Jawaharlal more youngsters are able to Prime Minister Rajaji delayed the Council. She was then edit- ary, in regard to social reforms, Nehru laid the foundation for reach far corners of the world to and “thus, Shri C. Rajagopala- ing a journal Stri Dharma particularly for the emancipa- the first block. play tournaments,” says chari proved to be an opponent through which she was propa- tion of women.” The Government of India Chakkaravarthy, who is cur- of social reforms in our gating the national movement. Later, in 1952, when Rajaji gave Rs. 1,00,000 and the Min- rently participating in the 2nd society.” She went as a delegate to Lon- became the Chief Minister, he istry of Health Rs. 2,00,000. It Asian Indoor Games at Macau. Avvai Home, a place for des- don to depose before Lothian asked her to join the Legislative started with a 12-bed hospital. At his felicitation function, titute children, was started by Committee on Franchise. From Council, but she declined as she It has grown immersely since Anand thanked everybody in a her in 1930, and was located in there she was invited to attend was already 67. then; today it stands as a testi- customary speech. Looking at Mylapore where her sister the International Congress of Almost forty years before, mony to her determined efforts Tamil Nadu’s progress in Chess, Nallamuthu looked after it. Women in Chicago. when she saw her sister dying of and commitment. it should have been the other Later, when the home was Back in India, she was disap- cancer, she decided to do some- She was awarded the Padma way round. shifted to Adyar, Dr. Sundar pointed with the Congress lead- thing about it. During the cen- Bhushan for her service to Reddy looked after it till his ers, especially C. Rajagopala- tenary of the Madras Medical women, children and the sick. death in 1943. It was called chari, as they were not keeping College in 1935, she moved a Dr. S. Muthulakshmi Reddy More Sport on Page 7 Avvai Ashram. For the funds their promises. On Rajaji she resolution for a separate passed away in 1968.

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