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WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS

Vol. XXVIII No. 8 August 1-15, 2018 Phoenix-like in T’Nagar Ground + 4, becomes 7, heads for 9 after fire

(by The Editor)

id violations ever go away? tor, wrote long posts in social DNo, they did not. But what media on how such business- is sad is that despite a conflagra- men thrive. tion of mammoth proportions Everyone was agreed that that happened just a year back, the retailer, if he did construct INTACH, Chennai’s 36th Heritage Club inaugurated none, ranging from builder to a new building, would put up a G Young INTACH, Chennai Chapter, inaugurated its 36th Heritage Club in schools at the Vocational Training Centre the authorities, has learnt a model structure in full compli- of the Anjuman Himayath-e-Islam School for girls recently. single lesson. It is left to the citi- ance of all regulations. They INTACH Chennai’s Sujatha Shankar and Sushila Nataraj walked into a large courtyard full of 300 young girls zens to bear all the risks and also little knew what a builder- seated in neat rows. Most of them were there to cheer 40 of their peers who have chosen to form a Heritage Club. to protest, very much in vain. bureaucrat nexus can achieve. This group of 40 stood out, as the girls were dressed in all-white, making a striking picture, they ranged from classes When in 2017, the fire swept All of a sudden, a nine-floor 9 to 12 – all of whom have chosen to be inducted into the Club because of their love and affinity for History. The girls through the seven floors of a structure, inclusive of base- were inducted formally into the VTC Heritage Club with a badge and a ‘Passport’, wherein they would record personal popular retailer dealing in silk, ment, has come up in the same heritage knowledge and experiences. a Minister went on record to say place. And, what is more, work The Club members plan to meet every Wednesday after school hours and are keen to invite resource persons who will that the building had been in began on the construction even open their areas of knowledge into different forms of heritage – both tangible and intangible. gross violation of all permits before the builder filed for The INTACH representatives then addressed the students and teachers and said that to create awareness, initiate heritage-related activities and bring out the importance of built, natural, and intangible heritage should be the aim of the even since it was built in 2000. approvals, so sure was the re- Club. The original sanction had been tailer that everything would fall INTACH plans to establish more heritage clubs this year. Interested schools may contact for ground plus four floors, what (Continued on page 2) [email protected]. came up in reality was a struc- ture of seven floors. This was constructed in full public view t present, the Chennai Met- relationships? Has an expert and yet the authorities Will Metro offer CityAropolitan decongestion?Area is 1,189 study been done to assess what remained oblivious of the viola- sq.km after its notification in needs to be done to result in a tions. Thereafter, there ensued hennai Metro is in the ranged from 17 to 29 months,1975.Phase CMDA 1 corridor intends to togain expand access positiveContinued impact ondelay decongestion, of Phase 2 the usual process of going to Cnews again. More new except one with a 9-monthit toto other8,878 areas sq.km in theengulfing proposed reducedwould causepollution substantial and improved project court over the extra floors. Here underground metro rail stations delay, all against the target ofTiruvallurPhase 2 andwould Kancheepuram not use Phase 1 qualitycost over-run. of life? The original esti- again, despite orders for demo- are open. A single train can December 2015. The remainingDistrictsfacility andtill Phase 2 is completed. and mateWhen was the Rs. area 85,000 was expanded crore. lition of the additional and un- now take commuters to all segment is already delayed by 30NemiliOn Taluks Phase in 2,Vellore the Ministry District, of toConsequential 1,189 sq.km, Government increase in rea-the approved levels, the builder major transport hubs in the months and is yet to beChengalpattuHousing & becomingUrban Affairs part ofhas sonedfare might that make a large it unaffordable. area was obtained a stay and carried on City. From Central, you can commissioned which is thethe raisedregion. important The objective issues isto to be neededEven atto fullfind capacity, the best thepossible two business merrily for a decade reach the Airport in 50 anticipate the needs of the popu- locationphases canfor employment,meet only about afford- 20 and more. That was until the minutes. About 75 per cent of lation by 2026. ableper centhousing of present and relocation demand and of fire came along. Phase 1 is now functional. G by A Special CorrespondentEnlargement of the City slumsa much and lessdeveloping proportion connecti- of the There was a wave of self- Average daily usership has risen region, and that too, by over vity.demand This thatwas wouldprimarily have to en-be righteousness in the immediate to 45,000 from 27,000. To a seven times seems highly complex achievedlarged by bythe creatingtime the Phasesatellite 2 is aftermath. Bureaucrats decried cursory observer, these are Washermenpet – AG-DMSandclarified over ambitious. by the StateReservations govern- townscompleted. and peripheral ring roads. the way buildings had violated cheerful developments. Admit- section. Estimated duration foron somement. issues Why iscannot ridership be helped. very low OfThe five State proposed government towns, mustonly norms in T’ Nagar and else- tedly, these are good but not all, Phase 2 was 10 years from 2015.Havefor similarPhase 1objectives, compared toas expec-were twotake – upManali Phase and2 on Maraimalaihighest pri- where. The Fire Department nor enough. A closer study of This Phase is still in an embry-spelttation out, andbeen how achieved does it affectfor the the Nagarority –and were resolve accomplished. the differences This bemoaned the fact that such the present status does not onic stage. Phase 1 is 45 km offirstviability expansion of Phaseto 1189 2? sq.km?The DPR If haswith not the been Centre adequate to be to able arrest to structures cut off all access in afford room to hope that Metro which 35 are operational. Phasethe (Detailedanswer is inProject the negative, Report) how sub- thestart rising construction overcrowding without thein the event of any major disaster. would complete its promise by 2 would cover 108 km whenis anmitted enlarged by areathe Statea substitute was found for Chennaislightest city.delay. The If project object offi- of It was a wonder that no life was 2025. completed. Because 45 out ofsoundunacceptable conception andby implemen-the Centre makingcials can housing keep their in suburbs promise anof lost in the fire, they said. The In Phase 1, against the tar- 153 km is likely to be completedtation?without If the this answer and other is in aspects the attractivesix years’ completion,option has insteadnot been of store owner said he had violated get of July 2014 for two seg- shortly we cannot expect to de-affirmative,being addressed would it notproperly. be realis- This realised.the original Reports construction from residents time norms and so would bring down ments of the project, comple- rive proportionate benefit of 30tic tohas break been the going proposed on for some massive time inof outlying ten years, areas they indicate will have that re- the structure (there was not tion was only by June 2015 and per cent. The truncated projectexpansionnow. It is disappointinginto manageable that the localtrieved roads the have situation. not been Going put byin much of it left standing any- September 2016 – late by 11 will not yield proportionatemodules,State Governmentof the same hassize been as for de- placethe track nor recordhas the on supplydeadlines, of way). The public, many of them and 26 months respectively. For benefits as commuters whothelaying first itsexpansion, response to without the Cen- serviced land for middle and regular customers of this viola- five other segments the delay must necessarily pass throughweakeningtral Ministry. their organic inter- (Continued on page 2) CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS August 1-15, 2018 Phoenix-like Madras Week here again in T’Nagar Chief, you just do not celebration of what the followers have celebrated, the Oknow what you have un- metropolis stands for, period. newspapers and media have (Continued from page 1) given the manner in which the leashed- you, and the other And yet, this is the time when reported on it, and so let us people who first came up with articles, never to be seen at any move on. Until the next pro- fire raged and consumed many this idea, to be precise, of Ma- other time of the year, keep nouncement, that is. into place. The papers were kilolitres of water for being dras Week. The Man from getting published to the effect Now just imagine today is submitted in May and the au- extinguished, how is it Madras Musings was privileged that the town is 2000 years plus February 24, 2019. You have thorities, with an alacrity that that approvals were so readily to attend the curtain raiser (good for it, says MMM) and set out to do your shopping, all they do not display when more given? The Commissioner of press conference this year and that a group of self styled histo- filled with joy at the thought humble citizens apply for per- the Corporation has himself came away with some fairly rians are insisting on creating a that you will soon be home missions, immediately gave the lamented about the way illegal firm conclusions: new history by declaring that with your purchases in those go-ahead. That was in June. structures are proliferating in 1. People are unable to un- the city was founded in 1639. lovely crackling plastic bags And immediately thereafter the the city and the Court has derstand that Madras Week is The funny thing is that Madras that you could add to your col- builder announced that he had a free for all, open to all kinds Week organisers too recognise lection, all of which will come come down heavily on the of events, just as Chennai is a the 2000 years plus history of in useful some day – you know completed 40 per cent of the matter. And yet, no damages or free for all, open to all kinds of the area (how can anyone deny to pack things or give some- work – within a month of ob- fines were inflicted on the activity. And so despite some it, for it stares everyone in the thing away or, more simply, to taining approval! Anyone retailer. of the speakers at the press face) and have included these tie your garbage in and throw would think that Chennai was Last heard, the matter has conference going on and on aspects in all celebratory out on to the street. You are a foreign city if this efficiency is been brought to the notice of about how there is no events. So what is there to suddenly told that you will not anything to go by. the Court, which, displaying its organising committee for Ma- disagree or complain about get any more bags and you The residents of T’ Nagar are legendary patience and re- dras Week, many news reports anyway? need to bring your own. MMM up in arms. Firstly, how is it that straint, has issued a stay on the the next day began with the To MMM, it is all rather can quite understand how you a structure, which was permit- construction. But that is least lines, “The organising commit- strange that what ought to be a would feel. It is like the end of tee of Madras Week has simple and straightforward civilisation as we knew it. ted to have four floors in 2000 likely to deter the owner or announced…” thanksgiving to a metropolis can have nine in 2018? In what officialdom, both of whom will way has the area become less ensure that the building even- congested or less at risk for tually will come up, as planned, those living nearby? Secondly, and not as per permits. SHORT ’N’ SNAPPY

2. The absence of sponsors that has given its residents so How will our political par- of any kind is another mystery, much has become a matter of ties conduct public meetings Can we hope for comparable to that of the man debate. without plastic bottles of wa- in the iron mask. People are ter for our beloved leaders to unable to understand that the Out with plastics slake their thirst even as they decongestion? organisers (oops, sorry Chief, speak? Imagine a celebratory MMM realises that there are ur State Government meeting for the banning of none), are actually able to put O (and yes, we do have a plastics and the leader on the (Continued from page 1) experiments to identify a fare together a set of events (sorry functioning entity), has made a dais reaches out to unscrew a that facilitates high utilisation once again, Chief, MMM pronouncement. Effective Feb- bottle cap only to be met with however, it is doubtful if that is knows that nobody actually ruary 24th, (and that is one of a man carrying an earthenware of the rolling stock for viable two dates that our Government practical. puts together things for pot and a steel glass. It some- operation. The Act provides for Madras Week, it just happens) sets special store by, the other Ridership for Phase1 has re- how does not have the same a bureaucratic mechanism for without what in Chennai are being December 5th), next effect does it? cently grown to 45,000 per day fare fixation as can be seen from known as ‘sponsorers’. Appar- year, our State, it has said, will which is hardly 15-20 per cent the composition of the FRC ently no event in the city is become plastic-free. of the rated usage capacity of with a Judge and one represen- complete without these people This is an era of pronounce- Tailpiece 2.5 to 3.5 lakh users per day. tative each from the State and and when the event happens, ments of this kind and so The he Man from Madras Metro is reporting a rid- the Centre. CMRL should put they demand their due share of Man from Madras Musings will T Musings could not help ership of 2.76 million per day up to the FRC a forceful case for ‘bublicity’. take it with a lump of salt. After chuckling though he did all, this is the same State Gov- which is indicative of full a graduated pricing model. Pric- 3. That no matter how realise it was a serious matter. utilisation of its carrying poten- much is said that this is actu- ernment that had earlier said He alludes to the blatant man- ing of utilities that affect the liv- that open defecation will be a ner in which a building belong- tial. Delhi Metro has the lowest ally a celebration of the city, ing cost of the lower strata calls past, present and future, there thing of the past by some date ing to a silk retailer has been average fare, at 50 paise per km. for affordable pricing. No- are bound to be some people that too is now long past. The put up in gross violation of all For example, the commuters profit-no-loss of cash should be who will say the event is com- last elected Mayor we had (oh, permits, just a short while af- can travel from Dwarka Sector the first aim. A set of pre-de- memorative of a colonial past how long ago that was), had ter the earlier structure there, 51 to Huda City Centre, a dis- fined eligibility norms for alone. You, Chief, and others once declared that all toilets in owned by the same entity and tance of 60 km, paying a fare of subsidising for mass transport who are NOT an organising hotels and wedding halls will be which contravened all safety Rs. 30. is the should be considered as a gen- committee but who can thrown open to the public so norms, went up in flames and costliest in the country with av- eral policy for all Metros to keep loosely be called the founding that they would not have to had to be demolished. But the erage fare of Rs. 4 per km com- fathers (with a mother or two undergo the embarrassment of headline for the story that ap- living costs low for the eco- relieving themselves in the peared in one of the city news- pared to about Rs. 2.50 - 3.00 also thrown in) have time and nomically weaker classes. The again asked these people to open. Not that the general pub- papers brought up (sorry, pun per km to motor cycle users. subsidy is recovered many times look at the list of events that lic appears to consider this an wholly unintended) all kinds The running cost of Metro is a over through lower pollution, have been put up in earlier embarrassment – MMM has of thoughts. For the sake of fixed cost as services must run reduced congestion and wider years to judge for themselves seen many men relieving them- clarity, MMM features it irrespective of the traffic vol- employment opportunities. whether the programmes are selves in full public view, just a below. ume. This cost can be mopped Transport security ranks with exclusively a celebration of few steps away from a well- –MMM up only by making the fare at- food security. Poor utilisation in our colonial past, but all of maintained pay and tractive and enlarging the traf- response to unrealistic pricing that has fallen on deaf ears. use toilet. Why pay for it when it can be done fic volume to fill the bogies. As will not be good for the Metro. MMM guesses that it is much traffic increases more bogies easier for such protestors to for free, is the general It could reduce the Metro to the attitude. could be added. There seems to continue saying what they are status of a week-end novelty for saying. They do get their due It is with those be no other route to improving recreation. share of ‘bublicity’ and same sage announce- financial viability. This ap- Without the full Metro net- perhaps that is what they are ments, all made with proach to pricing is worth try- work in Phases 1 and 2, sub- after. the best intentions but ing. stantial reduction in congestion 4. Also, for some reason, with no hope of ever The Metro Railway (Opera- is not possible. Imaginative the idea seems to persist that being implemented tion & Maintenance) Act, pricing and taking up the con- we are celebrating the found- that MMM would like 2002 Section 33, Metro Rail struction of Phase 2 immedi- ing of our city in 1639. That to file the latest on Administration (MRA) has a may have been the way plastics. There is abso- ately are of high priority to re- lutely no plan whatso- Fare Revision Committee Madras Week started several trieve the situation. Delay years ago, but it has long since ever on how to go (FRC) under Section 34(1) of would leave us permanently given up on that claim. It has about it. The leader the Act. The first phase pro- chasing a rapidly growing aggre- moved on to becoming a has spoken, the vides an opportunity for pricing gate need. August 1-15, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

Decoration Nun remembered ister Isabel Mary Diaz closed her eyes on A couple of years ago, when I was at the SJune 20 in a George Town convent, her Mclean Street convent, researching on the home for decades. Presentation nuns in Madras, I was introduced A Goan, Sr. Isabel earned a name doing stuff, to Sr. Isabel. At 87, though restrained to a chair she was great at creating decorations for wed- she got talking. And had a request. “I’m look- dings and church services, making cookies and ing for Mahadevan..that Hot Breads man...” Punctuality time for commencement of his jams, designing table cloths and clothes for kids. She was seeking him to help her women learn lecture. eader S.S. Rajagopalan’s And she did this even at 89. baking skills. letter (MM, July 1st) about One day, it so happened he From the convent of the Presentation Her story, her life stayed with me. A nun for R Sisters, adjoining St. Columban’s School on six decades who had fun, was hugely creative H.C. Buck’s observations on saw an IPS probationer sitting Mclean Street, her nook was alive from 7 to 8. (at one time, hotels would trip to sign her up for punctuality reminds me of the in the class ten minutes in And she tugged at Peter to pay Paul. decorating their halls) and one who used her late Eric L. Stracay, I.P. advance and Stracey asked him For, Sr. Isabel had skilled lots and lots of talent to move the less privileged. I was in the Central Police why was he early. He replied poor women of this Her last resting place was at St. Roque’s Training College, Mt. Abu that he was being careful not to neighbourhood to help them make a living. Cemetery in where a zone is carved (now Police Academy in be late. Stracey responded by “She was a creative soul who created jobs for for the Presentation nuns – buried here are the Hyderabad) in 1960-61. saying that by being early he the poor,” a nun said in her eulogy. pioneer missionaries from Ireland who landed Stracey was the Deputy showed his lack of confidence in Paying her a tribute that Sr. Isabel would in Madras in the late 19th Century. Commandent. The rule for the himself and should be there have acknowledged, the nuns had decorated the As the cemetery staff lowered the coffin, I.P.S. probationers was that only five minutes in advance! altar with lots of freshly-cut flowers. And there shoved in the mud and sealed the grave, many in front, she lay in a coffin, at peace as the women began to weep, loudly. They were the they should be in the classroom Presentation nuns from different convents in ones Sr. Isabel had made. exactly five minutes before a Dr. G. Sundaram, IAS (RTD) this city laid wreaths at the farewell. Did the city pay a tribute to the Decoration class started. Stracey’s room A 601, “Dugar Apartments” Gracie (the nun’s original name) was a Nun? No. was adjoining the classroom Keshava perumal puram teacher in who loved good food and wine, I wonder why obituaries are only reserved and you could hear the click of good clothes and good music and dance. The for the high and mighty, the awarded and the the door, opening exactly on Chennai 600 028 night before she was to leave for a convent to goons. Our media revels in them. But for people join the congregation, she danced through the who make this city, unless ribbed from outside, night and then said bye, her cousin said in her the print and the channels have no space for tribute. the likes of Sr. Isabel. She returned to her favourite Goan home In our small ways, may we pay Tributes. often and at her workplace in Madras, made Always. rose cookies and jams and wine. These became a rage in north Madras. – Vincent D’Souza Growing from a milk depot to a department store

additional shopping space. To other products from their accounts for 20 per cent. The here is a perception that is located at the intersection of cater to the growing demand for countries. This opened up a shop has not got on to online Amma Naana is an Chamiers and Boat Club Roads “T imported items by the elite resi- window of opportunity for the sales because of the prohibitive expensive shop. It is not. We facing the Crowne Plaza Hotel dents of the neighbourhood, the shop. Senthil went around the cost of acquiring and imple- sell all the Indian brands at the (the old Park Sheraton). shop also started stocking them, world identifying original menting the software required MRP rates mentioned on the Amma Naana was started by sourced from outlets that were sources for foreign brands in for such an effort. Besides, packaging. Imported items are Raja Mani, an aunt of Senthil already selling these items. As Singapore, U.K. and U.S.A. Indian customers still prefer the priced depending on the costs in 1971, 11 years before Senthil the business grew, the family “Even if we don’t have a ‘touch & feel’ shopping experi- incurred in procuring them,” was born. Her husband V.R. started “Amma Wines”, which particular item, if a loyal cus- ence when it comes to the says Senthil Raj, the CEO of Govindaswamy was also a part- not only sold IMFL but also tomer wants it, we will try and purchase of grocery and Amma Naana, the stand alone ner in the venture. It was a milk stocked popular foreign brands specially import it to satisfy the vegetables.” So, the growing department store, well-known depot occupying only 500 sq.ft. of liquor, procured from official customer. Whenever any new phenomenon of online for stocking imported brands of Sale of vegetables and grocery sources.. This section was shopping for all kinds of prod- a variety of products. The store were added later by acquiring closed when the Government of ucts does not worry Senthil at G decided to take by the moment. over the sale of liquor under the R.V. Rajan Amma Naana’s growth has TASMAC umbrella. Today, [email protected] come purely through word of Thank you, Donors Amma Naana is a three-storied mouth advertising by loyal department store occupying customers. Senthil adds, “We We today, publish donations received with thanks for 8500 sq.ft of space with limited brand is introduced in foreign keep in close touch with all con- the period upto July 10th. parking facility. countries, we will ensure its sulates in Chennai. Every time – The Editor It was in 2004, that Senthil availability in Amma Naana, a Consul General is transferred, was invited by his aunt to join simultaneously. Some of the we ensure that the incoming Rs. 100: D. Sugavanam; G.K. Vasan; John J. Moses, Ashok Kumar, the family business. He had just popular imported brands avail- Consul General is informed Lakshmi Narayanan completed his B.Tech from a able include Country Kitchen, about Amma Naana.” In fact Rs. 150: T.M. Raghunathan; S. Prakash; C.V. Viswanathan college in Coimbatore. Full of Hershey’s, Diana of London, the Korean Government has Rs. 200: G. Ram Mohan; S. Janardhan ideas Senthil took to the busi- Ceylon Tea, Thousand Islands recognised Amma Naana as Rs. 400: Dr. V.V. Jayaram, V.S. Rajappan; K.S. Srinivasan; ness like the proverbial ‘duck to and Starbucks Coffee. Popular one of the best shops for getting R. Ganapathy; Dr. N.V. Pundarikantan; Industrial Economist; A.N. water’. In due course, he mar- product categories are imported Korean speciality items in Sachithananthan; Dr. Patrick Yesudian; T.R. Gopalan; G. Dasarathy; ried his aunt’s daughter Sakthi Sauces, Jams, Noodles, Butter Chennai. N. Anantharam; Capt. Shankar; D.J.B. Immanuel; Lakshmi Devi who is also a partner in etc. This kind of personalised There are plans to open one Jayaraman Amma Naana. This was also customer service has enabled us more shop on the OMR. It will Rs. 401: Anand M. Gadre the time when new, national to build a core of loyal custom- be owned and managed by the Rs. 500: Akila, Krishnaswamy Associates; Gp. Capt. K.S.V. Sharma and international brands of ers” says Senthil. He continues, management of Amma Naana. (Rtd); Sarada Narendranath; C.S. Rodrigo department stores were enter- “On an average 1,500 Indian “We don‘t believe in the fran- ing the Chennai market. customers and 100 expats visit chisee route but are open to Rs. 600: N.S. Parthasarathy Besides, the city also witnessed the shop every day. Home investors who are interested in Rs. 1000: V. Murugaappan the influx of expats from differ- delivery service is offered to the project,” says Senthil. I am Rs. 1900: S. Satya Bhama ent countries employed by customers who place orders for sure that the young and dy- Rs. 2000: Issac A.D. Rajendran several automobile companies Rs. 1,000 and above. While 80 namic CEO of Amma Naana, in and around Chennai, who per cent of the sales come from with his ‘hands on’ style of man- Rs. 2900: Hugh and Colleen Gantzer were demanding the popular customers visiting the shop agement will make the new Rs. 5000: P.R. Sundaravadivelu brands of food ingredients and personally, home delivery venture also a big success. 4 MADRAS MUSINGS August 1-15, 2018 August 1-15, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

Further details emerge in the Mary’s anthem- “Queen Marians those days, the Cochin express democracy while working under 1790s. From a minute of Major never die! They only fade away!” went straight through to Cochin B.N. Rao as Under Secretary, Maule dating to 1793, we know On another occasion she and those of us who were bound Constituent Assembly, Secre- that the Redoubt had a draw- organised her club of Over 80s, for Kottayam had to get off at tariat. As recorded by Ornit bridge that was replaced that to meet the man who stitched Alwaye and take a bus to Shani in a recent book entitled year. their blouses at college. Kottayam. Cookie was in the How India Became Democratic By 1799, there was no further As she describes it, “For same bus, as she had to go from what made Padmanabhan’s con- need for a Redoubt in . Queen Marians, their favorite Kottayam to Chengannur, her tribution important was “his abil- The building was handed over to tailor was the humble smiling family home. Although we were ity to identify with the ‘weak’. It the Madras Male Asylum. Glynn Naidu, who stitched blouses to both Syrian Christians, I was was he who first noted on the Barlow, in his Story of Madras, perfection from puffed- to leg-of- never close to her since she was question of the registration of the dating to 1921, records some of mutton-sleeves. Started as a one- senior to me and moved around refugees that they ‘are always on the changes that the Asylum man outfit in one room, Naidu with her post-graduate friends in the move, and, therefore no made to the Redoubt – an upper Hall is presently a flourishing the hostel. As the bus negotiated residential qualification can be storey comprising a row of win- business of ready-made garments prescribed for them if they are to dowed chambers that sat rather run by his grand-children, while be given the right to vote in the G oddly on the buttressed and still maintaining the quality that by next elections.’” The zeal to On the exercise machine. Geetha Doctor battlemented wall, windowless was Naidu’s hallmark!” The create a nation that would be a tarians, giving them donkey ears and grim. To him, the composite exclamation says it all. As every- template for equality to all its and thick lips. But he also cap- whole was a reminder of old-time one this generation might recall, citizens was what drove different tured the patrician style of war and latter day peace. It was Naidu Hall has been famous for the hilly tracts, I dozed off in the individuals in a common pursuit Pandit Nehru, always on the run, from here that the Asylum Press its marketing of ladies’ undergar- bus and awoke to find my hand- that inspired and empowered elegantly dressed in his trade- Almanac was brought out for ments or bridal inner wear. Some bag missing. Besides the personal even young girls like Cookie into mark shervani and tight Jodhpur years before the Asylum moved of us close family members could effects, it contained all my a desire for serving the nation. pajama, with the red rose in his Remains of the Egmore Fort. The building is in the Male Asylum Road, and is now the residence of some railway employees. to High Road and not stop debating how the money and I was frantic. I shall This is what makes her title front buttonhole. Its upper part has been built upon a battlemented wall, and doors have been let into the wall. The outlines of the original wall the press to Mount Road in Queen Marians would return never forget how Cookie con- important. It underlines the and some of the battlements can be easily traced. – from Glynn Barlow’s Story of Madras. There are legions of stories 1900. from their Naidu Hall tea-party soled me and lent me the money passion with which young Indi- about Pothen Joseph himself. That year, the Directors of flaunting the best of under-wired to reach home. It was only a mat- ans, no matter what their sex, One of his mentors nicknamed the Asylum sold the Redoubt to and lace trimmed cups in Double ter of 10 rupees but to me it was ethnicity or religion identified him “Potent Joe”. When he the South Indian Railway Com- X sizes. As it happened, we need more of a free fall of 100 rupees.” themselves with the adventure of joined Jinnah as the editor of the LOST LANDMARKS OF CHENNAI pany which was making Egmore not have doubled up with anxi- Many decades later Varki was to not just building a nation but Dawn newspaper that was its headquarters in Madras. The ety. They returned with tales of teach English at the Cultural owning it. “This country is started in Delhi, he is supposed old Redoubt underwent many a sumptuous tea of cakes and Academy. mine!” they might have said, to have quipped when his owner – SRIRAM V changes and became the quarters savories that the current owners If this is beginning to sound echoing a famous French ruler. told him that he was often to be of railway employees, additional had laid out for them – still personal it’s for a reason. Her “L’Etat c’est Moi”. found in a “bibulous” state, nor humble, still gracious! father, the famous Pothen ideal for an Editor. “Alas, I am

o the many readers who Thave known Anna Varki as The redoubt no more – a sparkling contributor to Ma- ...where it is never too old to learn dras Musings and other Chennai- based publications, the fact that special. No matter what she To underline that Cookie Joseph, an editor for all seasons she has put together the experi- encounters on the way, the ups Aunty has the gift of friendship and several newspapers, lived in not even in memory ences of a lifetime into a book* and downs along which she that can light up every room that the same tumultuous period in will be a source of great joy. chugs as the wife of a railways she enters, I can do no better Delhi, before and after Indepen- The eight oval medallions official, Anna Varki recollects than to quote from a foreword dence, as my parents did. Cookie he Gandhi-Irwin Bridge Before the construction of the that this was a good place for sick storeys being built to accommo- that encircle the title on the each episode with an anecdote contributed by another famous recollects for instance that her T does not span a water body. Redoubt, a choultry (native rest soldiers, especially those recently date larger numbers. Writing in cover show the author at differ- and a smile. personality, Rebecca Chandy, father would greet my Dad every It rises over the railway tracks house) stood there. It was Gover- arrived by ship from England, to 1913, Col. Love in his Vestiges of ent stages of her life. There is the – SRIRAM V She begins with her birth in Retired Principal, Cultural morning as he walked past Rowse leading to Egmore and the road nor Thomas Pitt who saw the recuperate in and so these were Old Madras, describes what then little girl looking at the world Kolkata, or Calcutta as it was Academy, San Thomé, Chennai. Avenue where my young parents that connects it at both ends value of the location and con- sent to it on a regular basis. In survived of the Redoubt – “the with great big eyes followed by then known. Her father had In her time, it used to be known lived with a “Good Morning, shares its name. Gandhi thank- verted it into a guardhouse. In 1752, faced with consistently external face wall along the west- the same forthright gaze as she been hoping to receive the news as a finishing school for young Padmanabhan!” fully remains well-known though 1710, this foresight was vindi- inferior gunpowder made at Fort ern side, and about half that on progresses through each turning of a son as his second child when women. My father was in those days it is unlikely many would remem- cated when a set of soldiers sta- St. David, Cuddalore, the Com- the northern side, were utilised point of her journey. In the last he was informed with the words As she remembers; “Behind occupied with the herculean ber the Viceroy who makes up tioned here managed to quell pany decided to convert the in the construction of buildings one there is a smiling portrait of “It’s a koki!” As Varki goes on to all the jollity there was a kindly efforts in creating what we would the other half of the name. Less around 40 horsemen belonging to Redoubt into a gunpowder fac- which still survive. The face wall the author as she approaches the tell us koki in Bengali means a girl heart. I remember travelling in a now call a data base for the known would be the historic pact the Nawab. That set Governor tory. Remodelled at a cost of was 6 feet high to the cordon and grand old age of 97. This portrays and koka boy. So, my father bus from Alwaye to Kottayam for voters who would eventually made in Delhi between the two William Fraser thinking and he 7,500 pagodas, the facility was 3 ½ feet above, and the rampart, Anna Varki, her face still bright, decided to call me ‘Kuki’, which the Michaelmas holidays. In form the blueprint for Indian that is commemorated by way of formed a committee comprising overseen by John de Roos, a including both external and a halo of silver hair circling her soon acquired another spelling, Learning to use the computer in her eighties. this road. Completely forgotten the Paymaster, the Commanding German. Quality was suspect internal walls, was 12 feet thick. head smiling into the camera. Cookie”. He also brought her up Pothen Joseph (1892-1972) is its earlier name – Redoubt Officer and the Chief Gunner to here too, and there was corre- Twelve embrasures was visible in That smile is as significant as to be a boy, she tells us, until her not fortunate to have been born was not just a maverick editor Road, for it connected to the form plans for the setting up of a spondence over it. From this we the portions preserved.” the rolled-up umbrella that all younger brother Jaiboy was born. with a Gin to my name!” The and columnist who wrote a daily Egmore Redoubt, a fortification Redoubt. A guard room was see quite a list of interesting good Keralites carry with them The name Cookie stuck. This more famous riposte is the one All of these vanished when, political column for five decades that has completely vanished. recommended with the lower part ingredients going into the mak- come rain or shine. It’s with the was how she was known to her about how his constant need to with the nationalisation of the under the heading, “Over a Cup In its time it was quite a land- entrenched and fortified with ing of gunpowder – brandy, same senses of boundless adven- close friends at Queen Mary’s move from paper to paper and railways in 1951, fresh work of Tea”, he was a fearless advo- mark. According to The Life of brickwork. The estimate was 925 arrack, water, wine and urine! A ture just waiting beyond the College, Madras, as it was fa- place to place led someone to began in the area. The Redoubt cate of truth in the Gandhian the Rev Andrew Bell, Prebendary pagodas. Governor Harrison and Committee of Works was put in front door that Varki steps into mously known. (We shall use say: “A rolling stone never was pulled down. Today, a mode. His editorial motto used of Westminster, by Robert and his council oversaw the execution charge of the mill from 1756. the world. It’s not always been an both her names in the review gathers moss.” To which Pothen narrow pathway to the rear of to be “Courage, vigilance and Charles C. Southey, the Redoubt that resulted in a cost of 5,060 The siege of Madras in 1758 easy life for the author but it is depending on the context.) Joseph asked, “But does a stone Egmore station leads to the rail- fidelity”. His ability to quote was built in 1702. It was a square pagodas with a further 1,500 by the Comte de Lally had the one that has been defined by the Amongst her many friends need moss?” way colony there. Much changed extensively from the Bible and with a bungalow in the middle; a being needed for completion. The French occupying the Redoubt. memories of the extraordinary was my mother and an elite circle Part of the charm of listening even in the last sixty years, it the classics, Dickens being a par- sergeant and sepoys occupying it, Directors in England saw red and When they were forced to leave, era in which she was born. She of Queen Marians. As she to Cookie’s recollections is her holds within it the original loca- ticular favorite, contributed to remaining on guard for any decreed that the difference de Lally ordered the blowing up calls it the ‘Gandhian Era’ in her describes it in one of the chap- ability to capture the essence of tion of the Redoubt. But of the his legend. Amongst the original threats that could appear from between plan and actual ought to of the mills and the Redoubt. On subtitle. The men and women ters many years later, when they the people and events that she fort itself, there is not a trace. spirits that he nurtured in his the western side to Fort St. be met by Governor Fraser and his the lifting of the siege, the who formed a part of her growing met again, now in their 80s and describes in a language that is al- The Gandhi-Irwin Pact of 1931, time was none other than George. As per the Madras Council. There was, of course, no English put up a temporary shel- years, even at a slight remove, 90s, in the City where some of ways simple but elegant. In the hailed as a significant develop- Shankar, the cartoonist of Tercentenary Volume, it was con- way of actually ensuring this and ter here to make gunpowder. A were touched with a sense of des- them had retired, Cookie would early part, for instance, she might ment in India’s freedom struggle, fame. Of him it structed “on a high level in the so Harrison had the Redoubt terrific explosion killed several tiny that the world would soon rally them around at special Shankar’s Weekly saw Redoubt Road being was said the Pandit Nehru told *One Woman’s India – From the village, from which a clear pros- completed by spending an and work began on a proper mill be made anew. That hope, the events such as birthdays and the renamed as Gandhi-Irwin Road him, “Don’t spare me, Shankar!” Gandhian Era to the Cyber pect of Madras could be had and additional sum of 1,000 at the Redoubt. The mill was idealism, the joy of being celebration perhaps of a and with that the Redoubt He was fearless in his ability to Age. Anna Varki, Notion signals made for succour from pagodas! back in operation by 1762 only involved in a quest far greater grandchild’s wedding with a Seated: Anna Varki’s father Pothan Joseph, Anna Varki and her mother Anna passed, even in name, from col- Joseph. Standing: Her sister Sarasu, her husband Mathew (Bappu) and her brother caricature the pomposity of those Press. the fort against an advancing For some reason, the East to have a cyclone whisk away its than the individual self, are what rousing singing of the Queen enemy.” India Company was of the view roof in 1768. lective memory. makes Varki’s reminiscences Jaiboy. early politicians and parliamen- (Continued on page 6) 6 MADRAS MUSINGS August 1-15, 2018 Eardley Norton – lawyer outstanding

n 1879, twenty-seven year old He enrolled at the Madras the astounding success in IEardley Norton loathed the Bar and, being the latest en- Sullivan v. Norton catapulted prospect of having to leave En- trant, was appointed Secretary him into stardom at the Madras gland for Madras. Having com- of what in later times came to Bar. After that, there was no pleted his school and college be known as the ‘Madras Bar looking back. He emerged as education and worked for a Association’. In less than a year, practically the leader of the Bar brief period as a journalist, he he was made Deputy Coroner of and began to make a fortune. had made an unsuccessful at- Madras, an unpaid appoint- They began to call him the tempt to gain a foothold at the ment, by Dr. Stanbrough, the “Lion of the Madras Bar.” English Bar. Emigration became then Coroner. When Stan- During the years when he inevitable and he felt like an brough went on leave, Norton was the Coroner and a rising exile, forced by the compulsion acted as Coroner and even- barrister in Madras, the Indian of circumstances to eke out a tually was confirmed in that National Congress was started. living in the sweltering climate post, the only official position Norton had inherited a sympa- of a faraway and near alien he held in his life and in which thetic outlook towards Indians place. But, when he sailed Ma- his tenure lasted for eight years – ‘natives’ they were often dras-bound aboard the until 1889, when the office was called in those days – and their Eardley Norton. Navarino in 1879, little could he abolished. Thus, Eardley political rights from his father. have known that many great Norton was the last to hold the It was but natural that he was experiences awaited him in the Coronership in Madras. attracted to the Congress. He the lead by hosting an exquisite * About the author: Suresh distant land he did not want to During the period of his first joined the movement at the party to the delegates of the Balakrishnan, an advocate, is go to. Coronership, in 1886, the first Madras Congress of 1887. In his Madras Congress and other the author of Eardley Norton: A year of Lord Connemara’s Gov- story, the 1887 Madras Con- guests at Dunmore House, his Biography (2018) in two Born in Madras on February residence in Madras. The lam- volumes. His earlier books 19, 1852 as the eldest of the ernorship, a terrible conflagra- gress is memorable for two rea- tion, later termed the ‘Park Fire sons. Somebody had called him bent moon had begun to shed a include Famous Judges and eight children of the great – silvery beam on Madras on De- Lawyers of Madras (2012). He now all but forgotten – John cember 29, 1887 when the has edited the Lives of Chief Bruce Norton, once Advocate- G guests arrived at Dunmore Justices of Madras (2013), General of Madras and a re- by Suresh Balakrishnan* House. Oil lamps on poles illu- containing selected writings of nowned public figure, Eardley mined the roadways and path- V.N. Srinivasa Rao, an eminent John Norton lived in Madras ways leading up to the venue. legal historian. until the age of ten. In 1862, he Tragedy’ happened in the a ‘veiled seditionist’ for associ- Norton had arranged a He can be contacted at and Robert Bruce, the first of People’s Park near the Central ating himself with the Congress ‘Kolattum’ (stick-dance) by [email protected] his brothers, were sent to Brus- Railway Station. Several people movement. While speaking on nautch dancers, which “stern Website: oldmadras press.com sels to start their school careers. died on the spot and later at the the second day of the 1887 ascetics from Bengal” and other Copies of the book are avail- Then, having undergone school hospital. Norton presided as Congress, he gave a strong re- guests watched spellbound, able at: C. Sitaraman & Co., life for a brief period at Esher, Coroner over the enquiry into buttal to the charge, and this while some others found literary . Eardley and Robert went to the cause of the tragedy. The passage from his speech has repast in his vast library. Rugby, one of the famous Pub- redoubtable Rev. Dr. Miller of since remained one of the most lic Schools in England. The (To be concluded) the Christian College had sug- eloquent and powerful utter- four years spent there gave him gested that the fire was the re- ances decrying the misuse of the some of the happiest memories sult of a pre-concerted scheme. charge of sedition: to cherish. Then he went to At the end of the enquiry, it was “I was told yesterday, by one Merton College, Oxford, where held that the fire was the result for whose character and edu- his experiences were no less of an accident and not incendi- NEVER TOO OLD wonderful and memorable. cated qualities I cherish a great arism. esteem, that in joining myself Having graduated as a Bachelor During the years when with the labourers in this Con- TO LEARN of Arts, he worked for a while Norton was Coroner – the gress, I have earned for myself as a journalist in London. He Coronership was a part-time (Continued from page 5) it provides simple advice for the new title of a “veiled sedi- was later called to the Bar at employment – he was also a ris- those having to cope with old tionist.” (Laughter) If it be sedi- Lincoln’s Inn. Then for a brief ing barrister in Madras. In 1886, summon an image of Captain age. It’s not as though she has tion, gentlemen, to rebel period he practised in the Ox- the Garstin Dacoity Case before Lakshmi, both bold and beauti- not suffered broken bones, or against all wrong; if it be sedi- ford circuit and was his father’s the created ful, who joined the INA. In the the challenge of living on her tion to insist that the people Junior in London in a few cases a profound sensation. Norton latter part of the book there is own with increasing health before the Privy Council. should have a fair share in the yet another short sketch of that problems. Through it all, her in- appeared for the defence and administration of their own When his career at the En- succeeded in the acquittal of everyday creature – the humble stinct is to share and teach oth- country and affairs; if it be sedi- glish Bar failed to take off, his the Bodinayakanur Zamindar, crow. In Cookie’s eyes, the crow ers. She advises older people to tion to resist class-tyranny, to father urged him to go to Ma- who was charged with commit- and the raven take wing and exercise regularly, visit a beauty raise my voice against oppres- dras where he (John Bruce ting dacoity on Garstin, a Se- emerge from the mists of Bud- parlour to maintain one’s feet, sion, to mutiny against injus- Norton) was once Advocate- nior Member of the Board of dhist legend and Californian dispel the unsightly appearance tice, to insist upon a hearing General and where his name Revenue. Shortly after the con- tourist spots like the Santa of unwanted hairs sprouting on before sentence, to uphold the might help the young Norton to clusion of the trial, Sullivan, a Catalina Island as sentinels. Or the once smooth womanly liberties of the individual, to get speedy work. This also coin- Senior Member of Council and as she signs off, “It’s a pity that chins; to give ‘space’ to one’s vindicate our common right to cided with the time when Member of the Civil Service, the crow does not capture the children, grand-children AND Eardley got married and became gradual but ever advancing re- attention of avid bird watchers great-grand-children, all of filed a case against Norton in form – (cheers) – if this be sedi- the father of a son. So, in the the Madras High Court for who prefer to sight and watch which advice she dispenses with tion, I am right glad to be called middle of 1879, with a heavy statements of a defamatory na- exotic and prettier species.” brevity and wit. a ‘seditionist’, (cheers), and heart, he said goodbye to near ture made by him against If the first half of the essays Finally, however at 97 and doubly, ay, trebly glad, when I and dear ones and what was to Sullivan both before and during can be described as easy to fol- filled with the joy of a life well look around me to-day, to know him home and left for Madras. the Garstin Dacoity trial. This low lessons for the younger gen- lived Anna Varkie’s spirit like and feel I am ranked as one After an uneventful voyage case put Norton through a great eration who might think of the that of Ulysses is still ready to among such a magnificent array aboard the Navarino, he arrived ordeal. Nobody competent Independence movement as a sail in the search of new adven- of “seditionist”. (Loud cheers) in Madras in July 1879. enough to hold his brief came series of events dominated by tures. Or in the words of the to his help and he was com- Perhaps it would be no exag- high minded words and long poet (Tennyson): pelled to defend himself. If he geration to say that no account dead leaders; the second half is One equal temper of heroic hearts, G Our quiz master V.V. of the 1887 Madras Congress a manual for seniors. It not only Made weak by time and fate, but Ramanan is on holiday. lost this case, his career at the will be complete without men- describes how Cookie re-in- strong in will His column will resume Bar would come to an abrupt tioning the few garden parties vented herself by learning and To strive, to seek, to find, and on his return. end, for he would be suspended from practice. But he won and that took place. Norton took mistressing her computer skills, not to yield. (Ulysses) August 1-30, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

August 12  Re-enactment of the Battle of Colachel. The re-enactment 4 p.m.-6 p.m. staged by NCC Cadets attired in period costumes, is that of ‘Broken bridge area’ south of Adyar Estuary Madras the Battle of Colachel (10 August 1741) between a Dutch by the sea side. East India Company force and the Travancore Army resulting Organised by the Colours of Glory in the Dutch being trounced, the first and only instance of a Foundation. Week ’18 native Indian force decisively defeating a European one.  Talk: Professor S. Swaminathan speaks on Trees of 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. Till August 10th, 2018 Madras (bi-lingual). Arkay Convention Center  Talk: Maruthu Mohan speaks on Celluloid Kottai - Cinema 6:45-8:00 p.m. and Politcs (in Tamil). Arkay Convention Center August 13  Heritage Walk: Led by Dr. Chithra Madhavan, the walk 6.30 a.m.-8 a.m. July 28 covers Kapaliswarar , and the Vishnu Meeting point: outside Giri Trading shop,  Games: Celebrate Chennai. Celebrate its Games 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. in Chitrakulam, Mylapore. Organised by INTACH. near East Gopuram of the Kapaliswarar conducted by Kreeda. Organised by Madras Literary Society Madras Literary Soceity temple. (MLS). For non-members of MLS: Rs. 100. For details: madrasliterarysociety@gmail. August 15 com; 044 2827 9666; +91-9444253532  Talk: Krupa Ge speaks on The Day Madras Drowned 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. August 4 (bi-lingual). Arkay Convention Center  ‘ Explore Poonamallee. 7 a.m.-9 a.m. Walk:  Talk: Jayaraman Raghunathan speaks on Chennaiyin 6:45 - 8:00 pm Starting point: Poonamallee Blind School. Enthiran Sujatha (bi-lingual). Arkay Convention Center For details: [email protected]; 98401 70982 August 16-17  Lecture on Urban Ecology & Resilience: a case of Soaking Raman Auditorium, AC-Tech Campus,  Book Release: George Town Bicycle Trails 10.30 am - 11.30am City Chennai, A initiative of the United Nationas Settelments , Chennai Chennai & Penang. For details: Cycling Yogis / Seafarers Club, Opp: Programme (UN-Habitat) & AARDE Foundation. Ramanujar Moulana Ph :9884023123 Rajaji Salai, Chennai 600001 August 16  Exhibition: Vintage Bicycle Exhibition. One of its kind 10.30 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. 10:30 a.m. Introduction to Soaking City Xavier Benedict Vintage Bicycle Exhibition, on display Rudge, Hercules, Seafarers Club 11:00 a.m. Building Ecological knowledge for the Nalini Thakur Phillips, Raleigh Chopper, World War period Paratrooper Contact : Cycling Yogis /Ramanujar Moulana regeneration cultural landscapes of South Asia Bicycle, Robinhood and accessories including Old Oil Ph :9884023123 12:00 p.m. Chennai City Master Plan CMDA Chief Planner Lamps, Brooks saddle and much more 02:00 p.m. Trees are the Earth’s endless effort to speak to Prime College, Nagapattinam Dr. V.R. Devika speaks on Social and Cultural Milieu. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. the Listening Heaven * Organised by Observer Research Foundation (ORF) ORF-C Conference Hall, Reliance Building, 02:15 p.m. Chennai City – An Area Dr. MGR University students (Chennai Chapter). The theme for this year’s Madras Week Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Chennai 600 004 02:30 p.m. Hydrology of Chennai City Dr. L. Elango Celebration is ‘Recalibrating Chennai for Gen-2K’. 03:30 p.m. For Earth’s Sake Dr. Sultan A Ismail  Talk: Wonder Women of Madras by Nivedita Louis 3-4 p.m. 04:30 p.m. NHypay; - jkpH; ,yf;fpaj;jpd; tHpna xU ghh;it J. Rajagopalan Organised by Madras Literary Society (MLS). For non- Madras Literary Soceity August 17 members of MLS: Rs. 100. For details: madrasliterarysociety@gmail. 09:00 a.m. Participating College Presentation MIDAS Architecture College com; 044 2827 9666; +91-9444253532 09:30 a.m. Rw;Wr;NHy; tpHpg;gpy; jkpH; gad;ghL S. Theodore Baskaran 10:30 a.m. Chennai Weather Pradeep John  Choir Singing by Madras Youth Choir. Organised by Madras 4-5 p.m. 11:30 a.m. International Case Studies Kees de Vries (Netherlands) Literary Society (MLS). For non-members of MLS: Rs. 100. Madras Literary Soceity 12:15 p.m. International Case Studies Dr. Martina Girvan, London For details: madrasliterarysociety@gmail. 01:30 p.m. Participating college students presentation for 15 minutes com; 044 2827 9666; +91-9444253532 02:00 p.m. Adapting to Climate Change using Technology Dr. Jinu Louishidha Kitchley J  Walk: Experiencing the community dwellings of . 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 03-05 p.m. Spcial Talks Organised by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. Starts at Pezhalwar Street and temple August 18 junction, next to the temple car.  Walk: Naduvakkarai to walk. Organised by 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. For details, registrations: 94442 53532; Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. Starting point: Tower Park: Ayyapan temple [email protected] side entrance. August 5 For details, registrations: 94442 53532;  Walk: The walk through the temples of will 7 a.m.-9 am. [email protected] be curated by Ms Padmapriya Baskaran. Organised by Assembly point: IIT back gate on Velachery Talk: Industry & Employment by Mr. N. Madhavan, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Aalayam Kanden Trust. To register: https://docs.google.com/ Main Road. * Associate Editor, Business Line organised by ORF-C Conference Hall, Reliance Building, spreadsheets/d/1a_B-HlKxb-gDmtsGMuCbFF8W4THjJRMa ORF, Chennai Chapter. Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Chennai 600 004. PQSgd4awZwU/htmlview  Book Readings: From S.Muthiah Madras Rediscovered 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Around the Boat Club Area, conducted by Sriram V, 6 a.m to 8 a.m Walk: and from N.S. Ramaswami on Madras Literary Society. Madras Literary Soceity followed by breakfast at the Boat Club. Rs. 800 per person. Coordinated and Directed by N.S.Yamuna. Organised by For details: madrasliterarysociety@gmail. To register: [email protected] Madras Literary Society (MLS). For non-members of MLS: com; 044 2827 9666; +91-9444253532 August 11 Rs. 100.  Refreshing Royapuram Ride by bike/car covering 10 spots. 7 a.m.-9 a.m.  Two lectures -- Prof. V. Arasu and Prof. Azhagarasan 5 p.m. Starting point: Monegar Choultry gate. Exhibition on Early Tamil Alternate Magazine Movement will RMRL For details: [email protected]; be open to all after the lectures. Organised by Roja Muthiah 98401 70982 Research Library (RMRL).  Walk: Lanes of Amjikarai. Organised by Nam Veedu, Nam 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.  Tree Walk: Starting outside Words and Worths. Organised 5-6 p.m. Oor, Nam Kadhai. Starting point: opposite Lakshmi theatre. by Nizhal. 2nd Avenue, Besant Nagar For details, registrations: 94442 53532 Registration: 98406 04912 annanagarshg@ gmail.com  Heritage Tour: Arcot Nawabs Trail in Triplicane led by 6:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. Dr. Nedunchezhian speaks on Education Scenario. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kombai S. Anwar (van) Cost: Rs. 500 (Breakfast included) * Organised by ORF, Chennai Chapter. ORF-C Conference Hall, Reliance Building, Assemble at: Madras University Entrance on Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Chennai 600 004. Wallajah Road  Talk: Caste Conflicts In Colonial Madras by K.R.A. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. For registrations: kaniyanheritage@gmail. Narasaiah. Organised by Madras Literary Society (MLS). Madras Literary Soceity com (or) call: 94440 77171 For non-members of MLS: Rs. 100. For details: madrasliterarysociety@gmail. From August 18-August 24 com; 044 2827 9666; +91-9444253532  Exhibition on Early Tamil Alternate Magazine Movement. Roja Muthiah Research Library, CPT  Talk: Isaikavi Ramanan speaks on Kannadasan - His Life 5-6.15 p.m. Organised by Roja Muthiah Research Library (RMRL). Campus, Taramani and Times (in Tamil). Arkay Convention Center August 19 Above Shah Electronics  Ride: Heritage Ride. 5.00 a.m. - 10 a.m. 146, 3rd Floor, Royapettah High Road, Mylapore. OMR - Thirukazhukundram. Ride Distance : 100 km. Registration is mandatory  Talk: Nrithya Pillai speaks on The Politics of Dance 6:45 - 8:00 p.m. For more information about the ride Contact Cycling (bi-lingual). Arkay Convention Center Yogis /Ramanujar Moulana Ph:9884023123 August 11-31  Heritage Tour: Justice Party Heritage Tour - North 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.  Madras Miniatures by Pavithra Srinivasan. A series of intricate, DakshinaChitra Madras led by Govi Lenin, Editor-in-Charge, Nakheeran Cost: Rs. 400 (Breakfast included) nuanced portraits that capture Chennai that is Madras - in a new, (van). Assemble at: Side entrance to exciting way: through miniatures. Each portrait is less than the size (opp ) of your hand, and although some are of familiar sights, many bring For registrations: kaniyanheritage@gmail. into focus a Madras that is tucked away behind busy, ancient streets com (or) call 94440 77171 that will show a side of this city that you haven’t seen before.  Walk: Bird Walk at Tank. Group Size: 25. Reporting time: 6.30 a.m. Originally begun as a project to illustrate her new book, Pavithra Please bring binoculars and cameras. Organised by Madras Reporting Place: Bus stand opp IT Park near Srinivasan found that this city was much more than the beach, Naturalists’ Society (MNS). Toll Plaza in Perumbakkam. or eateries or a hub of the Tamil Film Industry. There was more Email Vijay: [email protected] to Chennai than the traditional symbols: the Central Station or for participation. Confirmation strictly on the Mylapore temples. Here was a city that possessed incredible first-come basis. structures full of imposing columns, carved niches and sculptures that largely went unnoticed. Organised by DakshinaChitra.

* All ORF talks are open to the public provided you register and confirm participation with your mobile number by previous Thursday. For cancellation SMS: 98410 10718. NOTE:  Open to all, but terms apply. Limited seating at all venues on first-come, first-served basis.

Check www.themadrasday.in for up-to-date programmes. Promotion and Publicity: PRISM Public Relations. Email: [email protected] 8 MADRAS MUSINGS August 1-30, 2018

 Quiz: The Murugappa Madras Quotient (MMQ) Quiz: Your 1.00 p.m. onwards  Tree Walk: Tree Park. Organised by Nizhal. 5 to 6 pm. favourite quiz about your favorite city is back with its 8th St. Bede’s Auditorium, No: 37, River View Road, Kotturpuram edition and here is your chance to win name, fame & fortune High Road, Santhome, Chennai – 600004 Registration: 97910 29568 for you and your school! Organised by Murugappa Group. August 27  Tree Walk: Jeth Nagar, Mandaveli. 5-6 p.m.  Quiz: The DakshinaChitra Heritage Quiz for school DakshinaChitra Organised by Nizhal. Starting outside Navasuja Sankara children. Open to students of 6th, 7th and 8th Standards from Open to students of 6th, 7th and 8th standards Nethralaya, Mandaveli. Matriculation, CBSE and ICSE schools. No participation fee from Matriculation, CBSE and ICSE schools. Registration: 95000 34187 for the Quiz. Organised by DakshinaChitra August 20 August 28-29  Presentation: Rediscovering the graceful arch bridges of 5 p.m.  MADRASTICALLY – Yours. Skit: The Story of Madras; Stella Maris College Madras -- presentation by D. Hemachandra Rao. Organised Press Institute of India (PII) CPT Campus, Photo booth and blog; Exhibition stalls on: (1). Organised by the Department of History and by the Press Institute of India. Taramani Madras to Chennai Food Stall (Madras street food); (2.) Tourism, Stella Maris College August 21 Black and White Tentkota (games, old movies, old cameras,  In Kancheepuram – A photographer’s journey -- presentation 5 p.m. studios and production houses); (3.) Double Damakas by D. Krishnan. Organised by PII. PII (history of hospitals, and statues); (4.) Streetory (photos, videos and games on old streets and places of Madras); (5.) August 22 Namma Military (Military history); (6.) Display of literary works  Presentation: The Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane 5 p.m. relating to Madras and old paper cuttings; (7.) Heritage walk – History, sculpture, architecture and inscriptions. A PII in College Campus; (8.) Handmade greeting cards, badges, presentation by Chithra Madhavan. Organised by PII. bookmarks, on Madras culture and heritage.  Covering Sports in Madras – A Senior Journalist 6 p.m. Talk:  Exhibition: A 2-day pictorial exhibition will feature images 9 a.m.-4 p.m. recalls his experiences of over fifty years by Partab PII and write-ups on the history of the Indian Armed forces, besides Stella Maris College auditorium Ramchand. Organised by PII. video shows and power point presentations on the topic. Organised by the Colours of Glory Foundation Till August 22 August 29  Celebrate Chennai, Celebrate its Games. If you would like the Kreeda team to visit  Exhibition: Indian Cuisine – to create awareness of the Stella Maris College (Chennai Kondattam, Vilayadalam, Kondadalam.) you, email it at [email protected] or diversified traditional and authentic food culture across India. Organised by the Department of History and Chennai is home to a wide range of traditional games that call 98417 48309. Tourism, Stella Maris College have been played for many many years. To celebrate this rich history of games, Kreeda has been conducting from  Quiz: Quiz for School and College students. Organised 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. July 16th, a month-long road show culminating with Madras by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. Organised by the Stella Maris College Week. A specially decorated vehicle will travel through Department of History and Tourism, Stella Maris College. Chennai for over a month, visiting schools, orphanages, old Till August 30 age homes, offices, apartments and even metro stations.  ‘Chennai’ N Vannangal -- Chapter IV. An exhibition of art DakshinaChitra The team will carry a set of tables to set up the games works by Madras-based artists A. Rajmohan, N. Jagadeesan, and give people from all walks of life, and all ages and V. Ravichandran, N. Bhagavathi Sundaram and M.Ashok. demographics, some insight into the magical world of The exhibition will display temple architecture, landscapes traditional games of Chennai. and realistic works. Organised by DakshinaChitra. August 23 September 1  Presentation: Agni Vasantham – An audience with 5 p.m. Organised by PII.  The Madras Quiz (Madras Open Quiz). Organised by 1.00 p.m. onwards Aravaan in the streets of Chennai by Meenakshi Madan. (PII) Murugappa Group. St. Bede’s Auditorium, No: 37, Santhome High Road, Santhome, Chennai 600 004  brd;idapd; rpj;jh;fs; -- gl;odj;jhh;/ Fz’;Fo 5.30 p.m. Roja Muthiah k!;jhd; rh\pg[ & ts;syhh; Research Library Competitions ciuahw;Wgth;: Kidth;/ fU MWKfj;jkpHd; Contact: 044 2254 2551  Photography competition on Bazaars of Chennai for 15 years and above. Participants can send August 24 the photographs to [email protected] before 5th August. The selected photographs will be on display at DakshinaChitra Museum till the end of August. The best three photographs will be  Lecture-demo: A peep into the 2000-year-old Sangam 5 p.m. Age through Bharatanatyam by Lakshmi Ramawamy. PII uploaded on our social media. Organised by PII.  Make your social history album/scrap book for age group 8-16 (individual).Start with a 4 generation family tree (minimum), add pictures, plan of your house (before and now), write stories, August 25 add function invitations, postcards, sketches etc – and how your family moved to Anna Nagar,  Exhibition: Anglo Indian Crafts & Cuisine Fair. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. When? How? Why? How your family history is related to Anna Nagar? Prizes will be distributed and Celebrating the Anglo Indian spirit of Chennai. St George’s School campus, Poonamallee selected works will be displayed and felicitated in the “2nd – Anna Nagar Social history exhibition, The Fair will offer sales of craftworks and products of current High Road. which is to be conducted in August. Details of the event and venue will be communicated during Anglo Indian entrepreneurs, mouth-watering food as cooked Hosted by the Forum of Anglo Indian registration. Submission on or before August 12th 2018. Organised by Nam Veedu, in homes in Royapuram, and , and, music. Women, Chennai Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. For details: 91-94442 53532 / [email protected]  Rare book display by Madras Literary Society. Organised by 10.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m.  Video or Power Point presentation for above 15 years (2-5 persons). How your family moved to Madras Literary Society (MLS). For non-members of MLS: Madras Literary Soceity Anna Nagar, When? How? Why? How your family history is related to Anna Nagar? Rs. 100. For details: madrasliterarysociety@gmail. Submission on or before August 12th 2018. Organised by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, com; 044 2827 9666; +91-9444253532 Nam Kadhai. For details: 91-94442 53532/ [email protected] Talk: Sports and Past Time by Dr. Sumanth Raman. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Quiz on Anna Nagar. 19th August 2018. Registration before August 15th, 2018. Organised * Organised by ORF, Chennai Chapter. ORF-C Conference Hall, Reliance Building, by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. For details: 91-94442 53532/[email protected] Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Chennai 600 004  Drawing Competition -- Junior / Senior Level. (Age 2-5, 6-11, 11 and above) Topic on the spot. Registration: Before August 15th 2018. Organised by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam  Story Telling on Madras Literary Society by Story tellers 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kadhai. For details: 91-94442 53532/ [email protected] from Kadhai Kamamishu (Lavanya Srinivas). Organised by Madras Literary Soceity  Essay Competition for Senior Citizens. The Senior Citizens Group of Besant Nagar and Madras Literary Society (MLS). For non-members of MLS: For details: madrasliterarysociety@gmail. Mylapore (SCGOBNM) are organising an annual essay competition for senior citizens during Rs. 100. com; 044 2827 9666; +91-9444253532 the Madras Week. The topic is ‘What does Madras Day mean to me in my twilight years’?The  Walk: Butterfly Walk at Adyar Poonga. Organised by MNS. Reporting time: 2.15 p.m. essay competition is open to all. There is no entry fee.The essay is to be submitted in Group size: 25. Please bring binoculars and cameras. Car Email Vijay: [email protected] for Word format (without any attachments) in English (about 600 words) to scgobn@gmail. parking, entrance and camera fees payable as per rules. participation. Confirmation strictly on com latest by August 10. Prizes will be awarded for the ten best entries. For details: Prof first-come basis V.Chandrasekhar, President SCGOBNM: 9884224480  Tree Walk: Explore the natural heritage of the Institute of 4.30-5.30 p.m.  Presentation: Heritage of Chennai – Multimedia Presentation Contest for city schools. Contest Mental Health, . Organised by Nizhal. Starting at IMH main gate. date: August 21. Submissions close on Aug. 11. E-mail to: [email protected] – Registration: 98415 26431 and get the approval for your theme from us before you start working on the project. Organised by Mylapore Times.  Gujili Ilakkiyam - Voice of the Madras 5 p.m. Lecture-demo: The contest encourages city school students to explore Chennai’s heritage and present the topic layman by Nivedita Louis. Organised by PII. PII given to you in multi-media form. The contest is open to school children studying in classes  Tree Walk: . Organised by Nizhal. 5-6 p.m. 8 to 12. The theme for this year is: City’s Natural Heritage. Starting at May Day Park gate Guidelines: Choose a unique nature space in the city which has its own history – a wildlife region, Registration: 94450 28067 a river, an estuary, a lake, a scrub jungle, sand dunes. Study the natural scape, its character, its  Walk: Trace Origin of Madras – 6th Annual Heritage & Eco- To Register: [email protected] / history and the unique features of this place. Study its condition today. Take classy photos, make Walk at . Conducted by: Xavier Benedict. +91-9884453409. notes, talk to people in the know. Then, put it down in a snappy PowerPoint Presentation for the 07.00 am – Pick up at Loyola ICAM Gate ‘live’ Contest. A school can send only one team. Each team must have 3 members and all 09.00 am – Pulicat Museum @ Pazhaverkadu 3 members must take turns to make this one presentation. 09.30 am – Talk on Pulicat Ecology & Built Heritage Tips 11.00 am – Heritage Walk 1. Ask your school teacher-adviser to seek the approval of your theme from the organisers. 01.30 pm – Lunch 2. We look for multi-media rich projects so make sure your project has all the features in it. 02.30 pm – Light House 3. The PowerPoint presentation must have only key points and visuals. Not packed with info. 03.30 pm – Departure to Chennai (On each slide, you must have a maximum of just 3 lines, each line 5 words only). 4. At the contest venue, your team of 3 students will take turns at the mike to present the project August 26 using the PP. You can use your notes for reference as you speak. The presentation in PowerPoint  Tour: Tamil Jains and Madras -- from , Vilankadu, 6:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m. on the approved theme will have to be done by all the three participants. It can be done in English Thiruvallur, etc. Led by Kanaka Ajithadoss (van). Cost: Rs. 500 (Breakfast included) or in Tamil or a mix! Assemble at Nageswara Rao Park entrance, 5. The duration of the complete presentation – PowerPoint and Oral – should not exceed 10 minutes. Mylapore Participants should be prepared to answer on-the-spot questions from the judges. For registrations: kaniyanheritage@gmail. 6. The PowerPoint presentation submitted to the organisers. The team should retain com (or) call 94440 77171 need not be a copy of your project on a pen-drive or copy it to an electronic device and bring it to the venue  Quiz: Military History quiz for college students. The quiz, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. of the contest. The organiser will provide a PC and a projector at the venue to help you make covering the history of all three branches of the Indian CPR Convention Centre your presentation. Armed Forces from their colonial origins to the present-day 7. Contest is open to first 20 teams to register on first-come-first-serve basis. engagement, will offer attractive cash prizes to the winning Organised by the Colours of Glory 8. The contest will take place on Aug.21 from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm with a 30 mins. Lunch Break team and at least five other teams that top the contest. Foundation (you need to bring your lunch!). Venue: Srinivasa Sastri Hall, Luz, Mylapore. (Report at 9 am to  Tree Walk: Neer Vanam. Organised by 5 p.m.-6 p.m. download your PP onto our PC) Nizhal. Chitlapakkam Neer Vanam. 9. The best Three presentations will be awarded trophies, gifts and certificates. All participants will Registrations @ 9840627376 be given certificates. The prizes will be given at about 3.30 pm. 10. Prizes will be awarded based on quality of research / quality of visuals and points / presentation format and answers to the questions posed by the judges. August 1-15, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 9 Instinct powered he triumph of Chennai bids on players, there are teams TSuper Kings in the IPL that have made it their business comes as the very anterior of CSK... to buy smart, as Kings XI the performance metrics and may have done with statistics-loaded approach of coach Stpehen Fleming and its Chris Gayle. There was no guar- the scientific world of modern experienced skipper Mahendra antee he would last the course sport. The victory pays no com- Singh Dhoni. It appeared they though. pliment to the ‘Moneyball’ way didn’t even have the calendar What makes the CSK ap- of hiring smart with the app to keep track of their play- proach so different is in pinning Sabermetric method of scouting ers’ birthdays because age was faith in an ageing set of players and analysing players. The CSK just because they are familiar M.S. Dhoni. . chose its players on pure in- G by R. Mohan with them. But, as Dhoni ex- work as an all-rounder cut and Dhoni’s Captain Cool avatar is stinct, on familiarity and Resident Editor, plained, it was their knowledge his placement in the inner circle most beneficent. It would be fair ‘cricketing’ knowledge of their Deccan Chronicle, of the player’s fitness levels that designed to leave all his energies to say CSK is a players’ team as strengths and weaknesses. This Chennai was germane to sport and not free for smacking the ball out of much as Dhoni is the cricketer’s is more like the racehorse age. This is unusual thinking in the park from his slot at the top cricketer and ‘Minimum Man- trainer method of recommend- not a factor in their choice of an age in which the computer is of the order. agement’ has been the mantra ing a thoroughbred. players either. They seemed to the boss, because it can at the “We always like players who of the owners. Maybe, that is is no believe that the older the crick- touch of a button spew out are multi-talented,” Fleming one reason why a team with Oaklands Athletics baseball eter, the brainier his perfor- analytics and statistics on every said of the man who nine men over 30 could win the team. It has never been cash- mance in a format that is other- aspect of a cricketer’s game, singlehandedly made the chase IPL, that too with a team picked strapped in its nine of 11 sea- wise thought to be an increas- much as analytics-obsessed Pro in the final seem so easy. And on the captain’s instincts rather sons in the IPL. Where CSK is ingly young man’s game. Sport of USA does in detailing to think he was considered “a than a computer programme. so different from the Oakland The IPL teams tend to come players’ game analyses. failure” at Royal Challengers, This is not the way of modern team is in its betting on instinct to the auction tables after a load “It is a great dynamic. It is Bangalore where he batted in , which is said to suffer to pick players it is happy with of research into player analytics about using the strength of a re- the middle order. This indi- from ‘paralysis by analysis’, as rather than go the modern way like their batsmen’s T-20 strike markable captain, with a strong cated that man management one England cricketer put it. of soaking up the stats and pick- rates and the economy rates of franchise, with a good game had done the trick and not a But Dhoni’s way has often sur- ing the undervalued lot and try their bowlers, with the new ball plan,” said coach Fleming even table of averages and strike prised by being the best and this to assemble a competitive team and at the death. While most as he praised his captain’s han- rates. is just another instance of sport- at economical pricing. would like to believe that the dling of the ageing battler The X factor in CSK’s ing instinct prevailing. (Cour- No Sabermetrics for CSK, cheque books of the owners are , who was cricket was its easy dressing tesy: Straight Bat). only pure old instinct of its wise always good for the escalating wrapped in cotton wool, his room atmosphere in which

hennai Super Kings were Cdeservedly crowned IPL XI Champions, 2018. The victory ... helped by Watson, Rayudu in the final was authoritative and emphatic as the power- CSK during the early years of Mumbai Indians fared better. packed century from the blade G by A Special Correspondent of a Australian all-rounder the IPL and had also done well “They’re 35-36, not 55-56. Shane Watson’s was. for Kings XI Punjab in 2016, A massive amount has been CSK was among the fancied including a short stint as Cap- joked that he was playing as a Wood and left-arm David made of it. I’m here to win the sides to lift the IPL XI trophy tain, played just one game for specialist fielder and South Af- Willey and batsman Sam Bill- competition for the franchise. despite the fact that - to be hon- CSK. The other Tamil Nadu rican leg spinner ings were found wanting. And that’s why we value expe- est indeed – their bowling at- players Narayan Jagadeesan, too got few opportunities. The success of CSK was rience because we think it gives tack was a bit ragged. Plus they just could not break in as it Undoubtedly, South African without doubt batsman Ambati us the best chance… Dwayne had 11 players above the age of could’ve been only at the paceman was the Rayudu. It was a good ploy on Bravo, Shane Watson and MS 30. Some of us locals were ini- expense of Dhoni. outstanding user of the new ball Dhoni’s part to send him in as Dhoni all these guys still have a tially peeved that there were It was certainly hard that in the tournament. His an opener with Watson. When lot of cricket left to play,” said not many Tamil Nadu players Ravichandran Ashwin was not economy rate and his length South African captain Faf du Stephen Fleming on CSK’s age- in its ranks as before. This was bought at the auction while the and line made him an extremely Plessis was used as an opener, ing squad. particularly distressing as CSK choice fell on former Indian off- difficult bowleer for the opposi- Rayudu was dropped to number Fleming relentlessly kept had a whole lot of players who spinner Harbhajan, however, tion batsman. Ngidi’s pace was four and struggled in that posi- bidding for the Australian all- had never played first class was not used for more than two disconcerting and his death tion. Apart from one innings, rounder, Shane Watson, and cricket while the experienced overs in each of the games that bowling was most penetrative du Plessis was a flop in the top ultimately bought him for four State players had to seek pas- he played. than even the experienced slot. He would’ve ideally suited times his base price of tures in other franchises. too bowled Bravo. He was CSK’s best pur- CSK at number four. Rs.1crore. And Watson repaid Test opener Murali Vijay, just 24 balls in CSK’s first four chase. Rayudu was the new MVP the faith, featuring in all but who had excellent outings for games put together. Some even seamer Deepak for the franchise with his most one match for CSK, scoring 438 Chahar was a good choice to profilic IPL season: 586 runs in runs in 14 innings at a strike use the new ball and was ex- 15 innings at a strike rate of rate of 145.03. He single- tremely useful to the side. Per- 153. What was special about handedly won the game for CHENNAI HERITAGE haps, the franchise owners Rayudu was that he converted Rajasthan Royals in Pune with could’ve picked up one of the even good balls into boundary a 51-ball century and then No. 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, Westcott Road, Royapettah, Chennai 600 014 State’s most successful seamer, balls with his nifty footwork. came his 57-ball 117 not out in the final. I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) / I Krishnamoorthy Vignesh too He stepped down the track to have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it hereafter. instead of some raw and un- 50 balls this season and hit Dhoni proved to be a truly evergreen hero for CSK. His G tested players. Mumbai’s 133 runs without being dis- I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for dot ball percentage was truly Rs. 100 (Rupees One hundred) payable to CHENNAI HERITAGE, was disap- missed. MADRAS, as subscription to Madras Musings for the year pointing. While his ‘knuckle’ The CSK fielding was good lower this year and, more im- 2018-19. ball was both a flop and bluff, it despite the fact that most of its portantly, he was the top-scorer in the death overs this season G As token of my support for the causes of heritage, environment is her that a Tamil Nadu seamer fielders were in the 30 plus and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, I send Chennai would’ve proved to be ideal. group. Their slow-moving legs with 297 runs off 148 balls, in- Heritage an additional Rs...... Inspite of these initial disap- did come into the spotlight. cluding 24 sixes and 16 fours, at (Rupees ...... ) Please keep/ pointments plus the early inju- CSK’s ground fielding was – as an average of nearly 100. The put me on your mailing list. ries, CSK supporters stood sol- one must admit – full of bloop- power game that seemed to be fading resurfaced again at times, Name : ...... idly behind their team. Veter- ers, but they have tried to cover ans Watson and up for that with their catching. helping him to score 455 runs Address: ...... gave their best to the side’s Having taken 82.7 per cent of in 15 innings at a strike rate of 150.66. He was not at his best All cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. DD/Cheque should be sent by ascendency during the tourna- catches in the league stage, Speed Post only. ment with both and ball. The CSK finished among the best but Fleming considered his bat- England players pacemen Mark catching sides this season. Only ting “excellent”. 10 MADRAS MUSINGS August 1-15, 2018

From India’s Digital Archives – Karthik Bhatt

The Digital Library of India (DLI) project, an initiative of the Central Government, aims at digitising significant artistic, literary whose lives have been well and scientific works and making them available over the Internet documented, such as Sir T. for education and research. Begun in 2000 by the Office of the Prin- Madhava Row and Sir T. cipal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India and later taken Muthuswamy Iyer, it also pro- over by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, it files people such as Sir Savalai has to date scanned nearly 5.5 lakh books, predominantly in Indian Ramaswamy Mudaliar, Rao languages. Bahadur T. Gopala Row, Gazulu Lakshminarasu Chetty The archives of the DLI contain a huge collection of books on Anticlockwise from old Madras and various institutions that were/are part of its land- (MM, February 15th, 2011) and left: V. Rameingar, scape. While these include the more famous ones, such as the V. Ramiengar, whose achieve- Gazulu Lakshminarasu Madras Tercentenary Commemoration Volume, Story of Madras ments and contributions have Chetty, Rao Bahadur T. by Glyn Barlow, and Madras in the Olden Times by James Tallboys been long forgotten. Gopala Rao, Sir Savalai Wheeler, several out-of-print publications too are part of the col- Ramaswamy Mudaliar lection. This column will profile some of them. and Sir T. Muthuswamy Iyer. A dozen portrayed

he book featured here, Rep- founded in 1877. He came into Born in 1832, Sir T. had little by way of formal edu- member of the renowned Tresentative Men of Southern close contact with Mahatma Muthuswamy Iyer’s humble be- cation. Having learnt Marathi Vembakkam clan, was a distin- India by Govinda Parames- Gandhi, who used its pages to ginnings were no indicator of and Sanskrit from his father, he guished civil servant, serving waran Pillai (1896), is a write extensively on the griev- the fame and distinction he joined the Education Depart- the Government in various ca- compilation of brief sketches of ances of Indians in South would achieve as a jurist. Com- ment as a First Assistant in the pacities during his career. He eminent personalities of the Africa. In his autobiography pelled to work at an early age Provincial School at was the first Indian to serve as 19th Century from the region. Experiments with Truth, the Ma- due to his family circumstances, Kumbakonam. He graduated an official member of the Ma- Born in 1864, G.P. Pillai, as hatma writes warmly about his Muthuswamy Iyer completed with a B.A. Degree in 1859 with dras Legislative Council. On re- the author was known was a relationship with G.P. Pillai, his studies thanks to the be- a First Class. He was placed in tiring from the service in 1880, multifaceted personality. Edu- who passed away when he was nevolence of his employer, the sole charge of the he was appointed as Dewan of cated at the Maharajah’s Col- 39. village Tahsildar. Joining gov- Kumbakonam College between Travancore, where he is cred- lege in Trivandrum and the In the preface to the book, ernment service, he held several 1872 and 1874, where he be- ited with having brought about Presidency College in Madras, G.P. Pillai laments that “while positions such as Deputy Col- came renowned as a Maths and several educational and rev- he qualified as a barrister in the biographies of several emi- lector and Magistrate of Arcot English scholar but was never enue reforms and revamping England. He was one of the key nent men of Bengal and and, later, Tanjore. Remark- appointed its Principal. In 1878, the judicial system in the State. members of the Indian National Bombay have been published, ably, he appeared for his BL Ex- he was transferred to the Presi- G.P. Pillai brought out an- Congress in its early years, serv- India knows little or nothing of aminations during his time as a dency College, where he spent other book titled Representative ing as its secretary in 1894 and the greatest men of South In- Magistrate and acquired a First the last years of his life. He Indians the next year, compris- 1898. Amongst his achieve- dia.” In an attempt to set this Class. In 1878, he became the passed away in 1886. Rich trib- ing the sketches of 40 person- ments as a political activist was right, he started a column titled first Indian to become a Judge utes were paid by eminent per- alities from across the country. the Malayali Memorial, which ‘Our Portrait Gallery’ in the of the Madras High Court. sonalities such as Rev Dr. It was published in London, strove for reservation of quali- Madras Standard which con- If Muthuswamy Iyer’s rags to Miller, who wrote that “few of with a preface by Sir Richard fied persons at par with the tained brief biographical riches story is remarkable, no the educated sons of Southern Temple. The Madras Standard numerical strength of the com- sketches of eminent Indians. less inspiring is the profile of India held so high a place in the got a new lease of life in 1914, munities. In 1892, he took over This book is a collection of Rao Bahadur Thandalam regard of the Natives and En- when it was bought over by as the Editor of the Madras twelve of these sketches. While Gopala Row. Born in a Tanjore glish equally.” Annie Besant, who renamed it Standard, a paper that had been the book profiles some of those Marathi family, Gopala Row Dewan V Ramiengar, a New India.

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PublishedPublished by S. by Muthiah S. Muthiah for Chennai for ëChennai Heritage, Heritageí, No. 9, Cathedral 260-A, TTK Road, Road, Chennai Chennai 600 600086, 018printed and by printed Anu Varghese by T J George at Lokavani at Lokavani-Hallmark Southern Printers Press Pvt. Ltd., Pvt. 122,Ltd., Greames 122, Greams Road, Road, Chennai Chennai 600 006, 600 edited 006. Editedby S. Muthiah,by S. MUTHIAH. 2-F, 1st Cross Street, Vijayaraghava Road, T’Nagar, Chennai 600 017, and owned by Chennai Heritage, Regd. Office No. 9, Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086.