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Vol. XXIV No. 22 MUSINGS March 1-15, 2015 To many, heritage Madras Landmarks is a mere facade – 50 years ago e have had occasions to from fire damage, most of this der, it is to be assumed that in Wwrite about this in the building was structurally intact the present instance, approval past and we still feel it is a mat- and could have been put to cre- has been sought from the Heri- ter of greater relevance even ative alternative use. tage Conservation Committee now. There appears to be a mis- According to the judgement (HCC) and the CMDA before taken notion among those who delivered by the High Court of demolition work was begun. It matter – Government officials, Madras on April 29, 2010 on is, however, in the interpreta- those in real estate and some Writ Petition No 25306 of 2006 tion of this judgement that architects – that heritage pres- which, incidentally, is the only there is necessity for greater ervation is all about retaining protection that heritage build- clarity, for several parties have the façade of a building while ings have in our city, “No de- begun to assume that all that it the rest can be changed in any velopment or redevelopment or protects is the facade of a heri- fashion. This, if allowed to con- engineering operation or addi- tage building. This is because, tinue, will create a set of pas- tions, alterations, repairs, reno- the court has relied on a listing tiche fronts and that will be all vations including the painting of heritage buildings put to- that we can claim as our heri- of buildings, replacement of gether by the Justice E Padma- tage. It would be best if this nabhan Committee in connec- trend were corrected at the ear- tion with another case which liest. G By The Editor related to outdoor hoardings. Take the case of the Bosot- That committee’s report was to’s building on Mount Road. A mainly concerned with facades landmark of the city, it has had special features or demolition of as it focussed on preventing a history of more than a cen- the whole or any part thereof or heritage structures from being tury, beginning life as D’Angelis plastering of said listed/heritage hidden by large outdoor hoard- hotel, once one of the best ho- buildings or listed/heritage pre- ings. However, when judge- G One of the most handsome edifices on NSC Bose (formerly China Bazaar/ tels in the city, and continuing cincts shall be carried out ex- ment was delivered in connec- Esplanade) Road is the National Insurance Building. Built in 1938 in the classic to remain a hotel under various cept with the prior written per- tion with WP 25306, the list art deco style, it is one of the earliest structures of that genre in the city, its owners till the 1970s, when it mission of the Member Secre- was taken as one on heritage construction being more or less simultaneous with that of new (and present) became viewed as a prime piece tary, Chennai Metropolitan buildings as a whole and did not Dare House further down the road. It also holds significance for being the first of real estate (for further details Development Authority. The deal with simply protecting the art deco building of the city to be designed by an Indian – L. M. Chitale. see MM, May 1, 2014, ‘Land- Member Secretary, Chennai facades. The property itself is much older, for it forms half of what used to be the marks of Madras’ series). It has Metropolitan Development The fact remains, however, Esplanade branch of Spencer & Co, the other half still surviving in its original been listed as a heritage build- Authority shall act in consulta- that there is at present scope for form and now home to a popular eatery. From the latter we can gauge that what ing worthy of preservation by tion with the Heritage Conser- a wrong interpretation of the stood in the place of the National Insurance Building was an Indo-Saracenic structure. the High Court of Madras. And vation Committee to be ap- yet, as the photograph below pointed by Government (here- (Continued on page 8) (Continued on page 2) will testify, work on the demoli- inafter called ‘the said Heritage tion of its interiors has begun. Conservation Committee’). This is indeed a pity, for, apart Such being the Court’s or- What’s achieved by changing road names?

here was recently a report hand, they are likely to cause whether in the present case Tin the city newspapers a lot of irritation among the the Corporation and the Ass- which probably went unno- residents of the re-named embly have assented to the ticed. Halls Road, it was thoroughfare and its users. change. announced, has been renamed The rules are quite clear This is not the first instance Tamizh Vazhi Salai. A new about change of names for roads of re-naming. The earliest spree signboard to that effect would and streets. These need was in the late 1960s when a soon be put up, the report went change in regime saw several on. It is not clear from the G By A Special streets getting new names. But report as to who or which body that was a different era. A new had taken this decision or Correspondent party had won power largely on whether it was final. If it is, then the basis of a language issue and it is high time the authorities resolutions to be passed by the such an act was very much in realised that such acts are relevant civic body. However, keeping with the prevailing nothing but empty gestures that the decision needs to be ratified public mood. But now the aver- are unlikely to cut ice with the by the State Legislature before age citizen has moved on. Only general public. On the other the change can actually take D’Angelis/Bosotto Building, now under the wreckers’ hammers. effect. There is no clarity on (Continued on page 2) CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS March 1-15, 2015 WHY CHANGE ROAD NAMES? Motor registration madness here was a time when get- to using them. Only it now when it comes to the two- (Continued from page 1) taking up one road at a time Tting a number plate for transpires that the Govern- wheelers. The hoi polloi are would pass by unnoticed. At your vehicle was a simple ment never sanctioned these. easy pickings. And so they least that appears to have been matter. The Man from Madras As to who sanctioned them, we pounce on this unfortunate the political parties of the State Musings speaks of a not so dis- shall never know and it will category of road-user with do not appear to have woken up the thinking behind the present tant past when each time you rank among those all time what in the old days would to the fact. This became evident change. bought a new vehicle (which mysteries such as the Man in have been termed as gay in 2010 when the then Corpo- While we are all for com- was not so often, no matter how the Iron Mask and closer abandon. A quick pounce, a well to do you were), you took home, the Bhawal Sanyasi jerking off of the ignition key ration Council announced that memorating and honouring the it to the Regional Transport case. with a deft flick of the wrist, all streets in the city that com- language of our State, we can- memorated British personalities Office, applied for a number The upshot is that the and the victim is at your not help wonder as to why this and got one eventually, along police have swung into action mercy. would be re-named after Tamil name has been given to Hall’s scholars. What followed was a with the number plate, this be- with what can only be termed The other day, MMM was Road. It is not as though any ing the RTO’s responsibility. as glee. They lurk behind trees walking by (he finds that he is spirited protest from the resi- Tamil scholar has lived on that There was a standard for the and jump out at cars thereby happiest using this natural dents. They pointed out that in stretch. And if at all the name number plate and that is what causing nervous drivers to shy form of transport) when he es- the event of a re-naming, they had to be given, why was it not everyone followed. and rear. In fact, were it not for pied a group of policemen had to go through the pain of bestowed on a thoroughfare in Then came this craze for the seat belt law, many could lurking behind a few lamp- informing several statutory and the newer parts of the city? Is customised number plates. fall off their saddles. But this is posts at a sharp bend. The other corporate bodies, with Some wanted them to be in no concern of the police. They moment a two-wheeler round- the mother tongue honoured outlandish fonts. Others had are after the IND plates with ed the corner two or three of whom they had dealings, about only if an existing street name is the new name. strange ways of depicting the holograms and their duty being the cops would step out and changed? Also, given our love number. A third felt that ze- their sole concern, they have apprehend the alleged of- On its part, this journal for abbreviations, does Tamizh approached the matter from Vazhi Salai not run the risk of another angle. We published a being branded TV Salai? list of all such streets and We have plenty of similar brought to the fore the reasons instances – RK Salai, TTK SHORT ‘N’ SNAPPY for their old names. We also Road, T’Nagar, JJ Nagar and argued that at least those KK Nagar, etc. among the British whose work And lastly, what does a roes before any number were been apprehending motorists fender. But this is an era when had benefited our city ought to useless anyway. The Govern- and fining them. Some, who even mosquitoes and viruses name change achieve? Does it ment vehicles wanted a ‘G’ to later unburdened their feelings have acquired new survival be remembered, while the solve parking issues, potholes, others could go. Whatever be indicate that they were ferry- to MMM, also informed him skills and the two-wheeler overflowing drains, illegal ing Gods on earth and so were that they made bold to ask the users have also become wiser. the reason, the proposal to occupation of footpaths and change names was dropped. above any and all laws. police as to what their crime They rarely drive along a kerb, encroachments – all common Then came doctors who was. To this they were told that preferring to be in the middle The present exercise appears issues our thoroughfares suffer had a plus put on their vehicles the police were not so sure of the road, which is really the to be a more insidious one. A from? Would our civic body not and in case that did not make themselves but this they did safest spot in any Chennai bulk renaming would attract be better off focussing on such it plain to the meanest intelli- know that something was being thoroughfare. This being the public attention and large matters and not on non-priority gence as to who was driving or violated and so a fine would case, the police sometimes issues such as change of names? travelling in the vehicle, a ‘Dr’ have to be paid. And that, as miss their prey. And that is protests. On the other hand, was also added. MMM is not they say, was that! precisely what happened at sure if the Drs expect the po- When MMM lamented least on three occasions on lice to believe that they are on about his IND number plate to that day, at least as far as emergency services and so his chauffeur he was told not to MMM could observe! need to be waved on at all traf- worry, the matter was in The seniormost among the Madras Landmarks fic lights. But he would assume capable hands. It was only later policemen was not happy. He that if this were to be the case, that MMM got to know what then whispered something to (Continued from page 1) they could also add ‘Er’ (short had been done. It was a typical one of the juniors and, there- for Emergency) on their num- Indian solution – a piece of pa- fore, more agile specimens, by Spencer’s had a presence in North Madras since 1894, the first outlet being ber plates. per had been pasted over the which MMM means some of on First Line Beach and going by the name of the Beach Branch. This in 1906 MMM also assumes that IND and the hologram. When them whose paunches did not moved to 362 China Bazaar Road, which was a property of Eugene Oakshott, the Drs would have done this MMM protested, he was told to reach their knees. The next the Spencer Chairman of the time. The shift was evidently quite an event, for it had it not been for the Engi- remain silent, for, said the time a two-wheeler user came was reported in The Madras Mail, the newspaper that would eventually come neers who rather nimbly stole chauffeur, you never knew around and tried to evade the to be owned by Oakshott’s son-in-law E.O. Robinson, a later chairman of a march and usurped those let- when the IND number plates embrace of the law, the young Spencer’s (and later Amalgamations). This is what The Mail had to say: ters. Now why should an engi- would become legal again. This policeman was to run after and neer need to jump signals? But way, he said, you did not incur apprehend him. It worked very Messrs Spencer and Co’s George Town Branch was yesterday removed they were not alone, for along the cost of changing number well in theory but not so much (from near the Customs House) to the fine new premises recently built on came the lawyers who put up plates twice. in practice. For one, there the Esplanade, opposite the Law Courts. The building consists of two stickers depicting collar bands. were other and bigger vehicles storeys. The main show room downstairs is after the model of the large That can have only one im- Two-wheeler travails on the road and these hin- show room in the Mount Road premises of the firm. The reserved stock is plied message – don’t mess dered his catching up with a kept upstairs, where there is also a storeroom. The new building is in a with me on traffic rules or I f that be the problems of truant two-wheeler. The very convenient and accessible part of the town. will see you in court. Ithe motor car owner, the young cop was putting himself In 1908, Spencer’s bought the property from Oakshott for Rs 65,000. The Be that as it may, number two-wheeler users are not to great risk, and all for some branch did well till the 1930s when the Great Depression necessitated changes. plates now come in all shapes better off in any way. They can minor violation, which would Under Chairman L. C. Nicholson, Spencer’s was to embark on cost cutting and and sizes. Like many other be hauled up by the long arm of not have happened if there was improving liquidity. The first to be axed was the Esplanade building, which was things in our country, the the law for not using helmets, greater clarity on the law in the sold to the National Insurance Company Limited of Calcutta for Rs. 2 lakh in making of number plates has giving someone a ride on the first place. 1933. been privatised and so there is pillion, not having certain The new owner, one of the largest insurance firms of that time in India, really no standard. The latest documents (as to what these moved into one wing of the building, allowing Spencer’s to rent the other. But in craze was sold on the basis of are MMM is not certain) and Tailpiece patriotism. Apparently many not adhering to number plate 1938, it was time to remodel at least a part of the edifice in keeping with the new ll that stated above made countries have number plates rules. In the last-named cat- style that found favour in particular with insurance firms, hotels and cinema The Man from Madras that have the initials of the egory it is the style of lettering A theatres. The company chose L. M. Chitale for the task. His life and that of his Musings wonder whether in nation on the side with a that the gendarmerie is finicky eponymous firm has been covered in detail in Madras Musings some time back. this age of smart technology hologram below. Those who about. In number plates they Under Chitale’s hand, the new-look four storey-building emerged with the such primitive methods of law travelled abroad would often would like everything to be just first two floors still retaining their Madras terrace and the two new floors being enforcement were really neces- lament about how India was so. roofed with cement concrete, again a first or at least an early instance for the sary. After all, we claim to be lagging behind on this. And Unlike cars where you can city. Interestingly, Spencer’s was to move into the new building shortly after its living in a world-class city. then one day, presto! The never be certain as to who is construction. The National Insurance Company became a part of the General Have you ever noticed such Government okayed those seated inside (minister’s Insurance Corporation (GIC) of India in 1956 and with that the latter firm police behaviour in any other number plates with IND mother, MLA’s maid, bureau- became the owner of the property. It is still put to good use and is maintained part of the world? followed by a hologram and crat’s brother, etc), the police fairly well though the clutter of signboards on it detracts considerably from its many, including MMM, took are on much firmer ground architecture. Strangely, what was once a lovely red and cream coloured façade – MMM was a few years ago painted a dull blue and it remains so till date. March 1-15, 2015 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

name from Madras (or even from Tamil Nadu), whereas Bangalore registers 5, New Delhi 4, Bombay 4 and Calcutta 6. Where is Madras science, which was pioneered by remarkable men such as GNR (G.N. Ramachandran), head- ing to? Street art As mentioned in the Madras What is the quality of Musings report, a series of murals propos saving our walls science in Madras today? and statues depicting ancient (MM, February 16th), I I felt miserable and share my A Tamil culture and customs came find that there has been a re- concern with your readers. up all over the city during the newed interest in street art in tenure of the previous govern- Dr. A. Raman the city recently. A street art ment. Though not holding Charles Sturt University festival, ‘Conquer the Con- much of visual appeal or rich in [email protected] crete’, was recently conducted aesthetics, they at least sought to by the Goethe-Institut in asso- Teachers remembered instil in our minds a conscious- ciation with Chennai City Con- ness of the past. he February 1st issue of nect for a week. Does the present street art MM brought me some Metro railway stations were T make the city better in any way? sweet memories. Prof. Ignatius targeted by artists from Ger- The answer would be a hesitant Absolam whom Justice S. many, the United States and ‘yes’. Before street art arrived, Mohan remembers was also my Spain, who worked in the walls were only political professor (no, he was a lecturer, collaboration with Indian street spaces, used by political parties only Presidency College had artists from Chennai, Banga- for propaganda or celebrating professors). He was known for lore, Delhi and Mumbai. birthdays of their leaders. his immaculate sartorial disci- Cinema hoarding painters and Creativity on the walls is pline, baritone voice, reading of art enthusiasts were also in- Time such toilets welcome to save them from poetry with modulation and his cluded in the effort. getting defaced in other ways. love for students. An old woman (from the low But could it be made more I was privileged to attend income group) so inspired the meaningful? some lectures of Prof. Alladi were installed street artists that her portrait Ramakrishnan. At one of the came up on the Greenways K. Venkatesh saw reader Thomas Tharu’s letter (MM, February 1st). In meetings, his wife presented a this connection I had phoned the present manager of the tea Railway Station. But she [email protected] dance performance. Minister C. claimed she derived nothing out Iestate in Kerala. He sent a number of photos of these A matter of concern Subramaniam was instrumental eco-friendly toilets. Unless the local initiative of the workers is of it. The ones that drew most in founding of several institu- forthcoming they may not be fully utilised efficiently. However, attention of the Press were the he list of Fellows admitted tions of excellence – the Insti- the women workers fully appreciated the effort of the manage- paintings that adorned the Tto the prestigious Indian tute of Mathematical Sciences, ment. Platforms 3 and 4 of the Egmore Academy of Sciences for 2015 Taramani, being one of them. Subsequently, the management made individual toilets for Railway Station. One of the is just out. His passion for providing higher each house and they are now functional, but those field toilets pillars of the ‘flyover’ near the A quick browse through the education through Tamil are still in use after 45 years. Airport was adorned with list disappointed me thor- medium saw many standard Rural people need to be educated on how to use toilets and graffiti. oughly, as I could not find one works in different subjects being this was the problem with estate workers some 45 years ago. translated and published. If that Then there was water scarcity for flushing and bore holes made by augurs was the answer, and perhaps this can be the first step had been pursued with the same for rural India. fervour, education would have Some pipes may save Today there are several companies who are making prefabri- reached great heights. Once cated toilets and houses in India as well as in China. convinced of the efficacy of A Chinese manufacturer of a high quality portable toilet the marsh any project, CS would pursue states that glass reinforced mobile toilets can be used to deal it till it was successfully with temporary large gatherings and temporary constructions or hennaiites are perhaps aware that the Pallikaranai fresh- launched. in homes. It is easy to clean, conforms to hygiene requirements, Cwater swamp is the only surviving wetland ecosystem in Dr. A.R. Irrawathi was a and is light weight. No visual pollution and no smell pollution. their metro. It is also one among the last surviving wetlands in South India and is also categorised as one among the most teacher totally devoted to her It has enough space, is easy and comfortable to use. Can significant wetlands in the country in Government conserva- subject and when she was Pro- make full use of natural light during the day. It is equipped with tion programme/projects. fessor of Geography in M.K. a water tank, with less dependence on water from outside. Small The aquatic ecosystem of this marsh supports a wide variety University, she took great pains in size, light of weight, it is easy to carry by 3 or 4 people when of life forms, including rare and endangered species, and acts as to identify the Kadamba tree being moved. breeding ground for many bird species, both inside and outside mentioned in Sangam classics It comes with options: Squatting or pedestal type. the country. It is also reported that bird sightings in Pallikaranai and developed a Kadamba for- Deodorisation device, wash basin, urinal. Indication lock for somebody inside. Marsh are higher than in the bird sanctuary at Vedanthangal. est with great passion. She took At present, Pallikaranai Marsh is a fraction of its original size me around when I was there for K.V.S. Krishna because of rapid and unplanned urbanisation. In this regard, [email protected] the contribution of the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Road, that a seminar. Alas, the forest was cuts right through the marsh, is a matter of concern and should done away with to make way for be examined. concrete structures. The headline to our main ‘Youth make Lit-for-Life The living and thriving ecosystem of this marsh has been Dr. S.S. Rajagopalan story on page 1 of Madras vibrant’ (MM, February 16th) reduced to vast cesspools on either side of this road. By block- 30, Kamarajar Street Musings, February 16th, should was written by Sriram V. and ing the natural flow of life, this artificial barrier, in the form of a Chennai 600 093 have read ‘Law College’s home’, not as acknowledged. road, has perhaps unwittingly hastened the demise of the marsh. NOT ‘house’. It is true that a fine balance has to be struck between the Errata * * * We regret the errors. need to foster development, on one hand, with the necessity to * * * conserve nature, on the other. Ideally, an overbridge, instead of n the article on Caroline – The Editor a surface road, would have achieved this balance. This road can- I Chisholm (MM, February not be removed now. However, re-establishing continuity of the 16th) the image at the top was marsh land, on either side of the road, can still be attempted by not that of a postage stamp, but MADRAS MUSINGS laying large diameter pipes in a perpendicular direction under the image of the now defunct $5 the road along its entire stretch. currency note. These paper ON THE WEB I believe that re-establishing continuity of marshland in itself notes are no more current in can contribute to its regeneration and will complement the other To reach out to as many readers as possible who share our conservation measures here. The cost of this exercise may well Australia and we use plastic be worth the benefit of preserving what is left of this precious notes. The present $5 bill does keen interest in Madras that is Chennai, and in response to natural gift. A concerted voice by caring Chennaiites can make not include Chisholm’s portrait, requests from many well-wishers – especially from outside this happen. but that of the Queen of Chennai and abroad who receive their postal copies very late England, Elizabeth II. Manjesh S. Roy – for an online edition. Madras Musings is now on the web at 3410, TVH Svasti, Easwaran Kovil Street Dr. Anantanarayanan www. madrasmusings.com Thoraipakkam, Chennai 600 097 Raman THE EDITOR * * * 4 MADRAS MUSINGS March 1-15, 2015 March 1-15, 2015 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

case on the outside – like a grand Under the Chinna ala maram games with us. Our neighbour not just to the islands, but diago- niment of a few simple musical staircase to a public building or was often seated a petite, eagle- who ran the Dairy was either nally across from the beach, to- instruments, rendered the entire an Italian villa, but this was but a eyed, Brahmin woman with German or Polish. She went to wards the Chettinad Palace, on The National Anthem song in the presence of Tagore. tiny gem of a house. And the shaved hair, her widow’s garb, a bed early to be up at dawn and the other side of the river. We Tagore responded, saying he ap- most unusual one of all was a rough textured saree, covering our boisterous family was too didn’t really think we could make preciated the melody and the ef- War-time relic from when troops her head and pulled tightly back. noisy at night for her liking. I re- it, but when we did, we couldn’t & the Cousins forts of Mrs. Cousins in compos- were housed within the grounds: We sat with her while waiting for member Grandfather listening to get back because the tide had ing it. Thus, the final musical three Nissan huts around a cen- friends. A stranger might have the All India Radio (AIR) 9 p.m. turned. A long walk on the main form of his popular Bengali song, tral sandy square, and in it, deep seen her as a forlorn figure. In news bulletin with his ear glued San Thomé Road across the ana Gana Mana, now the ingly light for so large a man, he Jana Gana Mana became the uni- among the casuarinas, lived one fact, all or most of the people to the radio so as not to disturb Adyar Bridge and to our homes JNational Anthem, was written sang something like a piece of versally accepted version. of the largest and most delightful riding past would stop to talk to Miss S———berg. took an hour or two. Well past by Rabindranath Tagore as early geography giving a list of coun- About this event, Dr. Cous- families. her or wave and ‘Paatti’, as all Checking tripadvisor on our curfew time we came home as 1911 and was sung at the an- tries, mountains and rivers; and ins in his autobiography states: Many homes, like the one we knew her, would wave back. This Google for recent impressions of bedraggled indeed. nual session of the Indian Na- in the second verse a list of the “It made literary history and car- lived in (not Ranga Vilas, that interaction of Paatti and the dis- visitors to the TS, I came across Although our parents must tional Congress in Calcutta on religions in India. The refrain to ried the name and thought of had already been bequeathed to parate community around us did one complaining about the secu- have been worried, there were December 27th that year. But it the first verse made us pick up Tagore into the minds and hearts the TS), were lime-washed varia- not strike us as being unusual. It rity guards or ‘watchmen’: “ … no traumatising recriminations, was in Besant Theosophical Col- our ears. The refrain to the sec- of millions of young in schools tions of traditional Indian dwell- was just a humdrum daily occur- we felt hounded by the guards … that was how much latitude we lege, Madanapalle, where Ta- ond verse made us clear our and colleges and outside them ings: a welcoming verandah, a rence. We were living in a salad one in particular following by were given and, I should add, gore stayed for a few days in Feb- throats. We asked for it again and ultimately gave humanity cluster of rooms, one arm of the bowl, if not yet a melting pot. bike with a stick …[!]” says one how relatively secure the TS, ruary 1919, that the now famil- and again, and before long we the nearest approach to an ideal L-shape housing the kitchen and Social change was washing over disgruntled visitor. Too true! But Adyar and Madras were in those iar tune was set. were singing it with gusto: Jaya national anthem. It happened, as bathroom, a walled courtyard us as waves over fish but we were it was the presence of these ubiq- days. South of the river, it was It was Margaret Cousins, wife hai, Jaya hai, Jaya hai, Jaya Jaya so many great events of the spirit with a well squaring it off. Each oblivious to it all! uitous watchmen that allowed like living in a village rather than of educationist James H. Cous- Jaya Jaya hai (Victory, victory, do, without anticipation and had its own little garden. How- Many years later in Delhi I our parents to let us children in a metropolis. ins, who composed the tune for victory to thee).” without collusion.” ever, these paled into insignifi- heard a story that reminded me roam unrestrictedly. We girls es- Our school was co-educa- Jana Gana Mana. Dr. James Mrs. Cousins, who was It was during his stay at the cance amidst the well- kept gar- tional and our friendships were Henry Cousins was then the pleased with the rich thought- College that Tagore also trans- dens of the entire estate. Imme- with boys and girls, as were our Principal of the Madanapalle content of the poem, decided to lated Jana Gana Mana into En- diately next to us was a banyan G by Ganga Powell games and adventures. These College that was founded by Dr. Rabindranath Tagore give a suitable tune to it. She was glish. For a few days, early in the tree (the Chinna ala maram), the bred a special mateship born out Annie Besant. herself a musician, having taken mornings, basking in the winter sphere at Madanapalle College as slate-covered platform around it of shared experiences and simi- Tagore was on a tour of South a degree in music from the Uni- sun, Tagore sat on a stone-slab the right place to rest, Tagore a designated meeting place for us of Paatti under the banyan tree. pecially could explore on our bi- lar upbringings. I didn’t think of India and was very tired when he versity of London. The next day, under the Gulmohar tree in front was only too happy, for he felt children and countless others. A friend of mine had married a cycles the whole sweep that was how different our growing up was reached Bangalore in the last of his cottage and went over his The Theosophical Society’s headquarters buildings. that he would be with the staff White Russian. She narrated the TS grounds, with never a until in my 40s my friend Indira week of February 1919. On the G Bengali song line by line, finding and students of the College affili- by how she and her husband had worry about safety or social stric- said to me, “The experiences of advice of C.F. Andrews, he de- the equivalent words in English. ated to the National University. both her mother and her father- tures current elsewhere at the your childhood are nothing like cided to rest at the Theosophi- K.S.S. Seshan He wrote the words in his own Tagore also felt happy to be in NOSTALGIA in-law living with them for many time. those of the rest of us” – and she cal College in Madanapalle, beautiful handwriting and the company of Dr. Cousins, years. Her mother was a conven- The only rule enforced by our was from a liberal household! about 120 km southeast of Ban- named it the Morning Song of In- whose poetry in English he she discussed with Tagore the tional Brahmin who dressed in parents was that, wherever we Was it the ‘land that time for- galore. dia. At the bottom of the trans- always admired. notations and the general theme sarees worn in the traditional were, we had to start for home got?’ Hardly, for members of the Besides several firsts of na- lated version, he signed his During Tagore’s stay in Mada- of the song. Tagore explained South Indian style. Her father- when the ‘gong’ struck at six TS were involved in the social, tional importance, Madanapalle name, dated it February 28, napalle, Jana Gana Mana was the nuances of the poem and in- Growing up in in-law was, I imagine, a silver- p. m. The ‘gong’ was the huge educational and political also had a first grade college 1919, and presented it to Dr. given the melody to which it is dicated broadly the swara for the haired aristocrat with, let’s say, a Japanese bell that hung in the changes sweeping the country. started by Annie Besant in Cousins. now sung all over the country. song. With the help of the girl beard, cravat, cane and impec- forecourt of the Buddhist temple, Was it ‘a fleeting wisp of glory 1915. Besant’s involvement in Later, when the College was Till then the song never had a students of the College, whom cable manners. Every evening its deep tones reverberating called Camelot?’ Not fleeting – the freedom movement prompt- in a financial crisis due to the uniform tune. It was sung with she used to teach music, Mrs. when the family gathered to- twice a day throughout the for so many of the ideas we grew ed the Government to cancel its withdrawal of grants by the Gov- Adyar many different regional varia- Cousins worked on the tune for gether, he raised and kissed his grounds. Since nowhere was up with have entered the main- affiliation to Madras University. ernment of Madras, consequent tions. Jana Gana Mana. She carefully dear wife’s hand with a grand more than half an hour from our stream, both within India and Undaunted, Dr. Besant named to the participation of the faculty “Vasundharana vishala patapara well-maintained, manicured and If the houses were eclectic, It was the practice of Dr. and studied the meaning of each line flourish. And her mother, said homes, we were home soon after without. A random list would the college “Wood National and students of the College in viraja tun Vaikhunt!” groomed within and without. the people were even more so, Mrs. Cousins to hold informal of the song and composed the my friend, blushed like a bride six. include gender equality, educa- College,” after Prof. Ernest the Home-Rule agitation started e used to sing this song in The others - Blavatsky Bungalow, individualistic as might be ex- meetings called “sing-song, fun musical notes. but never refrained from extend- The coconut plantations and tion for the underprivileged, the Wood, educationist and a close by Dr. Anne Besant, the Morn- school. We didn’t under- Olcott Gardens, Bell Bungalow – pected, some bordering on the sessions” with the college com- When she was ready with the W ing her hand out for him with a fruit orchards had footpaths and Montessori methodology in follower of Dr. Besant. She got it ing Song of India document in stand all the words – in the 1950s were like dowagers past their eccentric, all living here not munity every Wednesday night final version of her composition, beaming smile! I need scarcely bicycle paths meandering under teaching, ethical treatment of affiliated to the National Uni- Tagore’s handwriting was sold to Hindi was far less spoken than prime, somewhat unkempt, even quite cheek by jowl, but chug- after dinner. Tagore, who joined she spoke to Gurudev and add that this family too had links the trees. The casuarina groves animals, the irrelevance of caste, versity at Madras, which was an American collector for a fabu- now and the words were sounds, shabby, but with a certain dignity ging along quite happily to- the gathering, asked if he might briefed him on the swara she with Adyar and the Theosophi- were large enough to lose your a revival of interest in Indian art newly organised by the Society lous but undisclosed price. The not meanings. We did, however, and class that neither mildew nor gether. There were Indians from sing one of his poems. composed. With the staff and cal community. orientation somewhat, so ven- and textiles, cross-cultural toler- for the Promotion of National money collected was added to recognise it as a paean of praise peeling paint could completely north, south, east and west as Writing about how the song students assembled in the same There was a tradition of mak- turing in was always an ‘Adven- ance, inter-faith dialogue, global Education, (SPNE). Rabindra- the College fund. to Adyar. destroy. Best of all, as housing well as a fair sprinkling of British, was first heard by them as sung classrooms, where Tagore had ing foreign names Tamil- ture’. There were trees to climb perspectives, New Age move- nath Tagore was the Chancellor However, a photocopy of it Adyar in those days really was allocated according to fam- Americans, Spanish, New by Tagore himself, Dr. Cousins sung, Mrs. Cousins, with the help friendly. Annie Besant was al- or play under, bumpy paths to ments, the Age of Aquarius, if of the University. When it was was made before the original left meant the estate of the Theo- ily sizes and needs, they were not Zealanders, Australians – the TS recounted, “In a voice surpris- of her students, to the accompa- ways spoken of as Vasantamma. ride on, trails to explore, the you like – and much else. suggested that the quiet atmo- the country forever. This copy is sophical Society (TS), for there empty shells, monuments to was a broad church indeed. The “Sagara saritha sangama ghate preserved in the Madanapalle In the same vein there were also riverbank and the beach to en- was little else but paddy fields, their previous prestige, but Chinna ala maram, at the top end ‘Tomato’ Amma, and ‘Calendar’ joy. The exhilarating freedom adbhuta yeh Adyar” Theosophical College. casuarina plantations, our school homes that some of our play- of the arterial concrete road, was No wonder we belted out the Tagore, having fully refreshed Amma, The former was Madame and camaraderie of those days – the Olcott Memorial School – mates and their families lived in. a good vantage point from where D, an Italian, who had fled an still light up like X’mas lights in words so lustily at school! Now you can visit Adyar Park and recouped, left Madanapalle and the Tiruvanmiyur temple, at This gave them a warm, human to observe all. There were very on March 2, 1919 to continue his unhappy marriage (I think!) and my memory. When I think how this end of town. Living within dimension. few cars, bicycles were the trans- made her home in Adyar. Her my mother had gone to school (By A Special Correspondent) South Indian tour. It is said that the TS grounds was indeed a More recent dwellings were port of choice and most went before leaving, he called the house was dark with heavy, under purdah in Benares, I can privilege. built by members of the TS, I be- past this tree on the way to al- draped curtains, beaded silk only marvel at what a leap of dyar Park, which was developed on more ties affect the environment will be explained. Free Madanapalle College the ‘Shan- The estate covered two hun- lieve, on the understanding that most everywhere. than 50 acres land, is now functioning as a educational programmes, along with transport shades and terracotta colours. faith our parents took with our A tiniketan of South.’ In 1937, dred acres or more. Held in the the properties would revert to Many expats had adopted In- Centre for Environmental Education and Re- facilities, are provided to Corporation school when a fierce controversy raged To my 10-year-old eyes it seemed upbringing. What a change the search and is open to public and students. students. sweeping arms of the Adyar river the Society when their owners dian kurtas and pyjamas as best over the selection of the Na- the height of sophistication. TS had wrought in one genera- For visitors, it is open on Tuesdays and Thurs- Facilities in the park include arrival and orien- and the Bay of Bengal, from died. My grandfather Ranga- suited for the sticky weather. ‘Calendar’ Amma’s American- tion! days (except public holidays) from 2.30 p.m. to tation zone, solar lighting system, Environmental tional Anthem, it was James above it was a malachite jungle, natha Mudaliar built Ranga Vilas, Others created their own signa- Cousins who fervently pleaded styled home was quite different – We even ventured into the 4.30 p.m. Since visitors will be taken on a guided Education Centre, Interactive Learning Space and set in a filigree of sand by the jade near Bell Bungalow, under one of ture styles. One Dutchman wore light and airy. Here you sank into river, through the narrow fringe tour, online booking is a must as the tour group a nursery with medicinal and indigenous plants; that Jana Gana Mana should be coloured sea. Beneath its over- these agreements. These houses brightly-coloured polo shirts and fluffy, feather-filled floral cush- of mangroves, to the islands near must be within manageable numbers, say the park demonstration on recycling processes of waste confirmed officially as the arching green canopy were well- were of styles as varied as the shorts (coloured polo shirts were officials. and wash water. A film show on how the entire National Anthem of India. He ions on deep rattan sofas and the bank. Shoeless, squishy, maintained roads, thoughtfully backgrounds or the imaginations not a common commodity then chairs. And there were always squashy mud between our toes, The park also offers various Environmental park was reclaimed from its previous condition, wrote, “The poem would be- planned gardens, ancient trees, of the owners and builders. as now – I wonder where he Education Programmes for school students from nurturing the flora and helping bird migrations, nibbles aplenty – bowls of dried we didn’t think of water snakes, come one of the world’s precious coconut and casuarina planta- Sevashrama had onion-shaped sourced them from!). An En- Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. are additional features of the park. documents… From Madana- figs and nuts on glass topped the sharp stakes of mangrove Students should be accompanied by teachers. The Entry fee for public is Rs. 20 per head and Rs. tions, fruit orchards and mean- domes that could have graced a glishman who had “Green” in his palle, Jana Gana Mana spread all tables. roots or slugs. We did clean up students will be taken on a guided walk, during 5 for school student. Parking charge is Rs. 50 and dering pathways. Russian roofscape. One of my surname wore Robin Hood- A Parsi doctor taught me card carefully before heading home; which they can familiarise themselves with plants for hand cameras Rs. 50. For online booking visit over India and is admired in The mansions that were scat- favourites was a neat, unclut- green shorts every day of the Europe and America.” Jana Gana tricks. A Spanish exile who had in fact I can’t recollect ever tell- and trees native to Chennai. Basic principles of www.chennairivers.gov.in. For details call: tered about (nearly all early ac- tered house probably built post- year. And the ‘bare baron’, as we fought against Franco in the ing our elders about these excur- ecology wth an emphasis on coastal ecology and 24614523. – (Courtesy: Adyar Times) Mana was declared the quisitions) gave a certain genteel war, in 1920s, Art Deco style. called him, was a Polish noble- watershed rehabilitation and how human activi- National Anthem when India Civil War and, therefore, sions. graciousness to the place. The Another dear little place was a man who wore only shorts and a couldn’t go back home to his wife One day the incoming tide became a Republic on January Headquarters Hall was always faceted oval with a double stair- hat in the sticky weather. 26, 1950. and children, played board caught us. This excursion was The Japanese Bell. 6 MADRAS MUSINGS March 1-15, 2015 A T’Nagar dream! Can we make it a world-class shopping area?

heagaroya Nagar (T’ When designed, the residen- world with a major contribution T Nagar) is today the fore- tial plots in T’Nagar were at from Sri Lanka. It is believed most commercial hub for shop- least eight grounds in size. that close to 70-80 per cent of ping in Chennai. It is also a Initially G N Chetty Road and the gold sold in Chennai – the major hub for intra-city bus Venkatnarayana Road were most important gold market services. Historically, it was a developed with large plot in the southern region – is planned residential neighbour- bungalows. The minimum plot in T’Nagar. The southern hood with roads and streets size was eight grounds. The region contributes approxi- radiating from Panagal Park. Its plots were divided as half acre mately 45 per cent of the adjoining regions include Tey- and one acre. Later, these 800-tonne annual national nampet, West Mambalam and bungalows paved way for offtake. Azeez Nagar, all residential ar- commercial developments. At Silk saree and gold jewellery eas. The area has today shed its present, there are hardly any shopping has been synonymous original character and has huge residences that fall into this cat- with T’Nagar for the last 50 stand-alone shopping centres, a egory. years. During this period, variety of business establish- Nalli’s showroom was the T’Nagar has evolved as the Usman Road and the Burkit South Usman Road and the ments, accommodation provid- first prominent shop; it opened centre for silk sarees, gold Road-South Usman Road inter- eastern part of Theagaroya ers and other commercial enter- in 1928. Soon, small shops be- jewellery and stainless steel section, causing severe conges- Road. According to a hawker prises as well as a sizeable infor- gan to make a presence. In the utensils – paraphernalia of a tion at the current bus terminus survey in the central area of mal business sector leading to 1930s a shopping complex was typical Indian wedding. Today, location itself. T’Nagar, around 850 perma- traffic and congestion problems. developed by Chockalinaga a family can finish its entire The impact of this is traffic nent street vendors can be Congestion in T’Nagar is Mudaliar. It consisted of ten wedding shopping with two or congestion up to 500 m in both found on its pavements. due to land use change, rapid shops. This was the first bazaar three visits to this central directions of South Usman There is an acute demand re-densification, unplanned in T’Nagar. He named it Pondy business district, as there are Road as almost 50-70 per cent for parking. Market research public transportation systems, Bazaar. shops that sell everything from of road space is occupied by has indicated that T’Nagar has poor traffic circulation pattern, Pondy Bazaar is named after wedding invitation cards, buses during the peak hour. 2,668,311 sq.ft. of retail space. little pedestrian space, hawker W.P.A. Soundarapandian jewellery and sarees to house- There is also absence of This translates to a requirement encroachment, inadequate Nadar, the noted social activist hold articles. planning for pedestrian and bus of 2668 car slots. The parking parking facilities as well as other from Pattiveeranpatti. It stret- Conversion of T’Nagar from movement within and around availability in T’Nagar is only environmental issues. ches for around a kilometre on residential neighbourhood to a the bus terminus and poor around 800 slots. About 1,400 These issues are discussed in Theagaroya Road. Pavement shopping destination has integration of Mambalam four-wheelers and 3,000 two- some detail below and a ‘Vision shopping is part of the excite- spiralled land rates sky-high station and bus terminus. wheelers park in the T’Nagar T Nagar’ is suggested, urging ment of T’Nagar. Everything over the past 80 years. What No formal feeder system is area and approximately two- decongestion of the area from safety pins to shower was Rs. 200 per ground in 1930 available to connect the termi- thirds of these vehicles are through pedestrianisation, sky- curtains is available on the side- is approximately Rs. 50,000,000 nus with the retail/residential parked in the streets. walks, multi-level car parking, walks. (Rs. 5 crore) per ground or areas. The exponential increase in hawker zones, feeder system The traffic from residential vehicles, especially in the last and other initiatives, to make G by A. Shankar areas in the western regions of decade, has resulted in emission the area a world-class shopping Chennai moves towards the from automobiles increasing Head – Strategic Consulting, JLL, India centre. business areas in the eastern manifold. The air pollution * * * and central regions of Chennai problem in the T’Nagar area Until the early 1900s, The area around Panagal approximately Rs. 20,000 per through T’Nagar. This West to from the automobile sector is Chennai’s western boundary Park is known for its silk saree sq ft. East traffic is in the morning further compounded because of was the villages to the west of shops. Many prominent jewel- * * * and East to West traffic in the the availability of a very low Mount Road and the Long lery stores are also found here. The five radial avenues all evening. A similar pattern is percentage of road area in Tank. The Long Tank was The variety in shopping options leading to one main central observed in the North-South proportion to total city surface drained in 1923. (Lake View makes T’Nagar one of the most main space, Panagal Park, di- direction. These movements, in area for plying such a large Road exists devoid of the lake.) crowded areas in Chennai dur- vided the area into clearly sepa- combination with the retail/ automobile fleet. Other sources This marked the origin of Thea- ing the festival seasons. Deepa- rated neighbourhoods. As shopping area-oriented traffic, of air pollution include con- garoya Nagar or T’ Nagar (na- vali, Navaratri and Pongal bring T’Nagar was planned in a time coupled with local residential struction activities, re-suspen- med after Sir Pitti Theagaroya additional congestion due to when cars were a rare luxury, area traffic, create a mix of sion of road dust, and burning Chetty, Raja of Panagal, a stal- the crowds drawn by the heavy walkability was very important. traffic-related problems along biomass. wart of the Justice Party which discounts and reductions of- Civic facilities, retail outlets all the major arterials of the T’Nagar may have grown was then ruling Madras) and fered by stores. and public parks were planned area. The problem is especially into a very successful shopping initiated the expansion of the Ranganathan Street is a one for easy access from adjacent felt along North Usman Road, district, but times are changing city beyond its western limits. A of the busiest streets of Chen- neighbourhoods in clusters South Usman Road, G N and for T’Nagar not to lose its residential suburb was con- nai. Till 1985 the streets off it along the five main avenues. Chetty Road, and C I T Nagar middle class and high-end clien- ceived in the middle of this re- were mostly residential. Now This planned residential First Main Road. All the inter- tele to posh malls coming up claimed land. A park was devel- Ranganathan Street, once an neighbourhood has changed sections along Anna Salai elsewhere in Chennai, it is oped in the centre of this new approach to the Mambalam character very rapidly and is and Arcot Road also get important to stay ahead of that locality and named Panagal railway station, is closed to making way to become the Cen- congested. Nandanam intersec- competition. At the same time, Park. motor traffic as it is so crowded tral Shopping District of tion, Panagal Park, Duraisamy residents of T’Nagar and neigh- Historically, it was a planned with shoppers hoping to buy Chennai. The MTC Bus Termi- Subway and Kodambakkam bouring areas would welcome a residential neighbourhood with products at heavily discounted nus and Mambalam Railway flyover are examples of the more diversified range of retail roads and streets radiating from prices. Station made T’Nagar easily ac- problems caused by the transit and leisure developments that Panagal Park. Its design is be- T’Nagar had a population of cessible for everyone. traffic. suits their needs and in a more lieved to have been inspired 214,878 according to the 2001 The Theagaroya bus termi- There are hardly any pedes- inviting ‘city centre’ where they from a hand. Panagal Park was census. On a typical weekend, nus is a major one in the south- trian-friendly facilities in would want to spend quality the palm and the main roads ra- the number of people visiting to ern region and operates nearly T’Nagar. Pavements have been time with friends and family on diated from the park like five shop in the T’Nagar area might 600 bus services a day that origi- utilised for informal shopping a regular basis. fingers. The main roads were: soar to 200,000. During festival nate and terminate there. The activities by street vendors. The Some of the solutions to North Usman Road, South Us- seasons, this number might location of the bus terminus is lack of space for pedestrian decongest T’Nagar will be man Road, Theagaroya Road, reach a million. Shoppers come mutually detrimental and ben- movement because of encro- discussed next fortnight. (Cour- Venkatnarayana Road and G N not only from all parts of eficial. The terminus attracts achment by hawkers is an acute tesy: Our Building & Construc- Chetty Road, all lined with Chennai as well as from Tamil about 130 buses during its peak problem along Ranganathan tion) large avenue trees. Nadu but from all over the hour which in turn clogs South Street, the western side of (To be concluded) March 1-15, 2015 MADRAS MUSINGS 7 A vision comes

(Continued from With the approval given by last fortnight) the Prime Minister, steps were .A. Gopalaswami, Chief true taken at a rapid pace to create RSecretary of the Govern- an Institute in the next two ment of Madras, who had a weeks. Prof. Ramakrishnan strong leaning towards the later wrote: mathematical sciences, asked “December 7th was a signifi- Father on December 5th to cant day. I met Mr. Subra- formulate the aims and objec- maniam and the Chief Secre- tives of the proposed institute, tary, both of whom agreed to at the suggestion of Minister the creation of the Institute. C. Subramaniam. Father was Meanwhile seminars were going ready for this crucial moment on with unabated vigour in and supplied the requested Ekamra Nivas.... The MATSCIENCE Institute in Chennai. document the next day. Mean- “On December 20th, I met while, in New Delhi, the Prime Mr. Subramaniam at the Minister had begun seeking eminent scientists heralding the The speech was delivered ex- Madras airport on his return creation of the new Institute tempore, as was his style, and opinions on initial proposal from Delhi. What a thrilling which Father had sent him and congratulating Father on later reproduced from a record- moment it was when he his appointment as its Director. ing. through C. Subramanian soon informed me that the Prime after the meeting with the These congratulatory messages The academic work of the Minister had agreed to be the included several from Nobel Prime Minister at Raj Bhavan Professor Alladi Ramakrishnan. new institute began immedi- Patron of the Institute! On Laureates. on October 8th. December 22nd at 1:30 pm, I ately with a lecture by Professor There were two aspects in my case for a separate institu- Chandrasekhar on gravitation which C. Subramaniam played tion in the South, particularly in the physics lecture room a crucial role in the ultimate when talented students in the KRISHNASWAMI ALLADI concludes the story where he and his illustrious decision: The first was to con- South were not getting of the birth of MATSCIENCE, the Institute of uncle Nobel Laureate Sir C. V. opportunities for pursuing their Raman had studied as under- vince the Prime Minister that a Mathematical Sciences, the efforts of his new institute was necessary, as interests because of the limited graduates. MATSCIENCE was had been proposed by Father. number of students admitted to father, Professor Alladi Ramakrishnan, and initially given two rooms in the The second was that it should TIFR. I also emphasised that the role of his Theoretical Physics Seminar in Presidency College where it mathematical sciences did not functioned for two years before be in Madras. C. Subramaniam the creation of this Institute in Madras on later wrote: require heavy investment. moving to the Central Poly- Panditji also showed his inclina- January 3, 1962. technic Campus in Adyar in “The Prime Minister referred tion to accept my point of April 1964. the matter to Dr. Homi Bhabha view. So Dr. Bhabha also gave for his advice. Unfortunately, his consent. Thereafter steps All members of the Theo- Dr. Bhabha was not very enthu- were taken to establish what is was called by the Education Prof. Ramakrishnan later retical Physics Seminar as of siastic. His contention was that now well known as the Institute Secretary, K. Srinivasan, who wrote: “What a thrill and ex- January 1962 joined the new the available limited resources of Mathematical Sciences....For issued an order of appointment citement it was to greet the Institute at various levels – R. would have to be utilised for the the purpose of emphasising the to me as the Director of the In- New Year (in this fashion), and Vasudevan, N.R. Ranganathan, existing institution, namely the importance of this Institute, stitute. What a providential co- for the Institute to be inaugu- T.K. Radha, G. Bhanumathi, S. Tata Institute of Fundamental and for its proper funding, I incidence that it should be the rated on January 3rd by Profes- Indumathi, R. Thunga, V. Research (TIFR). thought we should have birthday of Srinivasa Rama- sor S. Chandrasekhar at a pub- Devanathan, G. Ramachan- “When the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru himself as the nujan! I met the great astro- lic function presided over by its dran, K. Venkatesan, A.P. Bala- passed on the opinion of Dr. Patron of the Institute. When I physicist Subrahmanyam Chan- primary supporter Mr. C. chandran, K. Ananthanaraya- Bhabha to me, I requested him mentioned this to him, he drasekar (of the University of Subramaniam. I could not sleep nan, K. Raman, and R.K. to arrange a meeting between gladly agreed. I requested Chicago) the same evening to the whole night as cablegrams Umerjee. They all continued to me, Dr. Bhabha and himself to Dr. Bhabha to be a member of inquire whether he could of greetings were being deliv- give seminars vigorously in the discuss this matter. The meet- the first Governing Body of the inaugurate the Institute on ered every hour and through new premises of the Institute. ing was arranged and I argued Institute (and he agreed).” January 3, 1962. He agreed to the night from various parts of But from time to time, Father do so provided we obtained the world. I was too excited to and his students held seminars suitable air reservations for prepare my inaugural speech, in the evenings at Ekamra Nivas him (to return to the United and I decided to deliver it ex- for a few years after the creation States) the next day. What a tempore under the inspiration of the Institute. CHENNAI HERITAGE simple request from so great a of the exalted moment. Perhaps the first few years of man!” “The Institute was inaugu- the Institute were the finest in No. 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, Westcott Road On December 22nd, there rated at 9:00 am in the Old En- terms of vibrancy of the Visit- was a music concert in the Royapettah, Chennai 600 014 glish Lecture Hall of the Presi- ing Scientists Programme. Pro- Seminar Hall of Ekamra Nivas dency College where I had lis- fessor Rosenfeld who visited the for the delegates of the Annual I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) / tened to many lectures during Institute in 1963 expressed Symposium on Cosmic Rays. I have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it my study in the Honours wonder on how so much was hereafter. The concert originally intended Course. I gave my speech stat- being done in such modest sur- for the symposium delegates ing it was a dream fulfilled. ...It roundings and with an even G I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for Rs. 100 turned out also to be a celebra- was a reflection of the past, an more modest budget. He also (Rupees One hundred) payable to CHENNAI HERITAGE, tion of the news about the estimate of the present, and a said that in every place in Eu- MADRAS, as subscription to Madras Musings for the year launch of MATSCIENCE! peep into the future of science rope where he had earlier been, 2015-16. The next day, Father in India.” there was someone who had vis- G As token of my support for the causes of heritage, environ- tendered his resignation to the Father was an orator par ex- ited, or was intending to visit, ment and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, I send University of Madras. cellence, and I have enjoyed MATSCIENCE. The Institute Chennai Heritage an additional Rs...... Time was short, with barely hearing many of his outstanding was formally registered on Fri- (Rupees ...... ) Please keep/put ten days for the inauguration. lectures and speeches over the day, July 13, 1962. The Institute me on your mailing list. Overnight, more than a hun- years, both in India and abroad. moved to more spacious accom- Name : ...... dred letters were typed and sent His speech The Miracle has Hap- modation on the top floor of a Address: ...... to scientists all over the world pened at the inauguration of building in the Central Poly- ...... announcing the launch of MATSCIENCE was the finest technic Campus in 1964 and, finally, to its own premises in ...... MATSCIENCE, the Institute he delivered in his life! As a six- of Mathematical Sciences. year-old boy, I was in the front 1969 where it continues to All cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. DD/Cheque should be sent From December 27th onwards, row at the Old English Lecture function today. by Speed Post only. telegrams started pouring in Hall listening to this speech from Nobel Laureates and other which still resonates within me. (Concluded) 8 MADRAS MUSINGS March 1-15, 2015 Manuel Aaron – an inspiration for Madras chess players

hen the Aaron family re-located in India from Burma, it was Wthe opening move of Manuel Aaron’s chess career. India’s first International Master, nine times National Champion and an International Arbiter, 79-year-old Aaron is a repository of facts on the history of chess in India. He started an exclusive magazine for chess as early as in 1983, has authored several books on chess, and has shared the nuances of the game with players who later became celebrities. Manuel Aaron is from a family of chess players and was intro- duced to the game by his grandfather. Now his son Aravind is a National Champion, chess journalist and a chess trainer and the game goes on. Manuel Aaron talks about the game in response to One of the most appealing pictures we have seen in a long time. This is the front of a postcard invitation for Åta Kapur M. Rajini’s questions. Chishti’s recent exhibition at Apparao Galleries, Sari: celebrating the unstiched garment. A game of chess is actually a simulated war. Tell us about chess in early times. Analysing a game is a tradition. I used to analyse games played You know, Buddhist monks in the 6th Century were actually by Russian players, give lectures and demonstrate on the board. To many, encouraged to play chess to keep them away from war. Playing the Even parents used to attend those sessions. game actually quenched their thirst for fighting a battle. Later, You are a FIDE rated (2300) player. Who decides the ratings? heritage is a parents let their children play chess so they can keep them out of FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) is the organisa- mischief outdoors (laughts). Now India has made it to the interna- tion that governs international chess competition. Women are mere facade tional arena. rated together with men. Rating is a method for calculating the How tough was it to learn the technicalities of the game when books relative skill levels of players. If two people with the same rating (Continued from page 1) and newspapers were the only media available then? compete, the chances of a win are 50-50. A system called the law The challenge made it more exciting. I used to constantly read of probability is used to determine your chance of winning a game. judgement by vested interests to the Encyclopaedia Britannica in the library. Newspapers used to If your expectancy curve is high and you lose, your rating will take suit their ends. This has been carry chess problems and also publish the names of those who a dive, whereas the other person, who was not expected to win but taken advantage of in several solved them. We used to avidly read all the literature available on did, will get a high rating. Vishwanath Anand’s rating is 2792. instances such as P Orr & Sons the subject. Then there was correspondence chess which kept us FIDE also decides the title ‘Grandmaster’. It is a title for life. India and the Saidapet Teachers’ pondering over moves and strategies. has 38 Grandmasters at present. Training College buildings Oh! What is correspondence chess? Do children flood into classes only when India is in the international where Metro Rail has bulldozed We played chess with other enthusiasts by sending a postcard arena? structures. It would be best if recording our move. The game went on through cards being sent No. Chess is listed in the games which get you admission to the Indian National Trust for back and forth. Sometimes it took months to finish a game. We professional colleges under the sports quota. Many parents are keen Arts and Cultural Heritage would be playing with several people simultaneously. The pace was on introducing the game to their children. It is left to the child and (INTACH) represents the mat- slow, but for every game we had time to analyse our moves and the academy to sustain its interest. ter in court once again and predict the outcome. It was a great opportunity to hone our skills. About Chessmate and the club...? seeks a clarification in this re- Even now we have Correspondence Chess Clubs. Aaron Chess Academy is the first of its kind in Chennai. It is a gard. When it comes to heritage There is an exciting category called ‘Blitz’ chess where players hub for all chess lovers and aspirants of the game. We offer open- structures, mere restoration of can set the timeframe for finishing the game. A clock is set beside ing advice and strategies, a chess library and information on forth- facades will not do. It is vital the player to clock the time taken for every move. Both players coming open tournaments. We also conduct classes through that CMDA, the HCC and the hustle to make a move and hit the clock simultaneously. The player Internet Chess Club and Skype at US $30 an hour. owners of properties adhere to who exhausts his/her time first is the loser. The standard rules of Chessmate is our monthly chess magazine, a gateway to world the High Court’s orders in the movement, capture and game ending apply to his game. chess. (Courtesy: Adyar Times) full spirit of the law.

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