S. Muthiah 13.4.1930-20.4.2019

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WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS CHENNAI Vol. XXIX No. 2 May 1-15, 2019 OUR FOUNDER

S. Muthiah 13.4.1930-20.4.2019

C M Y K 2 MADRAS MUSINGS May 1-15, 2019

Muthiah, The Complete(?) Works How many books did the Chief actually write? When asked he would dismiss the question with a wave of his hand. If pressed he would be evasive but concede that the number was around forty. Bye Bye Chief My guess is that he simply stopped counting after a while. To him it was the quality of the output, rather than the numbers, that mattered. or once, The Man from gers, just as he did A few hours after his demise, Vikram Raghavan put up on FMadras Musings is at a with a typewriter. Facebook a photograph of his collection of Muthiah’s books. The loss for words. It had been And then there was Madras Club library put up a similar display. The family had a a great friendship between the matter of cell ­collection, along with his typewriter and pens, placed close to Chief and MMM and at the phones. For years where his body was kept on the day of his funeral. That got Karthik end of it, he, the Chief, has he fought the very Bhatt to compile a list. I still suspect that this is incomplete and shaken MMM’s hand off and idea and then when who knows, some more may emerge. But we did get to ‘around 40’. gone to a distant land. With everyone insist- whom is to MMM now laugh ed he did get one, over Madras that is Chennai? he promptly gave MMM even now thinks it to his assistant. of that happy day when he That person did brought the Chief a picture all the dialling and of a shop signboard, which answering. When gave the address as Mind all the heavy work (instead of Mint) Street. And was done, the Chief then there was that awful would deign to take issue when we consistently the instrument in left out the letter L from the hand and utter some word public. Fortunately no- benediction or the other. MMM said he was not. body noticed. The same can- Finally, on the title Chief “A freelancer?” it asked, not be said of the issue where – MMM would have nev- rather in the manner of Lady MMM made fun of the postal er dared call him Uncle or Bracknell saying, “A hand- services and speculated on Muthu. Sir sounded too for- bag?” in the ­Importance of the way they delivered issues mal and so it became Chief. Being Earnest. of Madras Musings. Someone He appeared to like it and so MMM said he was. in the Department of Posts that was that. There never will “Oh in that case, I just read it and by some stroke be another Chief for MMM. called to ask about the exact of misfortune it was the man nature of the illness of your who stamped or franked the MM will go on boss.” Madras Musings copies. The MMM was not giving him Chief dealt with the irate vis- he phone rang and any personal details and so itor and promised on MMM’s TThe Man from Madras politely suggested that the con- behalf to behave in future. ­Musings answered it rather versation take a different turn.

SHORT ’N’ SNAPPY

There was also the time reluctantly. These are days “He was a glory of Ind,” when MMM wrote of ladies when MMM feels low and said the caller. “I guess now walking around in public in depressed. True, the Chief your magazine will have to nightwear. There were howls was ailing and old but then wind up.” of protest, led by a Lovely there was always the com- MMM did not reply but Lady from Lancashire. The fort that he was there. But he knew that somewhere Chief calmed them all down. then MMM digresses. Let the Chief must have been There were some aspects him get on with the story. chuckling. After all, had he, to his personality that none “The Glory that was Ind,” the wise man that he was, of us ever managed to fath- said the fruity voice at the not made enough arrange- om. For instance, how IT other end. ments for the magazine to savvy was the Chief in real- MMM wondered if the continue? ­Indeed that would ity? He maintained that he caller, a former bureaucrat, be the greatest tribute that Books on Madras was in a tech-free nirvana, had been indulging rather those of us who worked with preferring to handover such freely at lunch. But then him can ever pay him. And 1. Madras Discovered; East West Books (Madras) Pvt. mundane responsibilities to clarifications came forth – striving to be worthy of his ­Limited; 1981 – this is now in its 8th edition (2018), as Madras ­Rediscovered, published by East West, an imprint Flower or God-On-Seven- “I don’t expect you would standards will be everyone’s of ­Westland Publications Private Limited (also available in Hills, his two assistants who have even heard of this book, endeavour. Tamil). dealt with the mountains a great work of the past that So sucks to you, you 2. Madras, the Gracious City; Affiliated East West Press; 1990. of manuscripts, correspon- told us about the glory of pompous caller. dence and other paperwork. India,” it said. 3. Madras – Its Past and Present; Ranpar Publishers; 1994. MMM had his doubts and MMM rather brusquely Tailpiece 4. At Home in Madras; Overseas Women’s Club; 1995. one afternoon managed to replied that he had read the 5. Madras that is Chennai, Queen of the Coromandel (illustrations­ catch the Chief poring at a book though he did not add here have been many by C.L.D. Gupta); Palaniappa Brothers; 2000. desktop. When confronted that going through it was Tmoving tributes to the 6. Madras that is Chennai, Gateway to the South; Ranpar he just shrugged it off saying something of a penance. Chief and The Man from Publishers;­ 2005. he could read what was on- The voice became im- Madras Musings has been 7. A Madras Miscellany, A decade of people, places and potpourri; line but had never managed pressed. ­reading them with a heavy East West; 2011. to move the mouse. He how- “Am I speaking to Profes- heart. One, however, from 8. The Dalliance of Miss Mansell and other stories; East West ever did gamely agree to pose sor MMM?” it asked, a new a senior art critic, was tai- Books (Madras) Pvt. Limited; 1989 – enlarged as a fresh in front of the machine as he obsequiousness creeping into lor-made for this column edition titled Tales of Old and New Madras in 2014. called it and the accompany- its tone. – “Will miss her, She was 9. Madras, Chennai: A 400 year Record of the First City of Modern­ ing picture was the result. MMM assured it that a dear friend. Chennai will India, Vols. 1, 2 and 3; Association of British Scholars; When he did go abroad, nev- it was and added that he, not be the same without her. Vol. 1 came out in 2008 and Vol. 3 in 2019. er for more than two weeks MMM, was no professor. RIP.” as the next issue of MM had “Are you not attached to Chief – wherever you are, Books on Madras Institutions to be handled, he did send any institution?” asked the MMM knows that you are 10. Getting India on the move: The 150 year saga of Simpsons of out some emails. He said he voice, a ring of disappoint- laughing out aloud at this one. Madras; Higginbothams Limited; 1990. typed them out with two fin- ment now evident. –MMM (Continued on page 3) May 1-15, 2019 MADRAS MUSINGS 3 List of books by Farewell to our Mr. Muthiah (Continued from page 2) 11. The Spencer Legend, East West Books Madras Pvt. Limited; Founder 1997. 12. Parrys 200, A Saga of Resilience (with N.S. Ramaswamy); Affiliated East West Press Pvt. Limited; 1988. 13. The Spirit of Chepauk, The MCC Story; East West Books (Madras) Pvt. Limited; 1998. 14. All in the Game, A Pictorial History of the Madras Cricket Club, (with V. Ramnarayan); The Madras Cricket Club; 1998. 15. The Ace of Clubs, The Story of the Madras Club; The Madras Club; 2002. 16. 60 Landmark Years (with Sashi Nair and Ranjitha Ashok); L&T and ECC; 2004. 17. A Tradition of Madras that is Chennai, The Taj Connemara; The Taj Connemara; 2006. 18. 150 Years of Excellence, A Pictorial History of the University of Madras; (Muthiah was chairman of the committee that brought out this book); University of Madras; 2006. 19. A Work of Genius, the Senate House of the University of Madras­ ; University of Madras; 2006. 20. Overcoming Challenge: The 125 Year Saga of Chennai Port, the Harbour that Men Made (with KRA Narasiah); Chennai Port Trust; 2007 (also in Tamil). 21. Moving India on Wheels, the story of Ashok Leyland (with K. Gopalan); Ashok Leyland Limited; 2008. 22. The Raj Bhavans of Tamil Nadu (edited by S. Muthiah); South Zone Cultural Centre; 2009. 23. The School in the Park, A Hundred Years of the Sacred Heart School (edited by S. Muthiah); 2009. 24. Down by The Adyar; Madras Boat Club; 2010. 25. The Madras Musings Silver Jubilee Book (edited by S. ­Muthiah, Sriram V. and Ranjitha Ashok); Chennai Heritage;­ 2016. e would not have entirely need for a magazine that would It was a matter of great Happroved of this issue. espouse causes nobody else ­regret to his many admirers Madras People We can see him, holding it in touched. The fortnightly devot- that Muthiah was not once his hand, a slight frown appear- ed itself to the city’s heritage, considered for a national or 26. Looking back from Moulmein (A biography of AMM ing on his face even as a twinkle both built and natural, apart even state-level award. In Arunachalam); East West Books (Madras) Pvt. Limited; 2000 lights up the eye. “The problem of chronicling plenty of sport, ­reality it would have been a with you young people is,” he some current affairs and above great surprise had they been 27. B.S. Abdur Rahman – A Visionary with a Mission; 2002. appears to be saying and yes, to all, the lives of various citizens conferred on him, for those in 28. Born to Dare, the life of Lt. Gen. Inderjit Singh Gill, PVSM, him there were no middle-aged who contributed to Madras­ power ­rarely took kindly to his MC; Penguin; 2008 people, everyone was young, and the world. In the pro- brand of activism­ – consistent 29. T.T. Vasu – The man who could never say no; Ranpar “you have no sense of propor- cess, Muthiah made citizens of and focused­ criticism on caus- Publishers;­ 2016 tion. Where was the need for a Chennai realise that they lived es close to his heart. He was In addition to the above biographies, Muthiah complet- full issue on me? And with my in a metropolis with plenty of personally never interested in ed two others, which for various reasons did not appear in photo on the cover?” He would firsts to its credit. This was not recognition of that kind. To him his name. The first was The Unfinished Journey, the life of also have added a favourite Kipling’s ‘withered beldame’ it was enough that his voice had M Ct Chidambaram Chettyar and the second a biography of comment of his – that we had but a city to be cherished and been heard and at least some K.V.Al.Rm. Alagappa Chettiar. thrown in everything including be proud of. of the city’s heritage had been the kitchen sink into the issue. All of this did not exactly restored. Certainly, credit was Other Books But for once we beg to differ. endear the publication or its due to him in large measure for 30. An Atlas of India; OUP; 1990. We will be firm. We will argue in editor to the establishment. the saving of the DGP Building 31. Word in Indian English; Indus, an imprint of Harper Collins; favour of our stance. For this is Bureaucrats were wary of its on the Marina, the restoration 1991. the least we can do for someone continued (and entirely justi- of Senate House and the preven- 32. Rupa Book of Geography Quiz; Rupa Publishers; 1992. who gave us so much. Consider fied) criticism of the way the tion of takeover of the Queen 33. The Splendours of South India (with Rupinder Khullar); UBS the facts – has any other tabloid city was managed – be it water Mary’s College campus. His was Publishers and Distributors; 1992. espousing the heritage and cul- supply and sewerage, heritage also the lion’s share of work in ture of a city survived this long? preservation, pollution, con- the Justice E. Padmanabhan 34. A Planting Century, the first hundred years of United Planters Association of South India 1883-1893; Affiliated East West True, its financial future was gestion or defacement of pub- Committee Report that formed Press; 1993. made secure a few years after its lic properties. The real estate the first and only listing of her- birth thanks to an industrialist ­lobby too was not amused when itage buildings in Chennai City. 35. The Indo Lankans, Their 200-Year Saga; Indian Heritage Foundation; 2004. stepping in at the right moment Madras Musings gave space to In all of these, Madras Musings and roping in others as well, but residents of T Nagar who com- was his vehicle, his medium for 36. The Chettiar Heritage (with Meenakshi Meyyappan and what about content? Did that plained bitterly in its columns communication. Visalakshi Ramaswami); The Chettiar Heritage; 2006. not bring in the readership, about illegal buildings that It was his dearest wish that 37. Walkabout in Oz; Ranpar Publishers; 2012. which once having come in, had fast converted their well- Madras Musings continues after 38. A Kodaikanal Icon, the 125 year old history of a Kodi land- stayed on and expressed its ap- planned neighbourhood into a his time. We at the paper com- mark (the story of the Kodaikanal Club); Ranpar Publishers; preciation by way of donations, civic horror. mit ourselves to live up to that 2012. letters and articles? For the Madras Musings under expectation. We are sure his 39. The Anglo Indians, A 500 Year History (with Harry ­Maclure); quality of what Madras Musings Muthiah championed the un- guidance will always be with us Niyogi Books; 2014. carried, all credit has to go to derdog – the law-abiding citizen in whatever we do. This issue 40. A Chettiar Album (with Meyyappan Junior); The Chettiar S. Muthiah, its Founder. who always received a rough is dedicated in full to his mem- Heritage;­ 2014. Today, practically every deal from just about any agency ory and carries tributes from 41. Office Chai, Planter’s Brew (with Ranjitha Ashok); newspaper in the city has space of the Government. While close associates, colleagues and Westland;­ 2016. for heritage. Social media too reading it, people felt they friends. Our regular features At the time of his passing he was working on two more books, one focuses on such issues. But back could relate to every issue it will resume in the issue dated on the Lawrence School, Lovedale and the other on the Sports in 1991 this was practically un- highlighted. In this the voice of May 16, 2019. History of Tamil Nadu. I am sure these, when published, will be heard of. It was Muthiah who the editor came through loud fitting memorials to a man who documented so much, and so well. had the vision to identify the and clear. – The Editor – Sriram V 4 MADRAS MUSINGS May 1-15, 2019 May 1-15, 2019 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

Courageous, proud, humble “I know you; the off spinner.” This is how And Madras gently weeps... TRIBUTES Mr. Muthiah greeted me – in a gruff voice that carefully hid the friendliness underneath – when I introduced myself as Gowri’s husband in search of writing opportunities some 25 years ago. Little you learn in time. Also, pretty early in this process, did Mr. Madras realise that he would be stuck you’ve seen through the curmudgeonly mask to the with me for decades, if only intermittently. Not compassion beneath. long afterwards, he gave me my first assignment, Not exactly a ‘baa-lamb’, our Muthu, but definitely not that of proof-reading a book of 127 pages, which as much of a bear as he liked to pretend. brought me my first cheque (for Rs. 381) as a freelancer. He believed in compensating anyone Slowly, your work grows, from articles and ‘features’ to the dustbin by government and sports bodies, I book projects. The city opens up for you. Naturally. who did anything for him – and the cheque was never delayed. suspect someone more enlightened discovered it The magic password is Muthu himself. And your subsequently and took its message to officialdom world, your writing, begins to change, expand. For the next few years, I assisted Mr. Muthiah in several projects, which included books he and sports persons alike, judging by India’s recent You remember your first book project - the history of emergence as a serious competitor on the world Spencer’s. either wrote or edited for publishers. It was an exciting new world for someone who had just arena in some disciplines, especially the brilliance When the book is completed and launched, you are so of our women athletes. Mr. Muthiah did not stop thrilled, you tell your father you’ll bring a copy across found his calling, for want of a better description, and the debt of gratitude I feel for Mr. Muthiah with editing such works, but passionately advo- to Bangalore on your next visit. cated the propagation of their contents. “Make sure it’s signed,” he tells you, and you excitedly for practically resurrecting my career is immeasur- sign your name with a flourish on the title page. able. (S. Krishnan of The Hindu, Preeti Mehra of Hagiography is something Mr. Muthiah You bear it across triumphantly, and present it to him. Businessline and N. Sankar and Chandra Sankar ­abhorred. The author of many biographies, main- He opens the book, sees your name. His face drops of the Sanmar family are some of the others I owe ly corporate, he would never consent to writing in disappointment, and he mumbles: “I meant Mr my second innings to). For a couple of years, I also sycophantic paeans of praise, however eminent Muthiah’s signature.” assisted him with Madras Musings, seated daily the men or women he wrote about. Institutions Feeling sink-into-the-ground foolish, you later narrate at the very dining table where our first meeting could not escape his critical gaze, either, and the the incident to the Chief, who shakes and rumbles took place. His meticulous eye for detail and higher and more powerful the office, the greater with laughter as only he could. constant search for excellence were an inspiration his courage while espousing causes close to his You remember another book that dealt solely with to me and the small army of freelance helpers, heart. His herculean efforts to stop the demolition buildings and building material….things you know from aspiring journalists and photographers to of the IG’s office on the Marina standing up to nothing about. When you protest, you are told every researchers and columnists, he had gathered the might of the state government was a sterling assignment cannot be ‘fun’ or laden with ‘dreamy around him. The other aspects of his personality example of his fearlessness. soulfulness’, and expecting they should is a display of to catch the eye were his obsession with heritage Mr. Muthiah was a proud man, and a truly the ‘worst kind of work ethic.’ and his love for the city he had adopted and had humble one – proud of the value of his and his adopted him. Once I got to know him well and indefatigable team’s work, of the history of his Cartoon by Biswajit Balasubramanian. allowed myself a few liberties with him, his stern beloved Madras, of the talents he unearthed You can almost hear the conversation: (See, Muthu? I avoided using ‘one’s life’….you’d like exterior notwithstanding, I occasionally teased  by Ranjitha Ashok My association with Muthiah man weaving numbers, episodes and nurtured, but also genuinely modest when it You: Muthu, the title? No editing, please? that, having always seen the word ‘one’ as slightly was close over the last six years. and experiences magically into him about his fondness (as I alleged) for British came to listing his virtues (which he never did). A Big Chief: Why not? pompous if used in ‘first-person reference’!) He was kind enough to invite literary works of beauty that are rather than Indian heritage, and he laughed it off stubborn, demanding, hard-to-please boss, he did You: Trust me, there’s a whole bunch of people out there So, you gather up a few ‘pieces’ you’ve recently written That makes you so mad, you complete all your interviews me to support him in three of a joy forever. good-naturedly. One of his first books to include a not hesitate to own up when corrected, or praise small contribution by me was At Home in Madras, who’ll get the reference, and… and trot off, having dutifully fixed an appointment. in record time. And when you go: “So there”, you see his major book projects and – N.S. Parthasarathy good work generously. Finally, he was a wonderful Big Chief: What reference? You walk into a room that so clearly represents the Life the smile, and ruefully salute his tactics. also to contribute regularly to a handbook to the city in all its many aspects. My host and pleasant travel companion, as my good You: (faint, but pursuing) Muthu, just let it be, no? Literary, you instantly draw a deep soul-affirming At one point, the Chief decides to bring you on board a his journal. I had no aptitude or * * * favourite book was Athletic Gold, a blueprint for friend S. Anvar and I found out during our road And he would…in the end. breath, taking in the essence of books, paper, type- certain library committee….you have no way of judg- ability to handle literary assign- When people woke up to the preparing India’s athletes for international com- trips together in the 1990s. This was a game played all the time. You’d bung in ref- writer ribbon and ink…. this being back in that era. ing how useful you ever were. All you know is – there ments. He gave me courage and news of Mr. Muthiah’s passing, petition by Olympian Eric Prabhakar. Though this erences loaded with the zeitgeist-of-your-era, and Books are piled everywhere, spilling over …and there on should have been relevant background music here guided me through it all, in his everyone felt an immediate sense excellent manual was probably then consigned to – V. Ramnarayan Muthu would come right back at you….all for effect, a sofa, telephone ringing constantly next to him…. as well, as a ‘significant moment’ alert. Because his characteristic taciturn style. This of loss, whether they knew him of course. He always supported you ultimately, and your future editor. decision has the very fortunate, albeit inadvertent, privileged association is the most personally or not. Madras lost the city what it became. Institu- man, never alone, his delightful in every building, and a city with he invariably knew what you were talking about – he Looking back, you can’t help thinking that Life sometimes result of bringing into your life those who have gone fulfilling learning experience a fond chronicler who gathered tions and literary groups associ- conversation, and erudite, wise centuries of pioneering history. just wanted you to earn the right to pepper your work drops the ball at big moments. Surely something as on to becoming the dearest of friends, enabling trans- of my life and that too under interesting facts about its history, ated with him lost an impactful observations will be missed. I learnt to listen to the stories as you pleased. momentous (for you - not for the Chief, obviously) formation in your reading, your thinking, even setting the Master. I watched the great and the personalities who made patron. A quintessential club Leading an action-filled life the city had to tell. His passion (A small diversion here – the ‘Muthu’ bit. This manner should have come with an impressive background your feet firmly on a spiritual path you had always full of interesting experiences, his and unwavering commitment to of addressing him was not out of disrespect or over-­ score? Not necessarily ‘Also Sprach Zarathustra’…. sought, but hadn’t known how to find. His decision prodigious work ethic ensured­ he this city helped me rediscover familiarity, but a direct order from the Chief himself. but at least a couple of bells chiming….something? also leads to some memorable lunches involving the From a collaborator Madras, my name was suggested thor; he asked me to join him in never missed deadlines,­ even Madras. With his passing Madras Few had the courage to question such orders. You Instead, there is silence. You sit nervously on the edge sub-com ladies and the Chief, with Singapore Slings to Mr. Muthiah and that is how this project and asked me to be while travelling. has lost her Boswell. I hope all certainly didn’t.) of your chair, as he cursorily glances through your playing a major role in increasing both volume and When the Association of I personally met him first after its co-author. I considered this Our lives are immensely those he inspired keep his dreams So, it was ‘Muthu’ right from the beginning. pages. He then looks straight at you over the rim of indiscreet exchange of gossip. British Scholars in collabora- locating myself in Madras, post an honour. During the period I ­enriched for having known Mr. for the city alive. More than 25 years ago, you remember. his glasses, and says: “You know, a lot of people come While the Chief was on the committee, there were lively tion with the British Council retirement from Vizag port. Even was working with him I found Muthiah, and for that we are – Vinodha Ram Mohan That’s really what the last few days have been about. to me, saying they ‘want to write’…a couple of pieces spats here as well. On what books to keep and what decided to bring out a record of in the first meeting I found his him to be so warm and friendly grateful. Remembering. later, I never see or hear from them again.” to discard. Here too, the Chief had very decided sorts like a gazetteer, on Madras warmth overwhelming. and during several visits to * * * Every single detail – however slight. Clearly, a gauntlet has been flung down. opinions. No poetry, and no short stories…what he 400 years, a subject close to the A few weeks later I was pleas- his residence I found his wife – A.V. Ram Mohan Dear, dear Muthu, your fam- heart of Muthiah, he chose You can almost sense that signature slightly askew, per- You pick it up, grimly telling yourself, and him, that you’ll had against this genre was beyond everyone, but he antly surprised when he attended Valliammai, who predeceased * * * ily, your friends, the people who ceptive smile. make sure to stick around. to be its editor and experts disliked them. my lecture on Early Navigation him, to be equally warm. In Shocked to hear the sad news loved your writings are bereft... And hear him warn: Don’t over-write. And you do. in the respective fields were You remember when the A-musings column began. You and Shipping of Tamil Nadu, at the fact she took active part when of the demise of S. Muthiah. and Madras will miss its most Well, you’ll try. You remember your early assignments. asked to contribute. On the didn’t think then that they’d sustain for ten whole Tamil Nadu Archaeology depart- I was rendering the book in More than his admirers, friends, ardent chronicler. To you I owe So – your particular Muthu-story. A profile on someone…..you get so carried away, you give subject of Port and Shipping of years; that you’d get a book out of them. ment, and was awed Tamil, even suggesting a Tamil associates, the city of Madras will my allegiance to Tamil Nadu; It’s around ’94, and you’re at an “Ok-now-what?” point in him 3500 words. He gently asks you to understand Even here, nothing escaped the Chief’s sharp eye and when I saw a lengthy title. He was happy that I wrote be shedding tears. And they may you opened my eyes to its history, your existence. The insatiable time-gobblers in your the difference between disciplined journalism, and instincts. When a bout of laziness meant a crazy, and elaborate report Madrasapattinam in Tamil and not dry up for a very long time. its beauty, its culture. My most life, your kids, are now firmly ensconced in a school an essay in a school paper written by an ill-prepared last minute dash to meet deadlines, other readers about my talk in his provided a foreward for it. May his soul rest in peace. enduring memory is watching routine; the home is chugging along – some hiccups student short on material, but filled to the brim with were nice about that fortnight’s column. Not so the column the following During my research for civil you and Valli together...that was and speed bumps, yes, but it’s becoming clear that a need to impress. Chief, who’d direct one of his piercing glances at you, Monday, (August 29, aviation in Madras, I located – J.S. Raghavan an enviable relationship and I be- your rather casual, whenever-possible, free-lancing A bit diplomatically-challenged? drawling, “Struggled a bit there, didn’t you?” But, for 2005) titled Marine the remains of the old plane fu- * * * lieve all of us who knew you well, is no longer enough. Your Significant Other – who You now smile to yourself, and think ‘yes’. you, it was always a relief to have someone who calls ­Conundrum. selage owned by Aavudaiyappa grieved with and for you after does get the occasional ‘Really Good Idea’, bless You remember interviews, where the first ten minutes it exactly for what it is….no masks needed at all. When the Madras Chettiar and he was excited to I was born in a Madras of she died. I do not wish you R.I.P. him! – notices the growing restlessness with some would be taken up by an irate interviewee with a Then, remembering all those book-related events, espe- Port was celebrating publish the pictures. Simple leafy avenues, quiet neighbour- I wish you a good rebirth...and amount of trepidation (understandable…being first gripe against Muthu, ranting in full spate at you…. cially at the Madras Book Club. The Chief almost its 125th anniversary, and eloquent, he was always hoods, and gentle pace of life. perhaps you may influence future in line should an explosion occur) and says: I think before calming down, allowing you to coax answers always got the annual subscription amount wrong in the port administration generous to a fault when rec- Over the years, it disintegrated generations of young people... you you should go and see Muthu. out of them. his standard opening speech, but was the most effec- wanted a coffee table ognizing others’ contribution into a city of chaos, squalor and have done this state proud. my sense of belonging dimin- Eight words. But his bluntness never bothered you – it was actually tive moderator and general whip-cracker. Fiercely book to be published to his column. – Radha Gopalakrishnan One sentence. exhilarating, crossing swords, the arguing. And with Muthiah as its au- ished. Muthiah changed all that. And an amazing new path opens up in a life. that’s a privilege reserved for those he cared about, – K.R.A. Narasiah Through his eyes, I saw glorious (Continued on page 10) history in every nook, heritage (More tributes on pages 6-11.) 6 MADRAS MUSINGS May 1-15, 2019

In fond remembrance of TRIBUTESContinued Mr. S. Muthiah My parents Murthy and Balam, wife Usha, and work A short quiz on the life and Thank You, Muthiah Sir ­colleagues Shankar and Gomathy join me in penning these few ­career of a respected fami- ly friend, Guru, well-wisher, words in fond remembrance of Mr. Muthiah. ­historian (chronicler) and Mr. Muthiah took me under his wing in 1992 when my writer synonymous with this dad introduced us to each other for possible typesetting work wonderful­ city. for my DTP business. His allergy for new-tech was legendary 1.Where was S. Muthiah born even then, so I didn’t expect my computer-based solutions to and what does the initial S stand cut much ice with him; but while Mr. Muthiah never trusted for? new-fangled machines, he trusted people. 2.A qualified engineer, from It was my good fortune that, deserving or not, he found me which prestigious Ivy League worthy of his trust. Thus began my 25+ year journey in his university did Muthiah get a service. Over this quarter of a century, he was guru and mentor Masters degree in International Relations? to me personally, and well-wisher to my business and my family. 3.It is well-known that he worked At work, he put us through our paces. There was no satisfy- at The Times of Ceylon for about ing his quest for perfection. Year after year, he put us through 17 years before returning to India the wringer, drove us up the wall and made us tear our hair in the late 1960s. What prompted in despair… achieving impossible deadlines while at least in his return? Mr. Muthiah at the MLS library seen with Manohar Devadoss, Sujatha Shankar, K.R.A. Narasiah and Sriram V. major part meeting his high expectations on the typesetting of 4.Passionate about sports his books and the laying out of Madras Musings every fortnight. ­(especially rugby), Muthiah wrote It was exactly three years on post-Independent settle- a widely-read weekly column in That was his way. To first find potential in anyone he The Times of Ceylon for many ago that there was a mention ments of Madras, starting with worked with… and once found, push, prod and guide, until years. What was it called? about Madras Literary Society Anna Nagar. We had published the ­potential reflected in the delivery. and the exhibition we hosted, a booklet on the same. I was 5.Muthiah retired from active­ We are proud to say that we are what we are today because ­service as head of one of in Madras Miscellany. Many asked to meet him the next ­India’s best-known corporate good things started happening day and explain all the parts of of his relentless efforts… and his unrelenting belief that we had group’s cartography printing in MLS after that. Muthiah Sir, the book. From that day on, he something in us that even we were not aware of. ­company. Which one? member number 5, was one of would always introduce me as I am sure most of his proteges feel the same way about their 6. A man with passion for news our senior-most members. He the Anna Nagar history girl, interactions with Mr. Muthiah. throughout his career, he was a visited MLS after a long gap and made sure we were includ- visiting faculty (teaching report- and stayed for three long hours. ed in press meets, celebrations On the personal front, Mr. Muthiah was always there for us. ing) at a well-known centre of He looked at the restored books and talks. And that was Sir, Despite all his engagements, he made it a point to be with us at learning’s journalism course (of and patiently went through our who was ready to encourage, every celebration, be it my son’s upanayanam, the launch of my which the QM was a student). paper on future plans. acknowledge and appreciate daughter’s maiden book by his own hands, or their weddings. Name the institute now based in He was always kind, caring, affectionate and endearing. He Mylapore. He would enquire about our the young and newcomers. progress once in a while and Another cherished time with made it clear that his blessings were always with us. 7. In 1980, he produced a tome about Madras’ cultural, histor- give us many suggestions for Sir was, when I attended the PII We too were always extended the famous hospitality of the ical and architectural heritage improvement. When I went to Journalism course. He talked Muthiahs at all their celebrations, not to mention his unfailing which is now in its ninth edition his home to request Sir to give about his love for sports, his “Amma, coffee kondaa,” whenever any of us met him at home, and revered by the lovers of the a talk in MLS, he said “Let’s do ideas on women fashion, pol- surrounded by his books and papers, and usually the ominous ­metropolis. Name the original a quiz on Madras,” “you better itics, border issues, food, and proofs with which he was going to roast us over the coffee. title and its present name. know the answers and keep a many other subjects. He also Mr. Muthiah’s passing is yet to sink in. At work, Shankar 8. Apart from his myriad books on bowl of chocolates to reward gave homework. At the end will feel it when the next issue of Musings comes up and there Madras, the prolific author also correct answers,” he said with of the course he asked,“can is no “sir’s handwriting” to decipher, though Mr. Muthiah wrote on remarkable institutions. a smile. It was one of the most we have one more class?” All So tell me, what were the subject himself told us, “You must now tell me,” when we once asked engaging and interesting events of us unanimously said – Yes! him what he had written. And at home, the next time Usha of the books Getting India on the which have taken place in MLS. We could not get enough of Move, Down by the Adyar and A says by force of habit, “Romba naal aachu, one of these days Planting Century? He patiently stood for all the his knowledge, passion, his en- let’s drop by and meet Mr. Muthiah,” it will dawn on us that selfies his fans wanted to take couragement and his interest- 9.Going with the above theme, we have left it too late. with him at the end of it. ing questions with a charming he wrote a handful of biogra- Adieu, Sir. We are going to miss you sorely. phies of achievers. Looking Back During one of the con- smile. From ‘Moulmein’ and Born To versations I had with him I – Krishna Prasad Dare dealt with which two prom- ­mentioned that I was working – Thirupurasundari Sevvel Mot Juste Communication Services Private Limited inent residents of Madras? 10. One of his many labours of love is this 28-year-old wonderful A beloved Mentor and Friend newsletter that you are now read- ing. In which month and year did Mr. Muth- As communications director page, there was an extra splash Vol 1, Issue 1 come out? iah taught us at the TTK Group, Mr. Muth- of ink and two prominent words 11.He was also instrumental in Reporting – iah was my boss for a decade. emblazoned across: What non- launching a companion volume we held him Together, we brought out the sense! All the articles, of course, to Madras Musings which, as he in awe. Be- group’s award-winning in-house had to be rewritten for a second once told me, was ‘for women, fore the end magazine, TTK Spectrum. I round of editing. about women and by men and of the course might have been a gold medalist On most Saturday mornings women’! Name this magazine. he asked me in journalism and confident of those days, Mr. Muthiah would 12.A regular contributor to The whether I my English language writing arrive at the TTK headquarters Hindu, history was made on was serious skills, but Mr. Muthiah, the on Cathedral Road. He would ­November 15, 1999. How? about my in- editor, soon brought me down come to my room first, but only 13.His short-lived column in The surance offi- to terra firma. after spending some time with Hindu that told tales ‘travelling cer’s job – the I vividly remember the day Mr. T.T. Vasu. He would get me on the five main roads that led south-based I received the first lot of drafts to order what he liked – either out of the Fort in the city’ was called…? conglomer- I had written for the magazine, black coffee or lemon tea. And 14.What did Muthiah start to ate where he carrying Mr. Muthiah’s stamp. then he would go through the bring together booklovers and worked was His driver, Malairaj, would page layouts I had prepared, the discuss literary works at least If I had not joined the Jour- looking for a public relations bring such edited versions to headlines, etc. No adjectives once a fortnight? nalism course at the Bharat­ manager. It was the time I was my room from time to time. for people, he would insist; 15.On March 7, 2002, Muthiah iya Vidya Bhavan on a whim, determined to leave the public The first lot carried the editor’s for products, it’s fine. Do not was recognised by the Queen I would possibly have never sector. I was eight years old favourite Wality fountain pen use unnecessary words; the with an award for his relentless met S. Muthiah. I was in the with the insurance company ink scribbles, which formed lead in a news story should say pursuit for the conservation and batch of 1992-93, the oldest by and I knew I had to be careful. patterns between paragraphs, something new and you should protection of Madras’ historic en- some measure, but I quickly got But there was something about dotted margins and created a make it interesting; avoid label virons. Name the award bestowed hooked, not missing a single this man that drew me to him. I sort of mosaic at the bottom headlines… on him. evening class through the year. (Answers on page 12) took the plunge. of almost every page. On one (Continued on page 12) May 1-15, 2019 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

Muthanna The Gentleman Hello, Girl! K.S. Padmanabhan was from Colombo­ My father, the late R.K.K. Menon, a veteran Long before he became the a close friend of Muthiah’s journalist in his time was a good friend of Mr. and an associate in some beloved Chronicler of Madras, Muthiah. At our first formal meeting over an of his pet projects. His wife, society sage and Uncle Muthu editing assignment brief he was giving me, our Chandra reminisces about it. to a new generation of writ- conversation was filled with my innumerable It is with a sad and heavy ers, artists, social activists and Yes, Sir’s . A few minutes of that, and he said, heart I am reminiscing about heritage enthusiasts, there was “Cut out that Sir...call me Uncle”! And it was Paddu’s and my association another S. Muthiah, an elegant precisely at that point that my life changing with Muthiah, which existed gentleman and boulevardier of journey with Uncle Muthiah began. for more than 4 decades. In Colombo. 1975, my husband and I start- “He did not just belong to ‘Hello, Girl’, was his usual greeting whenever­ ed the Madras branch of high society of Colombo, he was I dropped in on him, mostly mid-morning...‘By East West Books (Madras) right up there with the best,” re- 11ish, and don’t come half hour earlier’ he Pvt. Ltd. and shifted base calls Rohini Shankar, architect would joke! During those quiet times, he from Delhi. A few years ear- and designer. She remembers would generally discuss ideas on his beloved lier Muthiah also shifted to how he and his friends would city to follow up for Madras Musings, institu- Chennai from Sri Lanka. be guests at her family home in tions to discover nuggets about, and people to When Nizhal published a book on Heritage Thus began our relation- Kurunegela in North Western contact. And as usual, he would take out that Trees Living Landmarks of Chennai he was de- ship as Publisher-Author, and Sri Lanka. “Of course, we were meticulously compiled directory (laminated­ lighted and actively supported its formal book above all a great friendship. too young to mix with them precisely to prevent damage!) to pick out the release and the planning from start to finish. He wrote his first book – a but they were amongst the top chosen contact. The environmental heritage of Chennai was thin version of the present people in the society of those In his gentle firm way, he nurtured my in- also of keen interest to him. Our walk around edition, titled Madras Dis- days.” She gestures with her terest in civic concerns and stretched writing the Kotturpuram Tree Park, where I showed covered, which sold for just dainty diamond ringed fingers thresholds. In the early years, he would actually off Chennai’s first Community Park and its Rs 10/-. The residents of the to indicate just how high up call me every other day, generally around 8.15 successes, was truly special. And though Uncle city loved it and Muthanna, Muthiah was in those times. a.m. (when he woke up) to catalyse the ideas, Muthiah spoke little that evening, he promptly as he was fondly known to Imagine him now in the to get me started! And once I gathered steam wrote a rare effusive note on our eco restoration me, decided to do more re- Swinging Sixties at Mount myself, to write on a plethora of civic and envi- work in his weekly column for The Hindu, search. Madras Rediscovered Lavinia Hotel, Colombo’s most ronmental issues in, he also modestly stepped ­‘Madras Miscellany’! And a few years later on was born! During the course favored venue for the likes of back to guide only where he felt absolutely our organic farming work across prisons of Tam- of our association – East West Hollywood stars like Vivien necessary. A perfectionist, he would occasion- il Nadu, and with the historic Maadi Poonga published several books of Leigh, Lawrence Olivier and ally fly off the handle if things were not how he and the community around. his. Most popular among Kirk Douglas, still alive at 105. felt they ought to be. But immediately after, I remember well our last meeting over a these were Madras Rediscov- Do we add Alec Guinness and he would be as gentle and gracious as ever, all ered, Madras Miscellany and month ago , by which time his health was failing Willian Holden who also stayed upset forgotten... ‘Will you have some coffee, but he was still going as strong as he could with a coffee table book ­Madras there? They were there for the or rasam?’ was the next query. it’s Past and Present. Madras his writing commitments. And the sharing of making of The Bridge on the Once my interest in civic issues led me onto Rediscovered has run into our lives and routines and his affectionate peck ­River Kwai that was shot mostly founding Nizhal, a Trust for sensitive greening several editions. In spite of his on my cheek before walking me to the road, in the jungles of Sri Lanka. in urban areas, my time for Madras Musings failing health, he brought out in spite of needing help to straighten up from The Sun may have set on the came down and I could sense Uncle Muthiah’s a revised edition, which was the sitting position!‘Once I am up, I am fine’! Empire but it continued to rise disapproval. ‘Once you have started running published last year under the he smiled. on Mount Lavinia. At the Co- behind the trees, you have no time for me!’ he East West imprint! Thank you very much, Uncle Muthiah... for lombo Race Course men wore would often say. ‘Do that and do this too’, he Sometime in the eighties all the learning, thank you for being part of my shiny white sharkskin suits and would say. But he also emphathised with the Paddu and I, decided to bring life and Nizhal’s, for the support and kindness Sri Lankan society women wore grass root level challenges I faced and would out a magazine dedicated and encouragement you have always shown to their Channels and pearls. This listen patiently and keenly to my outpourings, to reviewing books called us. Will miss you very much! is where Ted Fordyce, a tiny offering the names of helpful contacts he felt The Indian Review of Books. wizened Australian jockey could support us in any way. –Shobha Menon Muthanna was also involved raced and won the hand of the in this project. daughter of the man who had In the early nineties both hired him. In one of his Metro Burgher women, Sinhalese editors and rising up to be sec- as they say a family man. There Paddu and Muthanna decided columns Muthiah remembers women with Dutch anteced- ond in command. was little left of the boulevard- to start the Madras Book Club Dhanalakshmi Fordyce: “Tall ents, the famous artists and I can’t resist adding the story ier in him except in his exquisite with the help of Mr. and Mrs. willowy, dusky, Tamil-look- designers of that time, the Bawa of how the Mount Lavinia got manners. He knew for instance Kumar of the British Council. ing Dhanalakshmi, Rasathy to Brothers, Barbara Sansoni, its name. When the first British to greet a lady in the manner To this day it still functions! many of us, was one of the most the textile diva, Ena de Silva, Governor of Sri Lanka came of Maurice Chevalier; leaning A few months back my beautiful women I’ve ever seen. sculptor, George Keyt, artist to take up the post, he fell in lightly forward trailing a whiff son, Gautam Padmanabhan, She was one of the first students were some of the internation- love with a native woman. Her of after-shave and murmuring his wife and I visited Muthan- at Darpana in Ahmedabad and ally known people in Colombo. name was Lovina Appasuwa, of “How are you my dear?” with na since he was ailing. He was later danced with Mrinalini Muthiah’s father was the Mayor Portuguese-Sri Lankan descent. the merest brush of lips on full of new ideas for future Sarabhai’s troupe.” of Colombo. After sending While he built his splendid proffered cheek! books and promised Gautam The most beautiful of the his son to study in the U.S., Palladian style mansion on the Valli I began to realise was to send manuscripts as soon quite a feat hill overlooking the bay towards the power behind the man. A as they were ready! He was in those days, the Laccadives, he directed his company secretary who worked an amazing person with a when everyone engineers to bore a tunnel link- during the week, she typed lot of zest. Despite several went to the ing the wine cellar to Lovina’s his hand-written manuscripts, changes in the ownership of U.K., Muthi- house close by. Their love flour- managed his finances, the two the publishing company – the ah returned to ished in the wine cellar. Gover- daughters whom he adored, author- publisher relationship join The Times nor Sir Thomas Maitland could and the household. When she continued. of Ceylon. He not however marry his gorgeous passed away, so much earlier Muthanna always said was to remain native woman who nonetheless than him, something in him “everybody has a story in there for 17 became Lady Lavinia. died. Even if to the outside him” and encouraged every- years, working By the time I met Muthiah world he picked up his pen, one to write. When he start- Mr. Muthiah with Geeta Doctor. under British in the early ‘80s he had become never missed a deadline for ed Madras Musings he gave his Hindu Metro column, put me a cookery column called the pen jauntily in his left side Muthu, my friend Madras Club Library sub-committee meetings, “Cooking with Chandra”. pocket and sallied forth. and, most recently, our Third Sunday ‘Books This led to my becoming a I first met Muthu in Bangalore. He was That’s how I would like to for Breakfast’ get-togethers, also at the Madras cookbook writer! He was visiting with his mother, and stayed with us. I remember him – straw hat, pen Club. I was lucky to have spent precious prime always a source of great en- was 14 years old, and he had just come down and binoculars in hand singing time with Muthu just before he passed away. I couragement. For me and from New York where he was studying. I met perhaps: “Thank Heavens for was privileged to know him and will sorely miss my family it is a great per- him again years later, after he had relocated to those fabulous days! Without this really good friend. sonal loss. He will always be Chennai, with Valli. I will always cherish our Valli, what would a man like remembered with love and evening ‘Mafia’ meetings with friends, on the me do!” – Malathi Ramachandran admiration. verandah of the Madras Club. As I will our – Geeta Doctor 8 MADRAS MUSINGS May 1-15, 2019 The Muthiah I knew The great encourager It was sometimes in the early In the passing away of S. dance and theatre magazine. I 1990’s I was introduced to S. Muthiah, veteran journalist, was there when the very first Muthiah by V.R. Devika. I had historian and conservationist, copy of the first issue came out just passed out of Loyola Insti- we have lost the man who of the trimming machine 34 tute of Visual Communication, ­kindled the spark in every years ago and flipped through it trying my hand at freelance Chennaiite to know more about to make sure we at TT MAPS writing as well as photography. “Our Town Madras”. When had not made an error while Muthiah loved the tonal ranges I moved to this metropolis in printing.... In black and white, in my black and white prints. 1989 after spending the early it looked a sophisticated mag- Thus started our relationship. years in north India, I got to azine. Its well-written content It was the time the printing know several aspects about this offered good reading, only a industry was also going through city on reading two very inter- couple of pieces having a tech- major changes with letter offset esting books – Tales of Old and nical slant. I have no interest giving way to multi colour offset New Madras and Madras Dis- in music or dance, but I knew machines. I became a part of his covered – written by S. Muthiah. what Sruti contained; being team, photographing for quite Am glad I have a copy of both. a conscientious printer then, a few books he would author, I got a chance to meet the I’d read every word a client including The Raj Bhavans of soft spoken, ever smiling “Mr. brought in for printing to make Tamil Nadu. I couldn’t have Kaviko AbdurRahman, S. Muthiah at the Yaadhum DVD release function Muthiah” soon after I became sure I wouldn’t get into trouble. at RMRL along with Anwar. asked for a better mentor. He a member of Sruti’s editorial The funny thing is that I still always had a clear idea on what for any reason. So when I my film, he would gently ask team. He was a well-wisher read Sruti, except when it gets he wanted, and any project of made Yaadhum, a documen- questions about the current of Sruti magazine and a good technical. That’s saying some- his would start with a proper tary film on my search for my situation of the Muslim com- friend of its founder-editor N. thing about the magazine.... It briefing on the subject, a list of Tamil Muslim identity and munity, expressing concern at Pattabhi Raman, and would was the Bossu (T.T. Vasu) who pictures, the kind of picture he history, Muthiah was a pillar the changing cultural practices. occasionally drop in for a chat. got me printing Sruti when it would want for a book cover of support. He volunteered These were hard questions but In fact, Muthiah was involved started. After asking for a quote and letters seeking permission to correct my script, released put in his typical mild language, in its initial printing process for a monthly magazine, he sug- to photograph addressed to the film along with acclaimed from a friend and well wisher and he recalled the association gested I print it at half the price. in The Hindu’s Madras Miscel- Helping a cause, he’d said at a authorities concerned. Tamil poet late Kaviko Abdur with good intentions in mind. lany column after attending time when CSR had not even Even as my photography Rahman at Roja Muthiah That was Muthiah, not just the launch of the 400th issue entered the vocabulary. When career bloomed, it was to the Research library. Thereafter to me but to a whole lot of of Sruti magazine in January the internal auditors asked credit of S. Muthiah that my he would recommend the film people, cutting across race, to many friends and acquain- religion or ethnicity – A friend, 2018. Here are a few lines in questions, it was my baby not own interest in history and his inimitable style: his, so I met Pattabhi Raman tances of his and also ensured philosopher and Guide. writing became focused. He “I was there at the recent for the first time a couple of its screening in various fo- had this gentle knack of asking – S. Anwar release of the 400th edition years later, asking for a small rums. Even as he promoted questions about things around of Sruti, the premier music, price hike. Sathyamoorthy, the us, which when one went about Bossu’s Man Friday, found him a seeking answers would open new printer. But the former UN new avenues. That is how while What made Muthu write? civil servant (Pattabhi Raman) talking about Tamil maritime When we were struggling to ings of The Madras Gazetteer, Muthu was so balanced and and I kept in touch.” past, Muthiah once wondered form a Board of Trustees for the for which I was a contributor, calm during the chat that the aloud as to why there are no Muthiah described the pass- Roja Muthiah Research Library I said it should be Chennai evening passed on pleasantly, ing away of his friend Pattabhi record of the early ships. This is in 2000, Muthiah was the first Gazetteer. Muthu believed that leaving intact the goodwill in Raman in Madras Musings as “A what lead me to the Azhagiya person we thought of. Sundar, Chennai was a fresh name all quarters. loss to the world of small, seri- Nambi temple at Thiruku- the present Director of the chosen instead of Madras. The I recall reading an article in ous journals in India”. He also rungudi, where there was a library and I, met him. After a name Chennai has been in par- Time magazine titled “What reproduced several cartoons beautiful bas relief of a ship number of questions, he visited lance for at least two centuries, Makes Asimov write”. I often about the “Mad Madras Sea- with traders and their goods, RMRL, then in a pitiful rented I pointed out, and that what asked the same question about son” as a tribute to his memory. which included horses and building in Mogapair. He got has happened is out of the two, Muthu. He was prolific and that other animals. Perhaps it was the concept of the library and one name has been chosen. He was also, I guess, his antidote Muthiah would often re- already known to the locals and agreed to become a trustee. did not agree. But what I loved to ageing. Till the last moment produce articles from Sruti in MM. Meticulous and principled a few research scholars, but that That was a critical point in about the man was that he did he kept tapping away. And that he was, he never failed to discovery set me to work more the growth of that institution. not let such differences affect he cared for fitness and never give credit and would send us on the maritime past, which I We could attract some more the relationship. complained about the aches a cheque for the same though was also soon to discover as the eminent names on the board. He had his critics, academ- and pains of old age. Every eve- reason for Islam’s arrival in this we never asked him to do so. The library was of Tamil im- ics particularly who saw his ning you could see him walking We cherish his interaction with part of the country, even as it prints, mostly unconventional work as a mere corpus of empir- energetically in the oval at The all of us. was spreading across West Asia library material. But Muthu ical details, lacking in analysis. Madras Club. in the 7th Century. saw the heritage value of the They also looked upon Madras Only a very few of my friends Deeply passionate as he was It was at Muthiah’s insistence collection. Musings as an elitist periodical call me “Theodore” and Muthu about the heritage of Madras, that I got reluctantly draft- His presence in the Board that disregarded the vernacular was one of them. I met him Muthiah enjoyed the articles, ed into the Madras Gazetteer­ of Trustees was solid and lent tradition of the city. In fact nearly forty years ago and we the cartoons and the statistics project. When the project was it tremdous strength. He would M.S.S. Pandian wrote an article remained friends, in spite of published about the music and mid way through, the earlier keenly follow the activities of in an English daily on these the dim view he took of civil dance season in Sruti. Come person entrusted with writing the library and contribute. He lines. Two days later, Pandian, servants. It is a friendship that December, he would ask me to write an article about the Ma- the chapter on Muslim history gave us contacts to pursue and Muthu and I met at the end has enriched my life as it did dras Season for Madras Musings had dropped out. I was neck offered his counsel in times of of a workshop in a beach re- Roja Muthiah Research Library. — which I did for many years. deep in my commercial work trouble. That he was politically sort near Mamallapuram. This – S. Theodore Baskaran Although he knew my name and hesitated to take it up, but liberal and progressive suited article came up for discussion. Muthiah won me over saying is Janaki, for some reason he us well. would refer to me as ‘Jayamalini “otherwise the community his- Though he was keen on of Suruthi’! It was a good joke tory will go unrepresented.” heritage and pushed the idea that we shared. Even though the project was to Chennaites, as he could on Madras, Muthiah also made not read or write Tamil, he He, who was passionate a specific request, asking me had a tendency to ignore that about Madras that is Chennai, to start my writing with the domain. For instance, the was responsible in a major way history of Islam’s early arrival building in which Ramalingam for all of us to celebrate Madras in Tamil Nadu. He said “not aka Vallalar delivered his first Day, and continued to raise his many are aware of this unique sermon in Chennai never fig- voice for conservation, is no more. The best homage we can aspect of history of Islam in ured in his list. We often had offer him is to uphold the causes Tamil Nadu, so it needs to be discussions on such issues and he held dear. told to contextualise it.” He Muthu was always polite and was genuinely concerned that unfazed during the proceedings. no aspect of Madras history or The name change for Madras – S. Janaki any history should be left out for instance. In one of the meet- Editor-in-Chief, Sruti May 1-15, 2019 MADRAS MUSINGS 9 S. Muthiah, MBE

This article was written by loved to see him in a top hat he’s a soft-spoken unassuming City (he must regret this subtitle for the Madras Book Club’s Timeri N Murari in 2002, when and a morning suit with cut man, who walks, or marches I today), At Home in Madras, and monthly meetings. I’m con- Mr. Muthiah was awarded the away tails, sipping tea with think, with very straight shoul- Madras, Its Past and Present. stantly surprised by his prodi- MBE by the Queen of England. HM on those regal lawns. But ders, looking straight ahead. They’re my Bibles should any gious energy. Much of what he wrote held they’re broke as we are and the He also possesses the sim- visitor question me on any- He pops up all over the place true at the time of Mr. Muthiah’s Investiture Ceremony takes plest of wardrobes, a plain white thing, from Fort St. George to passing. in his columns. One moment place in Chennai. bush shirt and slacks. His shirt St Thomas’ Mount to George meeting a team of environmen- Writer, printer and chron- On second thoughts, it is was once a topic of conversa- Town. icler of our times, S. Muth- talists, the next at a conference appropriate, as he is the major tion. If Muthu hasn’t written of our babus. iah was presented with the historian of the city. He was amused I’d paid a about something, a quick call ‘Honorary Member of the Civil I have known Muthu now few hundred rupees for a shirt, and I have the information. He is in the front line to Division of the Most Excellent for many years and been en- while he couldn’t be bothered He’s taught me the history of preserve our cultural heritage Order of the British Empire’ riched by his friendship. We with such sartorial splendour cricket in Madras through his against our Government. award recently. have a couple of coincidences and still had a local tailor stitch book on the Madras Cricket He chronicled the victory of TIS TIME to salute success in common. Both of us began his shirts for a tenth of the Club and I should learn about and write about it. Like most of the IG of Police office on the our careers as engineers, shunt- amount. the history of Sri Lankan cricket Marina but he’s also written our achievements, recognition ed into that profession by our He exudes an aura of calm, soon. first comes from those outside about the destruction and loss respective fathers. We’re of which always surprises me, as I I’ve learnt about plantation that occurs around us daily. India. My friend S. Muthiah the same profession, journal- know his mind is spinning faster life and the rich and colourful has been honoured with the ists, and we worked for British than a particle accelerator. I heritage of the Chettiars. He’s When I write that he has MBE by HM Queen Elizabeth newspapers. While he was The can’t even catalogue his tre- even chronicled “The Splen- ­enriched me, I guess that’s II. Let me get the wording right Observer’s correspondent mendous output of fine work, dour of South India’’, for those being selfish. Muthu has en- as I know Muthu cares deeply in Sri Lanka, I was working while I plod along with the of us who don’t explore our riched everyone he’s met, and about accuracy. for The Guardian around the odd-column, a novel and a film States. especially this city now called He’s been awarded the same time. The Guardian now script or two. He still works on The sheer depth of his Chennai. ‘Honorary Member of the Civil owns The Observer. an old manual typewriter, typ- knowledge has him now on the If the British Empire recog- Division of the Most Excellent In the manner of old friend- ing with two fingers and out of lecture circuit for American nises his work, I don’t see why Order of the British Empire’. ships, I cannot quite remember those fingers have flowed week- tourists. He’s just returned the Indian government doesn’t Now that is something to cheer how we met now. I believe it ly columns, Madras Musings and from a week of floating around try to top that with one of its about. was through his niece, who told numerous books. When I say I Kerala with a bunch of octo- highest awards. In far away England, our me I had to meet her Uncle am enriched by his friendship, genarians. Of course, a week ex-imperial masters have rec- And I bet, he’d receive it in Muthu, the writer. The meeting I should also state his books away from his old typewriter his bush shirt and slacks. ognised Muthu’s talents. I had didn’t happen immediately. have informed, enlightened and put him way back in his work, hoped the British Empire would We probably met at a func- enriched me. he complained. – Published with kind have coughed up an airfare tion or a dinner party and fell I have learnt more about my He still lectures on journal- permission­ of The Hindu for him to meet the Queen at into conversation. He is diffi- city through his Madras Redis- ism and on his other profession Buckingham Palace. I would’ve cult to pick out of a crowd, as covered, Madras, The Gracious as a printer. He is the front man Subbiah Muthiah, the Madras legend Dr. A. Raman Must have been the summer modern photo-offset printing me about various other authors, of either 1984 or 1985. Nicho- facility in the neighbourhood who had written on Madras. He las Casimir Raj, S.J., Principal of Madras. That is where I fired the academic spark in me. of Loyola College, Madras – first met Muthiah. In the draft Because of the Loyola hand- deeply enthusiastic in bringing manuscript on the Loyola hand- book project, I had occasion to about dynamic changes to the book, I had included a 5-page meet him several times at TT College – and I were discussing text, ‘History of the College’. Maps. Our guru–sishya relation- various college-related matters. As the printer, Muthiah had ship got strengthened. He used Casimir had just returned from read through that part of my to alert me about his talks on Santa Clara (California) and text. That opportunity formally Madras’s history held at various was bubbling with enthusiasm. ‘introduced’ me to him. He was venues. I need to say here that One project we talked of was then gathering information on he was wanted at various intel- to replace the ‘calendar’ – that Madras’s history, especially the lectual forums of Madras, since included monotonous informa- book, Madras by N.S. Ramaswa- knowing about the past of Ma- tion about the College and a mi of the Indian Express, Ma- dras was considered something few other details on academic dras. Muthiah introduced me ‘new’ and ‘unknown’ to the matters, issued to students to S(amuel) E(benezer) Runga- people of Madras! I was a reg- tive because, in the process, I acumen and wisdom. He, not at the start of each academic nadhan et al. ’s tercentenary ular attendee at these talks. He would be informing my fellow only with readiness in his face, year – with an attractively volume on Madras (1939). This used to invite me to his home residents of Madras about Ma- but also with readiness in his printed and handsomely illus- conversation instilled a desire in T. Nagar. In my interactions dras’s past. The empowerment heart clarified my questions. trated ‘handbook’. Casimir and in me to know about the town with him, he was absolutely reinforced my confidence to A great personality, who called I went to TT Maps, a large and I was born in. He also spoke to enchanting and charismatic. I take this subject on to myself, a spade, a spade. On many an fell for his knowledge and I was although I found it extremely occasion, I have been chided being academically influenced challenging, simply because and scoffed at for my errors and by him to get interested into I have never had any formal omissions. I remember his sharp Uma and Karthik Narayanan have been staunch supporters learning more about Madras’s of Madras Musings, through their entities Ucal Exports and the training in history. At one time, response to me, when I misspelt Chatnath Trust. past. He was so impactful that I he spoke to me about others Willingdon (Freeman-Freeman As condolence messages pour in, it is abundantly clear started reading about the ‘olde’ who were passionately writing Thomas, 1866-1936) confusing that Mr. Muthiah was like our great banyan tree in the Theo- Madras, which made me do my on various aspects of Madras, him with Wellington, the capi- sophical Society grounds. In his benign shade, many talents (amateurish) research on this such as Sriram V., Theodore tal of New Zealand from 1865, developed and creativity flourished. I owe him a deep personal subject, thus gradually sinking Bhaskaran, Randor Guy, and when he replied quoting ‘et tu?’ debt – he was the mentor who encouraged my husband Karthik me into writing on Madras’s suggested, therefore, that I from Shakespeare. I revelled in Narayanan and me to write. colonial-period history. At first, should focus on exploring evo- his warmth of heart and kind- Mr. Muthiah recognised Karthik’s proficiency in Tamil, he encouraged me to write for lution of science in Madras, ness. He shined his knowledge entrusting him with translating his oeuvre – a prodigious the fledgling Madras Musings, ­between 1639 and 1947. and wisdom on many, like a task which Karthik did with enthusiasm and commitment. He compiling current literature on He trained me to think sim- selfless lighthouse tower. The endorsed my work, talking about it in glowing terms, contrib- Madras’s history. I thought this ply, but correctly. He trained words of Matthews (5, 16), Let uting substantially to its success. was a beneficial and informative me to search for accurate de- your light shine before people in I will miss him and his zest for life. My life is poorer for his effort: (i) beneficial because this tails and consult original docu- such a way that they see your good passing. learning and practice would ments. In that sense see he is my works, …, reverberate in me, as – Uma Narayanan empower me to know about teacher and mentor. Whenever Madras’s past, and (ii) informa- I was doubtful, I relied on his (Continued on page 10) 10 MADRAS MUSINGS May 1-15, 2019 The Boston link

Sitting at my desk in Boston, lab, three students were teamed in MIT where I edited strands of up to run experiments. While DNA for the Human Genome the other two did the work, he Project, I’d read S. Muthi- carefully observed the proceed- ah’s Madras Miscellany during ings and wrote reports which his breaks. I loved this column in instructors loved. The narrative The Hindu because it dealt won the team good grades. with every aspect of my home- And one day, a flyer on campus town, mostly its past. It was like caught his eye. The student learning interesting details of newspaper was looking for re- your mother’s life before she cruits. He showed up at the became your mother, and loving office to be greeted with, “Can her more for it. One December, you write in English?” W.T. on a visit home, I rang up the Keble, the headmaster of his man who wrote about Madras school in Sri Lanka, the author institutions, personalities, and of many books, had encouraged neighborhoods. I had hoped to him to read widely, and to mumble my thanks and hang write. So he, and did write for up but he asked me to drop in the paper. if I was free. He was not miserable during So, I first met the legendary his undergraduate days, I’m S. Muthiah with Siva Panchanathan, Vijaysree and Subash Pereira at Taj Connemara, a favourite venue of his. chronicler of Madras at his sure. When I took my husband residence in a cul-de-sac in to meet him, he asked him, “Ask any sailor whose ship lays New England when it comes to been remodeled extensively. T.Nagar. The gentleman treat- not me “How is old Scollay up in the Boston Navy Yard…,” “vices.” Though he was a pub- The building resembles a pink ed me as an equal despite the Square?” From our blank stares, she wrote. Or ask any male col- lic figure, he didn’t care about wedding cake and now houses a years that separated us. We got he realized we hadn’t heard of lege student, who made visits projecting any particular image. museum for Swami Vivekanan- talking. Turns out, he too had the place, but didn’t bother to to Howard’s Temple of Bur- Ardent fangirl, I loved him all da but unlike Scollay Square, known the frigid winters of explain, unusually enough. So, lesque (featuring Rose La Rose, the more for it. the name Ice House lives in Boston, firsthand, as a student I went home to dig up more on Peaches, Irma the Body) a req- “All my old girlfriends are public memory. This frozen at the Worcester Polytechnic this fairly recent piece of Boston uisite part of undergraduate life, still in Colombo,” he often said water trade wins no mention in Institute (WPI). His father, a history. You see what it means elaborates writer Susan Orlean. with a big smile. Once when our history textbooks. To others Mayor of Colombo, had sent to come under the man’s influ- In 1962, Scollay Square was he told me, “I don’t have that it may be nothing more than a him abroad to become an engi- ence? It is not Madras alone, razed to make way for the staid many friends in Madras,” I was forgotten bit of commerce, but neer. Tinkering with machines you have to be alert and alive plaza, Government Center. The taken aback. Of course, his best the journey of ice appears ex- was not his thing, but he didn’t wherever you are. Turns out, disreputable square’s name was years were in Sri Lanka where traordinary to me, connecting want to disappoint an affection- this had been a tract of nightlife slowly erased from people’s he went to school and worked as it does my two hometowns. ate dad. in Boston. minds. When I reached Boston, as a journalist after he got a Subbiah, handsome Mayor “But I should have nev- What then is Scollay twenty five years later, nobody graduate degree in Internation- of Colombo who drank two er been given an engineering Square?” wrote Pear Schiff in spoke of this place, which I al Relations from America. He pegs of whisky every night, lived degree,” he said cheerfully. her 1952 New York Times best found a mention of in Orleans’ came to Madras only when he to the ripe old age of 97, and Writing saved the day. In the selling novel of the same name. Red Sox and Bluefish. If Uncle was 40. Yes we make most of our was active till the very end. At Muthu went to this place full best friends when we are young, first he was not happy with his of cafes “ripe with impropriety” in the first three decades of son’s career choice. but got on as an undergraduate, why, I am our life. But so many people in famously with him later. He en- And Madras gently weeps... happy for him. Madras were happy to be asso- couraged his son to write a book In a 2011 interview with The ciated with him in any capacity. on Chettiars, the merchant Hindu, he said “Work keeps me Wasn’t that enough? Can it ever community they belonged to. (Continued from page 4) going, so does good life. I still be enough? Uncle Muthu believed he’d love my drink, I still love to Though he had regaled us live as long as his father, but protective of the manner in which the Book Club was run, gossip.” He mentioned that he all with so many stories about illness robbed the raconteur of the Chief never put up with any fractious behaviour, calling always had a couple of drinks Madras, my favorite was the half a dozen good years. There to order self-appointed orators, seeing through grandstand- before dinner. “It’s a habit I got one on Ice House, a landmark was no self pity even when he ing cunningly disguised as a question. from my father,” he said. “The building, across from Marina saw the end coming. “I will be The memories are endless; thousands of moments explode only difference is that while he Beach. This was a place where back later this year. I will see everywhere. drank only Scotch, I drink only ice was stored in the 19th cen- you then,” I told him last month What more can you say? Indian whisky. The best thing tury. Back then, ships carried and he smiled that same boyish Of someone who took the trouble to sit in the front row when- about Indian whisky is that no crystalline ice cut from frozen smile. “Why not?” the smile ever you had to speak, so he could control, by a series of matter what brand you drink, ponds around Boston to a few suggested. semaphoric gestures, your regrettable habit of talking extra it tastes the same.” I wonder tropical ports (Later, they also I can’t believe I won’t see fast when nervous? how the newspaper’s readers sent crisp New England ap- him again. Who, on what proved to be one of the last major book projects processed this information. ples to these tropical climes.) – Vijee you’d work on with him, decided to put your name in as The prudish in Madras can Ours is the only city where the (Vijaysree Venkatraman) co-author…a stupendous honour as unexpected as it was outdo the original Puritans of facility lives on though it has sudden. In a world territorial about almost everything, here was generosity that ought to be, but rarely is, the very essence of a true guru. You’ll never know if you did enough to earn this or if you even deserved it. You can only feel blessed. The Man for Madras And what can you say about the sheer luck of finding someone (Continued from page 9) in the annals of the history of Day project, which has today who re-introduced you to the self you had forgotten some- grown to ‘Madras Month’ is I write this piece with a deep Madras. Although the Govern- where along the way? solely because of him. We owe sense of nostalgia. ment had awkwardly changed Who is actual proof of the statement that when the student is our deep sense of thanks in He was a strong soul, who the name to Chennai, the term ready, the teacher appears. Except you don’t know if you making us feel proud of Madras shed much light on Madras – Madras will live for ever, only were ready; you just remember you needed a mentor to and its forgotten contributions an ugly and dirty town today, because of the deep inscription appear. to India at large. which had its genesis in 1639. Muthiah had carved in the And he did. He has left an unfillable He was so powerfully effective stony pages of Madras. He not So Muthu, whichever verandah of a grand old heritage building void among a host of admirers that he is seen by every admirer only inspired me as a dynamic you now grace, sitting in a comfortable chair with those tall and friends. A legend in every of the ugly Madras as ‘Mr. Ma- and effective speaker in public white columns behind you, surrounded by friends and con- thinkable sense. versation that will inevitably lead to stories, then to books, dras’ in a prideful, metaphorical forums, but also as a brilliant here’s to you, my friend, guide, philosopher, teacher…and sense. His name has become writer, who had a facile knack – Dr. A. Raman most of all, a second father. synonymous with Madras. He of communicating powerfully You will be missed every day. has indelibly carved his name and impactfully. The Madras May 1-15, 2019 MADRAS MUSINGS 11

The Honorary Anglo-Indian the country, through the var- community so very ious schools it ran or helped well, especially aspects The Anglo-Indian Commu- est in its special issue on hockey, run, and certainly through relating to the An- nity in India has been a much highlighted its key aspects in his the ICSE Board of Education glo-Indian way of life. loved, yet much misunderstood Madras Miscellany column for which its leaders A.E.T. Barrow He knew that its cui- one. Depending on the season, The Hindu and even attended and Frank Anthony set up. sine was a class apart, people ascribed many things the Dinner Dance held at St. He acknowledged its contri- not just in India, but to the Anglo-Indian: cool, Bede’s School in San Thomé in bution in the fields of Defence internationally, and fun-loving, simple-minded, January 2009 at the end of an (where Anglo-Indians held key devoted a Chapter to generous, oafish, sexy, skilled, all-India Anglo-Indian hockey positions, especially in the Air it in his book. He ob- laidback, gullible, apolitical and tournament. Quite recently, he Force), the Railways, Sports served that matters of so on. The British did it with picked up Dr. Bryan Peppin’s and above all the role of its faith and family were scorn, the Indian with sarcasm. cameo on Pallavaram in the women who were the coun- quite central to the The history of the community magazine, and reproduced it try’s first actresses, hostesses, ethos of the commu- was brushed under the carpet, in Madras Musings, a weekly secretaries and nurses, and nity and disapproved its contribution to nation-build- that he edited. He also made were thus the forerunners of of the caricaturing in ing ignored and its social pres- it a point to include the Anglo-­ women’s liberation in India. the media. He was ence frowned upon. But India Indian community in the Unknown to the community, also critical that com- came into her own in the 1990s ­Madras Week celebrations held he had been making notes on it, munity members in thanks to liberalisation, and so each year, and as many would and in 2013 authored The An- the past did not make did the Anglo-Indian. attest, the community respond- glo-Indians: A 500 Year History, full use of the educa- One person who keenly ed with panache. The Madras the most outstanding book on tional opportunities watched the community unfold Book Club, chaperoned by him, the community to date. Harry that they themselves over time was S. Muthiah. He was also instrumental in the MacLure and I were honoured gave to others, while himself was taught his 3 Rs and launch of many Anglo-Indian­ to collaborate with him on this. also happy to observe that its table manners by a Mrs. Smith, related books, Double Cream Many, both within and without youth are well educated and All this has endeared him to his Secretary in later years was Memsahib, The Secret Vindaloo the community, were thrilled are taking advantage of the the Anglo-Indian community, a Mrs. Dubier and he was ac- and Kipling’s Daughter to name a to lay their hands on the book. opportunities afforded by mod- in India and overseas, and in quainted with a lot of Burghers few. When Jenny Mallin visited When Muthiah visited Austra- ern India. Dr. Beatrix D’Souza his passing, the community has during his time in Ceylon. In from the U.K, promoting her lia in 2011 where his daughter aptly called him an Honorary perhaps lost its finest champion. Madras, he interacted with Dr. book A Grandmother’s Legacy, Parvathi then lived, he was Anglo-Indian. Stand up, stand up ladies and Beatrix D’Souza when she was Muthiah spontaneously called treated by the Anglo-Indian Despite his failing health, he gentlemen, as you listen to that a Member of Parliament, and us over to his home after the diaspora like a star, especially made it a point to be present collective Anglo-Indian whis- thereafter. He was impressed event, where he offered us beer, in Canberra where Joe Bailey at the International Anglo-In- per of acclaim: with Harry ­MacLure’s Anglos red wine and canapés. feted him in the presence of dian Reunion, held in Janu- Rest in peace Sir Muthiah, In The Wind (the Madras-based For some reason, Muthiah the Indian High Commissioner ary 2019 in Madras, and even rest in peace…you will always international magazine on the looked at the community with as well as the Chief Minister of spoke at the Authors event be in our Hearts! community) and sometimes a loving eye. He recognised ACT and other VIPs. held at Loyola College. He also drew notes from it for his writ- its ­immense contribution in The thing about Muthiah bolstered it with a corporate – Richard O’Connor ings on the city. He took inter- the field of education across was that he understood the sponsor.

A father figure and mentor Uncle Muthiah I was introduced to Mr. Muthiah, in the The Chief, Uncle Muthu, Madras busi- latter half of 1980s, by firmly believed that everyone , ness houses. my father Vembu Iyer, every place, every street, every He collected when the former had stone had a story to tell. He facts and con- to come visiting at my encouraged people to express nected them dad’s workplace (he themselves. Tributes are pour- which made was the head of OUP in ing in and it is amazing to see him a great Chennai/South India). how many people are saying corporate his- After getting to know that it is because of him they torian. I could about my passion for have become a journalist or a always turn to quizzing, he asked some writer. him when I questions on geogra- I knew him first as my fa- wanted to put phy, sports and Ma- ther’s friend. Among other things in prop- dras. Needless to say, I things, they had the shared er perspective. answered more of the love for books. Uncle Muthu, I used to be questions in the first my father, K.S. Padmanabhan most reluctant to speak in pub- was in discussion with a very fa- two categories than the of East West Publishing, and lic. Uncle would not take no for mous writer along with another one on the wonderful Abdullah of Orient Longman an answer and thought it was an friend and colleague, Uncle southern metropolis. used to meet regularly for lunch inhibition I had to get rid off. whispered to me from the front But it kick-started a and they formed the quartet He pushed me into addressing row, “You are taking over this great hero-worship of behind the Madras Book Club. meetings, moderate discussions entire discussion. Stop now him and the urge to It was Uncle Muthu’s passion and even in speaking in Tamil and allow the other person to learn more about the which drove the Book Club. on rare occasions. speak.” This is what he did to city which continues to Eventually people all over the If he chose to attend one somebody who was so terrified Mr. Muthiah along with Sriram V and the day. Years later as country wanted their books of the meetings, one had to of addressing an audience. Ramanan during one of the Madras Week Like many others I would Celebrations. his student at Bhara- publicised there. be very careful. I had to speak tiya Vidya Bhavan, he When I was struggling in a professional association never have got round to writing was always a positive critic of my writing efforts and was taken with the first cover story for a meeting once. This was just be- my book, Surge, if he had not aback when I chose to be on The Hindu Sports Desk rather ­Bombay based business maga- fore Google occupied our mind so persistently asked me when than be on the field. Always a regular at many quizzes that I zine I was working for then, it space. I had no time to do my I was going to start on it. He attended (or conducted), he asked me to take the baton from was uncle Muthu who came to research and I winged my way guided me, helped with many Dr. Navin Jayakumar in 1993 and pen the quiz column in Madras the rescue. He was delighted through. I cracked irrelevant things, and was so proud and Musings....an assignment that I do with enthusiasm to this day! that finally there was a maga- jokes mentioned unrelated an- happy when it came out. Initially he used to correct (and gently admonish) me if I got zine which covered corporate ecdotes, made it interactive and How can I not mention our some Madras funda wrong or asked too trivial a question but India in a readable way. To my got through the half an hour monthly lunches with two other never did he once get angry. ‘Muthu’ (as appa knew him) was a surprise and delight I found that allotted to me. Everybody con- friends, his excitement at find- family well-wisher till the end...I will surely miss the genial yet he read the magazine regularly. gratulated me for a fun evening. ing new places in his beloved strict father-figure, guide and mentor and a quiz fan! There used to be regular phone At the end of it uncle came up Madras? How did he discover them? He used to laugh when – V.V. Ramanan calls , sometimes critical, some- with a twinkle in his eyes and Deputy Sports Editor (The Hindu) and times full of praise. said, “you were completely ill quizzed about this. Now we will Madras Musings quiz master since 1993 Uncle was not predictable. prepared, weren’t you.” never know. He knew what was going on in On another occasion, when I – Sushila Ravindranath 12 MADRAS MUSINGS May 1-15, 2019 A keen follower of sports Mr. Muthiah was a walking I would send in the piece on my out in writing on other sports. I encyclopedia on various top- own, at other times he would am glad that my colleagues S.R. ics. People from many walks prompt me to write something Suryanarayan and V. Venkatra- of life who came into contact topical since he followed sports mana were of immense help in with him were amazed at how closely and knew what or who contributing articles on various he could discuss at length on was making news. He also en- sports. just about anything. And as a couraged me to write on senior During this time I interacted professional sports writer for sports journalists and over a with Mr. Muthiah more often over half a century now I was period of time I wrote about P.N. and found him meticulous in absolutely flabbergasted as to Sundaresan, N.S. Ramaswami, his approach. A stickler for how much he knew about my J.C. Jacob and T. Govindrajan. discipline and detail he did not subject, cricket being particu- When at the request of like copy that was haphazardly larly close to his heart. prominent sports administra- written and was quite blunt in After meeting him casually tor Mr. N. Ramachandran he his criticism. Being a historian grew in abundance after he at a couple of literary functions agreed to compile a book on he was particularly dogmatic A beloved mentor became a historian. I remember I had my first serious interaction sports in Tamil Nadu he asked about facts and figures and having a long discussion with and friend with Mr Muthiah at his house a me how I could contribute. I preferred copy with correct and him at his house some years (Continued from page 6) little more than a decade ago. offered to write on cricket and straightforward prose and not ago on Madras cricket and why He wanted to know whether tennis but he said that V. Ram- padded with needlessly flowery During 2002-03, when he it continued to languish at the I could contribute a sports narayan was doing the chapter language. was travelling abroad and once Ranji Trophy level despite the column for Madras Musings on on cricket so it was just tennis Mr Muthiah had been fol- when he was lying ill in hospi- players enjoying the best of a regular basis and of course I for me. I introduced him to lowing cricket closely since his tal, Mr. Muthiah relied on me facilities and financial stability. was happy to do so. Sometimes journalists who could help him young days and his knowledge to put together issues of Ma- I recall mentioning the name of dras Musings – I was by then a C.P. Johnstone who had been ­regular contributor. It provided a pillar of strength to Madras me yet another valuable experi- A man of great perfection cricket in its formative years in ence, deciding the stories to be the 30s and 40s and he told me published, writing the Short ‘N’ Our mutual association I drove down to Karaikudi to idea of colour control and visu- that he had seen Johnstone in Snappy / MMM column and, commenced from1986 when I attend Mr. Muthiah daugh- alization was exemplary. I have action pulling off a brilliant div- most importantly, to ensure started attending the meetings ter’s wedding ceremony. Mrs. personally learnt a lot. After ing catch in the slips. That he there were no errors that would of The Madras Printers’ & Valli Muthiah maintained the every issue of Madras Musings could recall this after more than upset the editor. ­Lithographers’ Association. accounts for Madras Musings was printed, we would have a 60 years took me by surprise but He was simple and humble. While attending a Gov- perfectly, and always jocularly discussion on the quality of the then it was Mr. Muthiah with He let his work do the talking. erning Council Meeting of reminded Mr. Muthiah that black and white photographs his razor sharp memory who was And no age for chivalry – he The All India Federation of he became popular only after printed, the black text which talking to me and I should not would open the car door for a Master Printers at Calcutta in his association with Lokavani had to be printed jet black have been taken aback. young lady and get in only after the Salt Lake Stadium wherein Press. without affecting the quality of – Partab Ramchand she was seated. Mr. Muthiah was the Vice-­ A tough taskmaster, he was the photographs. These discus- – Sashi Nair President then, we stepped out a person of great grace. Always sions led us to get a dense black to catch some sunshine during ending a mail with Warmest ink specially formulated for the the coffee break and I broached Regards, Muthu, there was printing of Madras Musings so Answers to Quiz the subject of starting a fort- never a missing punctuation. that both were printed well. 1. He was born at Pallathur in April 1930 and Subbiah (Chettiar); 2. nightly, titled Madras Musings in Such was his attention to the Mr. Muthiah’s passing away ­Columbia University; 3. Citizenship rules in that country; 4. ‘By the Corner 1991. Back in Madras, couple of smallest detail. has created a great void in many Flag’; 5. TT Maps (part of the TTK Group); 6. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan; 7. weeks later, we met up with the We executed many coffee ways and for me personally he Madras Discovered and Madras Rediscovered; 8.The Simpson Group, Madras proposal from Mr. Muthiah and table books for Mr. Muthiah. Boat Club and United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI); 9. was a father figure. April 1991; 10. AMM Arunachalam and Lt. Gen. I.S. Gill; 11. Eve’s Touch; that birthed Madras Musings. Notable amongst them were May his soul rest in peace! 12.The Hindu MetroPlus supplement of that date carried the first of his Over the years, our friend- the books on Chettiar Heri- 970 columns called Madras Miscellany; 13.‘Madrascapes’; 14. Madras Book ship grew and it was more than tage, Madras – Old & New and Club; 15.‘Honorary Member of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent a business relationship, in fact various autobiographies. His – Anu Verghese Order of the British Empire’.

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