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• Short ‘N’ Snappy • Any ‘green’ in the blueprint? MADRAS • City changed and unchanged • Madras Week programme MUSINGS • In Nanmangalam forest Vol. XVII No. 09 August 16-31, 2007 Government to the rescue of what’s illegal

(By A Special Correspondent) he Government of Tamil What in reality the Ordi- “What! No curd rice...?!” TNadu gave a shot in the nance has done is to protect the It’s haute cuisine now! arm to all those violating build- high profile violators of building ing rules and land use specifica- safety rules and FSI regulations, Isn’t this something? tions on July 27th. In a sweep- and in particular the illegal Our very own thair saadham ing move, it promulgated an buildings that have come up in making it to billboards, find- Ordinance that allowed the sta- T’Nagar’s shopping area which ing a slot for itself in the tus quo on illegal buildings for a were slated for demolition. All midst of all that fancy global year. The Ordinance sought to legal actions, such as demolition cuisine/food festivals brou- To be seen at Nanmangalam haha. maintain the status quo on and the imposition of regulatory unauthorised constructions for fines, have now come to a stop. Who’d have thought...? l Among the dominant plant species are Kayampoo (Memecylon a year, notwithstanding any It is worth reminding readers umbellatum), Virali (Dodonea viscosa), Marakalan (Catunaregam Now, if you belong to the gen- spinosa), and Eugenia bracteata. The Reserve Forest is also a habitat eration that grew up on judgement, decree or order of that the State government is for Jackals, Grey-naped hare, Monitor lizard, Sita’s lizard and a school lunches of thair- any court! not alone in this. The Delhi saadham-dotted-with-pickle It also said all notices issued Government too has taken variety of bird species. Birds like Little brown dove, Jungle wren- babbler, Small minivet, Indian robin, Stone curlew, White-eyed in little single-tiered tiffin by any authority for initiating shelter behind a similar excuse buzzard, Common Indian nightjar and Indian great horned owl (in carriers (those were the dino- action against unauthorised de- and the Tamil Nadu Govern- the picture above) are noteworthy. During winter, several birds, saur days before hot packs velopment shall be deemed to ment has obviously taken a leaf like the Brahminy starling, Chestnut-tailed starling and Rosy and cute containers, you have been suspended and no from the country’s capital. see), you cannot but help starling, can be sighted in great numbers. The insect life is quite punitive action shall be taken There is a strong belief prolific, many unnoticed being nocturnal and/or camouflaged well. glowing just a bit. for a year among those shocked by this Notable among them are eight-inch-long praying mantises resem- Imagine, we were so ‘in’ (Yes, I The reason given was that bling grass leaves, and ant-lions, beautifully coloured crickets, jewel know, yet another dated the Justice Mohan Committee (Continued on page 4) beetles, spiders, butterflies and moths. The water in the ravines word that betrays your time- holds frogs and turtles. (Also see page 7.) slot), and didn’t know it. is, anyway, reviewing the Town Instead, we used the dish’s and Country Planning Act and, name when accusing some- in the light of that, several new one of a certain lack of pa- recommendations will emerge Let’s all add to this nache or savvy-dom. which will need to be imple- Another image with the dish mented. Therefore, all such vio- playing centre-stage. lations can be taken care of in celebration of Madras Dinner time. A grandmother the light of the Committee’s re- (or someone equally vener- port with retrospective effect. able) sits, facing a semi-circle The Government has cited t is now clear that Madras centring on the city as its sub- decided to organise a series of of youngsters. Their hands protection of hawkers’ interests IDay has come to stay as an ject. The sudden arrival of talks in order to commemorate are stretched out, palms up- as the main reason for the Ordi- annual event in Chennai’s so- Salman Rushdie with Padma the city’s founding and this turned. Scooping perfect nance. It claims that they would cial calendar. It is difficult to be- Lakshmi in tow for one of these changed the event from Madras little mounds of thair have been the worst affected had saadham from a big vessel in lieve that it was just three years talks created quite a flutter. But Day to Madras Week. Natu- front of her, she places them the High Court’s recent judge- ago that the Editor of Madras that was largely it. It was felt rally, this enlarged the scope of bang in the middle of each ments on demolition of illegal Musings and a few other jour- that such an event needed to be the celebrations. The corporate palm. And the children eat, structures been put into effect. nalists who are heritage and his- houses of the city came forward mesmerised by her stories The Citizens consumer and tory enthusiasts got together to By A Special to participate. The Taj Group of into finishing dinner minus civic Action Group (CAG), celebrate the founding of this Correspondent Hotels was the first to come any fuss. which had successfully chal- city by Francis Day, Andrew forward and offered to host a The dish has certainly come a lenged the indiscriminate Cogan, Beri Thimmappa and broadbased with hotels, shops, couple of the talks. An exhibi- long way — fancy packing, regularisation of unauthorised Nagabathan, none of whom is establishments and organi- tion of photographs of Carnatic advertised by stars, and given constructions earlier, is of the remembered anywhere in the sations getting involved. The musicians of the past was held a name that’s a play on its old view that the clause about pro- metropolis. city needed to wear a festive at the Piano Lounge of the ho- one. tection of hawkers’ interests is a In 2005, Madras Day was a look and feel festive for it to be tel. Closely following it came But, inside, the same familiar sham, as no court order has ever a proper birthday. friend. low key event with a couple of the Park Hotel which hosted asked for eviction of hawkers. Heritage Walks, a few quiz con- Chennai Heritage, publi- the first of the talks. The restau- Not all makeovers change the essential soul. On the other hand, in terms of tests and a couple of talks shers of Madras Musings, rant-cum-boutique Chamiers court judgements, there is a And thank God for that. chipped in offering its venue for Committee that is looking into The Madras Week Programme: Page 5. Ranjitha Ashok the interests of hawkers. (Continued on page 8) CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2007 GOKHALE HALL – OUT OF BOUNDS

he Young Men’s Indian days, water, though a little ing deity made of two rubber T Association is following murky, no doubt owing to the tyres, a plastic bucket and the the time-tested route for build- cleaning, emerged. It was just branch of a tree in order to ing a case for the demolition of that the CMWSSB is a ‘Cha- warn motorists that road works historic Gokhale Hall on Arme- otic Metro but Wilfully Strong are ahead. Once the PDB has nian Street. The Man from Ma- and Silent Body’ that moves in crossed this hurdle, he reaches dras Musings learns that eager a mysterious way its wonders to the traffic lights where a students of the Music Depart- perform, MMM discovered. bigwig’s arrival has ensured ment, Madras University, on a that all traffic is thrown out of walking tour of the George In the dark gear. Then there are political Town area, were denied per- rallies, bus breakdowns, fisti- mission to enter the building. he Man from Madras cuffs between two car drivers The senior office-bearer from T Musings is certain that the whose vehicles have collided whom permission was sought Editor of this journal (or the and who have therefore de- declared over the phone that Chief as we like to think of cided to dispense justice on the the building was unsafe for en- him) is not going to like this, as spot, vendors, hand-pulled try and he did not want to be the contributions of Ziegenbalg carts and many other hurdles. held responsible for any mishap of Tranquebar and the Jesuit Which, incidentally, reminds to the students in case the edi- missionaries of Madura in the MMM of the difficulties propagation of Tamil rank high Vikramaditya went through in fice came crashing down on The state of composer Tiruvottriyur Tyagier’s house in George Town. them! The students simply among his favourite subjects. his prime to fetch the egg in But why is it that when all which the demon’s source of contented themselves with challenged in Court, but was ences. Now what about the standing outside this “endan- other statues dotting the Ma- strength was stored which, if dismissed on the grounds that city’s own, presently celebrat- rina are always in a blaze of gered” structure. What im- th not released, he, the demon, the demolition had already ing its 150 year, asked the light, thanks to the new spot- would eat the girl whom pressed them most was the vis- happened and so nothing could wag. MMM had no answer. ible solidity of the edifice. No lights fitted on their pedestals, Vikramaditya had his eyes on. be done about it. In a State that The warring and wrangling that of GU Pope alone is always To marry, of course, not to eat. signs of imminent collapse at does not have any heritage dons should get the message. all! A few locals, on seeing the shrouded in darkness? Is it be- Anyway, to get back to the laws, this is only to be expected. The University incidentally is cause the powers-that-be view PDB, given all these obstacles, group, came forward and ex- On its last legs, MMM was no longer 5-star rated. It is now pressed their distress at the clo- him to be a rank outsider? But it is amazing that he delivers told, is the home of yet another ranked in the 4-star category. surely they can’t, with Beshi the items on time, anywhere. sure of the Hall. Apparently, composer, Tiruvottiyur Where is it headed? these people were regulars at and Caldwell on pedestals too? But, then, the secret to it lies in Tyagier, which is in Rama- Another mystery that the fact that in order to achieve the gymnasium run by the swami Street, George Town. YMIA and are lost without it. The CMWSSB way MMM would like unravelled is the ‘deadline’, the PDB violates The house is owned by the the wire netting that has been To MMM, the strategy of he Chennai Metropolitan just about every traffic rule on TUCS which, unlike in the stretched on the lawn on which earth including speed limits. the YMIA is crystal clear. The case of its properties in Tripli- TWater Supply and Sewer- Association, having made up the statue stands. It is appar- The PDB does not stop at traf- cane and Royapettah, has cho- age Board, which administers ently to protect the lawn from its mind to demolish the build- what was once called Molony’s fic signals, careens on the sen to neglect what was once its being eaten up by bovines. But wrong side through one way ing and finding the Corpora- Muthialpet Branch. Though Mixture to all of us, woke up tion not forthcoming with the then why is the same privilege streets and, like Spiderman, ar- the façade still stands, the inte- sometime last month to the fact not extended to the other necessary permission, has de- that The Man from Madras rives, just in time. It cannot be rior has completely caved in, as patches of grass? denied that the PDB is yet an- cided on a long-term plan. The can be seen from the photo- Musings and his neighbours building will be locked and On the subject of the Ma- other road menace in Chennai. graph which MMM’s legman had been leading a trouble-free rina, MMM also wonders why made over to the elements. existence for some time. In or- It is perhaps appropriate that took when he visited the place. the Great Rockery that has the PDB wears red. For he Within a few years, lack of In all this tale of gloom and der to make us all believe like maintenance and, in particular, sprung up next to the Triumph spells danger to everyone in the doom, said a friend who went Marcus Aurelius that the fall- of Labour statue is not illumi- seepage of rainwater will any- ing of aught upon us is a good vicinity. on the walk, there was one nated at night. Regime politics But, like much else in the way endanger the structure. It bright spot. ‘Veena’ Dhanam- will then be child’s play to ob- is said to be the reason. Drunks city, he too has come to stay. mal’s house on Ramakrishna are known to have sworn off tain permission to demolish it. Chetty Street has not been SHORT And then, a new modern their tipple when they come up Elegant Egmore demolished. The new owner ’N’ against this dark mass all of a swanky building will emerge, has decided to use it as a but with no history to speak of. sudden. In the old days, had ne of the Wodehouse godown, though, for reasons SNAPPY this rockery existed, it would O characters, it was Uncle The YMIA, incidentally, built best known to him, he has a modern premises on its definitely have made horses shy Fred if The Man from Madras painted the exterior a bright and rear. MMM, taking a leaf Musings remembers correctly, Royapettah property which it is green. But then, this must be a thing, they sent a missive that finding difficult to get tenants from Betsy Trotwood in David waxed eloquent over the quiet mere temporary reprieve for he water supply would be sus- Copperfield, has named this dignity of Paddington Station for. This property also has a can change his mind anytime pended for a period of three heritage building in it, though piece of art as “Blunder Stone vis-a-vis Waterloo. MMM has and pull down the house. All in days for preventive mainte- Rockery”. often felt the same about not as that of the Gokhale Hall. all, said MMM’s friend, it is a nance and cleaning of the That building is also badly Egmore as compared to Cen- gloomy prospect for the city’s pipes. MMM and his neigh- Pizza boys whizzing by tral. In Egmore, there is a cer- maintained, but is often used as classical music heritage. bours stockpiled necessary wa- an inexpensive location for lec- tain old-worldly, leisurely pace ter for the period and patiently he Man from Madras tures. It is a pity that an even now, while at the Central waited, certain that they had T Musings has often mar- organisation with such a hoary Which class now? it is all hustle and bustle. Re- taken the necessary precau- velled at the pizza outlets that past should have such a poor cently, MMM had to catch a he Madras University, said tions. There was complete si- commit in true international sense of history and heritage. train from this elegant station Ta wag to The Man from lence from the CMWSSB style that the item ordered and, while waiting for the rake Musical legacy Madras Musings, may possess a thereafter. It was hoped that would be delivered at home in to arrive, had ample time to world class Senate House, but they were seriously doing pre- exactly so many minutes. Some wander about the platform. he Man from Madras when it comes to educational ventive maintenance and had go further and offer a money- The station has seen several T Musings learns that the standards it appears to be no- not been prevented from their back guarantee if the pizza is changes recently, all in keeping room in which Tyagaraja, the where among the top few that work in any way. But when af- not delivered within the stipu- with its overall structure. great composer, stayed in the count. The Times, London, has ter four days water did not lated time. All this works very There is an escalator for those Bunder Street residence of brought out its Higher Educa- emerge and remained elusive well in the Western capitals who cannot climb. But what is dubash Kovur Sundaresa tion Supplement 2007, an au- for a good four days more, tem- where traffic is extremely a real success is the cleaning of Mudaliar, has been pulled thoritative journal in the world pers and tensions ran high in organised and it is possible to the sloping roofs above the down and a new structure has of academia, and it lists the MMM’s locality. The local of- estimate travel time from one platforms and the introduction come up in its place. What world’s top 200 universities. fice of the CMWSSB was eva- place to the other. of skylights in them. As a re- amazes MMM is that the rest The IITs rank 57th overall, sive at best and, soon, pessi- In our city of Madras that is sult of this, the station con- of the building remains the while holding the 3rd place mists were proclaiming that the Chennai, things are different. courses do not need any artifi- same and the only room which among technology universities, days of the water tankers had Just as the pizza delivery boy cial illumination during the perhaps qualified as being of after MIT and the University of come about once again. (PDB) sets out on his journey, day. The whole station looks heritage importance has been California, Berkeley. The IIMs A body of negotiators was what does he find but a car bright and nice. Kudos to the demolished and rebuilt. Poor rank 68th overall and the gathering more and more ad- blocking the very exit! Time is railways for the good work. But Tyagaraja! His house in Jawaharlal Nehru University, herents which claimed that spent in getting this removed not so the passengers beha- Tiruvayyaru was razed to the Delhi, ranks 183. The Delhi only the passing on of “some- only to see that the usual route viour, as MMM had mentioned ground last year and those in University holds the 75th posi- thing” would ease the situation. has been dug up by a leisurely last fortnight. charge have decided to build a tion in Humanities and Arts But then all these fears proved set of workers who are even temple in its place. This was and 86th position for Social Sci- unfounded. After a good ten then consecrating a tribal-look- – MMM August 16-31, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

l The fourth part of a series of articles on the pluses and minuses of the draft Second A racy chronicle Master Plan for Chennai. Searching for of Madrasapattinam adras that is Chennai is Msingularly unfortunate in – in Tamil ‘Green’ in that it does not have a heritage act to protect its buildings and environment. But it is lucky in the blueprint having a dedicated band of heri- tage enthusiasts and historians A brief analysis of environ- (EIAs) for the city’s resource- which, despite all odds, is deter- mental considerations and the intensive development propos- minedly working towards pres- draft Second Master Plan. als, such as IT parks and gated ervation, conservation and, communities, but of course this above all, telling the tale to lot has been written and may not augur well with the leave behind a written record. Adebated about the draft booming construction industry! K.R.A. Narasiah is one such Second Master Plan (DSMP) This lack of prioritisation of who, after a busy career in ma- for Chennai, its disappoint- environmental considerations rine engineering is now a de- ments and the potential it might does raise critical concerns for voted researcher on the history hold for a rapidly growing me- the natural features of Chennai, of our city. The output of this tropolis. Fraught with short- such as the coast and its research is Madarasapattinam, comings, it will be no surprise beaches, and the nesting habi- Oru Nagarattin Kadai 1600- for readers of this series to see tats it provides to the endan- 1947. one more added to a rather long gered Olive Ridleys. Further, in If there is anything that is se- ‘wish list’ for the DSMP. On the current plan, the ‘tsunami- riously lacking in the documen- reading the proposed plan with prone coast’ (in the Master tation that is going on on this an environmental lens, it ap- Plan’s own words) does not city, it is that there are very few pears abundantly clear that no seem to benefit from the vulner- works published in Tamil. The ordinary lens would suffice to ability assessment strategies be- needs of those fluent with En- glean what the Plan holds for ing undertaken by the State. glish have been met by works the city’s environment! Redundantly, having detailed such as those of J. Talboy “Sustainable cities are funda- the background to the Coastal Wheeler, Henry Davison Love mental to social and economic Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifi- and, later, C.S. Srinivasa- development. As stated in the cation 1991 and its provisions, chariar, and the Madras tenth plan document of the Na- velopment of Fort St George most interesting parts. the Plan would Tercentenary Volume in 1939. and the old Black Town. The Strangely, one aspect that the tional Planning have done well In the recent past, we have had Commission, book next takes a detailed look book leaves out is the growth of l by to elaborate authors such as N.S. at the beginnings of trade and the arts and culture in the city, sustainability is Rajesh Rangarajan strategies in Ramaswami and S. Muthiah. not an option commerce (including, yes, the though it does include accounts Citizen consumer and dealing with But in Tamil we have had slave trade!), with the role the on individuals. but imperative. civic Action Group (CAG) violations on hardly any serious works and For a better prominent Dubashes of the city One of the heartening fea- the coast and this book of Narasiah aims to fill played. With the settling of tures of the book is the balance world to live in, in effective fu- that lacuna and does it admira- we need good air, pure water, more and more communities it strives to strike between the ture implementation of CRZ bly. came the religious and caste dis- contributions of the British and nutritious food, healthy envi- regulations, keeping in mind Narasiah has based his work ronment and greenery around putes and the account of the the Indians towards the growth the vulnerabilities arising out of largely on the numerous sec- Left Hand and Right Hand of the metropolis. Most writers us. Without sustainability, envi- sea-based disasters and global ondary sources already pub- ronmental deterioration and Caste riots, in particular, makes tend to veer towards one end or warming concerns. Another lished on the city and has en- for fascinating reading. The de- the other. economic decline will be feed- missing piece of the jigsaw for sured that all facts he has re- ing on each other, leading to velopment of the city’s trans- The flow of language Chennai’s beaches in the Mas- corded are substantiated with port systems (road, rail, air and through the book is very poverty, pollution, poor health, ter Plan is their proposed beau- references, thereby making it political upheaval and unrest” – water) is given in detail and the smooth. It makes for a very in- tification! easy for those who wish to delve book also traces the gradual teresting read and is a valuable to quote the promising opening Continuing its disconnected deeper into any of the topics. lines of the environment chap- expansion of the city itself. addition to books on the city. It ‘intentions’, the DSMP tries to The book aims to be a holistic Among the institutions covered is to be hoped that an English ter of the DSMP. But as you tackle air pollution by relying on work, which prefers to paint a progress, or, rather, ramble are the University, the Corpo- version will also come out soon, a 2003 study without attempt- broad canvas covering a range ration, the Archives, the though, given that Narasiah is through the pages, you are left ing to link the traffic and trans- of activities rather than focus- wondering, would a mere nine Connemara Library, the Port, the nephew of eminent Tamil portation sector, barring a men- sing on the political and admin- the Geological Survey, the Mint writer ‘Chitti’ Sundararajan, it pages ever do justice to Vision tion on the use of alternative fu- istrative developments, which 2026 of mainstreaming environ- and the Museum. Taxation, is clear as to where his prefer- els. Ridden with further inad- alone often unfortunately security, publishing, the growth ences are! mental sustainability. Perhaps equacies, the sections on waste qualify as historic writing. Thus, not, given that this section finds of entertainment, banking and The book is published by management fall way short of while reading the book, it is pos- healthcare are some of the other Palaniappa Brothers, who are to a standalone spot at the far end what might even remotely be sible to get a sense of the hustle of the DSMP, reflecting, no aspects that are looked into. be congratulated for moving called a plan and, thus, signifi- and bustle of the streets and the The section on prominent away from the beaten track of doubt, the importance that en- cant portions have slipped markets, as the common people vironmental matters get in cur- women of the city and the his- Tamil publishing. through – source segregation of contributed towards the build- tory of feminism is one of its Sriram V. rent developmental ap- solid waste, bio-medical waste ing of great institutions of the proaches! generation from private medical country, many of which began At the outset, the Plan does practitioners, and hazardous in this city. Our Addresses not seem to rely on any kind of waste situation in Manali indus- The story of Madarasa- For matters regarding subscriptions, donations, non-receipt of receipts etc.: significant statistical data trial estate, to name a few seri- pattinam begins in the book Chennai Heritage, 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, West Cott Road, Royapettah Chennai baselines – a fundamental pre- ous misses! with a brief history of the Coro- 600 014. requisite for environmental It is no surprise, therefore, mandel Coast prior to the ar- For non-receipt of copies, change of address, and all other circulation analyses. Intermittently, as in that the ‘Strategy & Actions’ rival of the Europeans and then matters: MADRAS MUSINGS, C/o Lokavani Southern Printers Pvt. Ltd., the section on air pollution, the section falls woefully short of the settling of the Portuguese in 62/63, Greames Road, Chennai 600 006. document draws from an Envi- anything concrete. The DSMP San Thomé. The story then On editorial matters: The Editor, MADRAS MUSINGS, ronment Management Plan for offers very little as ‘strategy’ or moves on to the coming of the C/o Lokavani Southern Printers Pvt. Ltd., 62/63, Greames Road, Chennai Chennai from 2003, but pays ‘action’ for environment pro- British and the consequent de- 600 006. little attention to baselines in tection, insipidly proposing No personal visits or telephone calls, please. Letters received will be sent the subsequent sections. Hav- from these addresses every couple of days to the persons concerned and you studies which may not stand the ● We regret that we have had ing failed on that account, the will get an answer from them to your queries reasonably quickly. Strange as it scrutiny of environmental to hold over ‘Our Readers DSMP could have at least may seem, if you adopt the ‘snail mail’ approach, we will be able to help you stressed the need for Environ- Write’ this fortnight. faster and disappoint you less. mental Impact Assessments (Continued on page 8) – THE EDITOR THE EDITOR 4 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2007

l Another year whizzes by... and it’s Madras Week again in... Chennai changed and unchanged

ere we are – one more dox lines, samples a large por- tiling or the purest of marble for H birthday for the old girl. tion of calzone with obvious rel- her flooring ... but never forgets Madras Day, August 22nd, has ish, or gulps down the trendiest the little kolam on this so-very- come around again. And with it flavour of coffee...and does not ’today’ base every morning. Madras Week. announce that he can’t see Then, some are promising to what the big deal is, and that • Chennai’s cinema. make a Madras Month. home-brewed filter coffee is Tomes can be written about ‘Kollywood’, as some insist on She’s got into this habit of much, much better. gigantic props from old action- calling it, but cannot really de- • And of course Madras partying for a while now. A little further, near cycle films – anything goes as long as scribe fan support and enthusi- bashai, so magnanimous in Chennai Sangamam, local- shops and re-cycling gurus, a you induce people to walk asm. its inclusions of all voices ity-based festivals, heritage little food cart boasts, ‘Chinese in...and spend. If you find yourself stunned, and tongues. walks, and all those books, talks Food and Fast Foods Available’. (They do – and how!) bemused, and covered with Where else can you declare: and shows based on her culture, Are push-carts selling health As for the way the saree confetti, among people busy ‘Dhool, Naina, super gaana’, and history, heritage, music, dance, drinks an oxymoron-like image? keeps re-inventing itself. Ap- placing garlands near the silver actually be understood? literature, urban and folk art, Or is that being painfully fussy? parently some have little screen, or performing aartis to it, ‘Cursing – Madras-style’ is a the cinema – apart from her sig- pouches for the ubiquitous cell- • Chennai’s amazing capacity before breaking into a full- must-have experience. Espe- nature annual December Sea- phone. Now, you’ve just seen a to toss together the new throated roar of approval, that cially when the stress and strain son. gentleman on a bullock-cart and the always-been with startles you into spilling the of crowded roads, or dealing Yes, they all represent a rich, wielding his cell-phone with the the skill of an experienced popcorn, when the hero makes with inadequate water supply, and apparently bottomless, same airy panache of a suave chef. his appearance...chances are prove a little too much for trove of treasures... urbanite with his Blackberry, jagged urban nerves. The Yet, somehow, you can’t and acknowledge that this is loaded words, uttered at full help feeling there are other certainly ‘The Age of the Cell- volume, come flowing out in a sides, other layers, to this city’s l by RANJITHA ASHOK phone’. Makes sense to find a glittering, unbroken stream. rather unique spirit. place for them, then. You wonder how anyone can And that’s when the images get so angry and still manage to come rushing up. • The re-defined Chennai A Mylapore-Manhattan, that you are in the midst of the come up with such colourful Like: look. imagery. Chennai-California, Luz-Lon- first-day-first-show brigade. The Oh God, where would we be • Chennai’s insouciant atti- don (Come up with any combi- daily-wage worker who flings a An art-form in itself. tude these days towards without bonded hair?! And yet, nation you like) lifestyle? few hard-earned coins he really a woman’s lithe fingers dart • Chennai’s environs. what is charmingly called Like yelai-sapaad for lunch cannot spare at the screen when Of course, it’s either sweaty ‘home cooking’. back and forth as she weaves and mojitos in the evening? his idol appears? Now that’s sparkling white jasmine into and hot, or pouring rain. (Have you ever been asked if Easily done. generous, unconditional devo- long, long strands. They still But some parts of the city are you are “cooking yourself”? Some computers wear ver- tion. have a place then, even in pretty. All those waterways, and million dots. If we must live in Ghastly image, but you get what • Chennai’s skyline. today’s short, strrraight hair little bridges. True, some do an appliance-ridden world, let’s they mean.) They may be tilting more world. smell like a door in Hell has make it one of peaceful co-ex- The city has certainly taken and more towards highrises; but been carelessly left open. istence. drudgery out of the daily meal, these glass giants seem to di- • Our much-enduring But – life goes on, and the Aarti-trays in a showroom if the packed restaurants cater- minish next to the tiny places of young ones who get more citizens display a ‘take-it-easy- filled with the latest gizmo-rid- ing to all wallet and credit card worship that you find right out- than a fair share of ever- policy’. den cars. The proud owners sizes, and long lines of hungry side those fancy gates and drive- growing lists of dos and Sometimes, driving through drive their new acquisition out humans waiting for tables, are ways, as well as dotted about the don’ts. a narrow, crowded, dirty, pol- ... but not before offering a little anything to go by. city. Yet they never hesitate to luted lane, desperately trying to The steady spread of global thanks-and-please-look-out- turn up in large numbers, or avoid hitting both people and cuisine and its insidious chip- for-this-car appeal to the pow- • Saree shops whose displays raise their voices, in support or other vehicles, you suddenly see ping away at generation divides ers-that-be. are so over the top, even protest, for their city. It is the an old, old gem of a house that – now that’s something worth Well, a little humility is not the sky seems too small for adults who have memories that looks like its children have considering. You know the city a bad thing. them. seem so easy to wash out or doc- moved to ‘foreign’. It snoozes in has changed when you see An upwardly-mobile young Have you seen these? Sylvan tor. the heat, and you hope they’ll someone, whose definition of lady scours the market, choos- gardens created on half a dozen “Malls, movies, computer let it sleep a little longer, before couture is set on strictly ortho- ing the very latest in European steps, or creations that look like games, and TV have killed tearing it down. communication, and the reading habit,” misinformed * * * adults thunder. But you’ve Designer-rash may have spread all over the city, claiming seen the Sunday family expe- GOVERNMENT TO THE RESCUE... to set tone and appearance, but ditions in bookshops and eat- the plastic-basket-covered- eries, and you think that (Continued from page 1) dinance is a blow to honest citi- inefficiency and laxity that has with-a-towel still holds its head maybe we should have more zens and is a classic instance of led to almost half of the city’s high. faith in our young. action of government that all the Government bending over buildings violating town plan- Name boards display the such moves are motivated only backwards to protect the big ning legislation, and uses its You watch as a mother buys owner’s pronunciation prefer- with one interest in mind, bucks. It has challenged two own inefficiency to legitimise the latest Harry Potter book for ences. That’s why you have a namely protecting the real es- specific aspects of the Ordi- the illegal acts of large builders a child who is so happy, he can’t ‘Char-less Stores’? tate lobby, which, thanks to sky nance in Court, namely the stay and developers putting up con- speak. She hands it to him im- And – why not? rocketing land prices all over on action against illegal struc- struction either without or in patiently, saying “Aachu, oru Little, little things (as we the country, has become im- tures and also the implication violation of a sanctioned plan. peria velai”, and then sensing say) about Chennai. mensely powerful and is break- that the Ordinance was above The High Court has given that you are watching, gives you Images. ing every rule in the book, un- any order of a court of law. The the Government four weeks to a rueful grin. You smile back in Changing. Un-changing. mindful of safety or environ- CAG states that, in one stroke, respond and the next hearing sympathy, imagining the scene Perhaps this merits a talk or mental norms. the Ordinance glosses over the on the matter is posted for at her breakfast table that two, or even a celebration...of a The CAG feels that the Or- administrative and regulatory September 12th. morning. different kind? August 16-31, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 An invitation to the good things about the City

et another trail that we have put together for near Poondi, about 80 km from the city. The trail, a tive – to draw up a trail that starts at Fort St. George, Ythe celebration of Madras Day (August 22nd), rather challenging one (we did a ‘reece’ recently), goes through the University campus, then to a day to celebrate the founding of this city, is the will lead you through rocky terrain and scrub forest Subramania Bharathi Memorial in Triplicane and Stone Age Madras tour. to a large, natural cavern inhabited by pre-historic Vivekananda Museum off the beach road, to Queen Not many of us are aware that the city and the man. (Details on this and all other Madras Week Mary’s College, along the DGP’s office, to All India local region were inhabited by Stone Age man some events on Madras Day during Madras Week are be- Radio and the San Thome cathedral and ends with 40,000 years ago. ing posted on the web site – www. themadrasday.in) a picnic on the Marina. The first Stone Age artefact discovered in India But you don’t have to look for an adventurous Madras Week does not call for wild parties, was in the Pallavaram area in the city’s suburbs. theme to celebrate this city of ours. colourful wristbands and ribbon-cutting events. Dr. S. Suresh will speak on the theme at a public If you are a school teacher, you could plan a It invites you to enjoy the good things about this lecture on August 18th evening, and on the next neighbourhood tour for your students. To help them city. morning, a Sunday, will lead all those who wish to discover places they haven’t seen. be part of the tour to a Stone Age region located One group has come up with this simple initia- Vincent D’ Souza

Heritage talks August 26: Wildlife Heritage of Ma- hibition showcasing the work of Shirt for Madras Day 2007. (At August 18: Stone Age History of the dras that is Chennai: Dr. R. Your dates about 45 artists, both emerging Srinivasa Sastri Hall, Mylapore.) Madras Region: Dr. S. Suresh.(At Bhanumathi. (At Gallery Sri and established, four photogra- August 22: Launch of The History Gallery Sri Parvati, Eldams Parvati, 6.30 p.m.) to keep phers and two cartoonists, all liv- of the Early Madras Region – re- Road, 6.30 p.m.). The talk is a NOTE: All venues are helping to ing and practising in Chennai. print of the 1959 book by K.V. preview to a tour to the pre-his- sponsor these talks by providing Also planned are participatory Raman, retired Head of the De- toric museum in Poondi and trek space and hospitality. during events for children and young partment of Ancient History and adults during this period.(At the to the Gudiyam cave the follow- Heritage talks by invitation Archaeology, University of Ma- ing day To register for tour, call Forum Art Gallery, Padmanabha dras. (At C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar 98410 49155. Fee: Rs. 400. August 19: Madras – its heritage: S. Madras Nagar, Adyar. Inauguration Foundation.) August 19: Music in Madras: Gowri Muthiah, under the auspices of 18th.) August 22: Happy Birthday, Ramnarayan. (At Taj Coroman- Ramu Endowments. (At the Tag Week August 21-23: Exhibition of old Ma- Chennai, featuring a variety of del, 6.30 p.m.). Centre, TTK Road, 9.00 a.m.) dras photos, rare books and maps events for children, such as wear- Entry by invitation only. A few children. To register, contact of the city. Organised by D.H. ing of traditional Madras cos- August 19: Early Imprints of passes available on first come, 2466 1544 or 94440 49175. Rao and S.B. Raja Seetharaman. tumes, makeover and tattoo ses- Madras: G. Sundar. (At Gallery first served basis; contact August 26: Tracing the Dancing (At Centenary Hall, Govt. Mu- sions, pottery painting, treasure Sri Parvati, 6.30 p.m.). chari@tag corporation.net Girls of George Town – Tour seum, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.) hunt, lucky dip, and snapshots August 20: Eating out in Madras: August 20: Madras, the American organised by Chennai Heritage August 21-28: Exhibition by Tamil before heritage buildings in the Geetha Doctor. (At Park Connection: S. Muthiah, under from Marina Beach. 6.30 - 9.00 Nadu Archives of old records, City. Children who wish to regis- Sheraton, 6.30 p.m.). the auspices of the Indo-Ameri- a.m. documents, illustrations pertain- ter can contact 98842 80085 or August 20: Do’s and Don’ts of Res- can Association. For members of August 26: A Tree-walk in the ing to the British period in Ma- email [email protected] toration of Historic Buildings: K. the Association. Guest fee appli- Guindy National Park. 7.00 - dras. Exhibition by Reserve Bank (At Alps Academy, Mylapore.) Kalpana. (At Gallery Sri Parvati, cable. (At the Taj Coromandel, 8.30 a.m. of India of old currencies, coins, August 24: Open quiz on Dr. 6.30 p.m.) 7.00 p.m.) NOTE 1: Both Chennai Heritage growth of banking etc. And Muthulakshmi Reddy organised August 20: Madras and the Movies: August 21: A talk on a Madras-re- tours need to be booked in ad- Madrascapes – Photographic ex- by Aseema Trust (www.aseema- Randor Guy. (At Hotel Green lated subject under the auspices vance. Each participant will re- hibition by Karthik Venkata- trust.org). An expert will throw Park, Vadapalani, 7.00 p.m.) of the Rotary Club of Madras ceive a small booklet on the raman. Organised by the Asso- light on different aspects of Dr. ciation of British Scholars, August 21: The Emden, the bomb- South and two other Rotary places covered. Participation fee Reddy’s life. To participate regis- Chennai Chapter (at Lalith Kala ing of Madras and after: Clubs. For members and their is Rs. 300 per person. For further ter with V.R. Devika 98400 Akademi, Inauguration 6.00 pm Dr. Joachim Bautze (At Max guests only. (At the Savera.) details contact: 98400 24200 98495 or Vasantha Partha- on the 21st.) Mueller Bhavan, No.4 (Old August 24: Early imprints of Ma- NOTE 2: Those interested in the sarathy 98410 09927, or email to No.14), 5th Street, Rutland Gate, dras: G. Sundar. For Public Rela- Tree-walks organised by Nizhal Other events aseema123@ yahoo.com. (At Nungambakkam. 6.30 p.m.). tions Society of India Chennai should call and register with August 20-22: An exhibition titled Avvai Home, Besant Avenue, Chapter members and their Divya at 98404 13021 or 2462 Madras Remembered. There will 4.00 p.m.) August 21: An evening of readings guests only. (At Accord Metro- 0334. Each Walk is open to the in Tamil on Chennai that is Ma- be a power point presentation August 25: Ladies’ morning out at politan, 6.30 p.m.) first 25 registrants. Contribution and a walk down Anderson the Savera: Chandri Bhat on Ma- dras – essays, stories and poetry August 26: Two books on Madras: of Rs. 25 per head per walk. (Gallery Sri Parvati, 6.30 p.m.) Road. Exhibition open to school- dras Cookery, a Madras Quiz, K.R.A. Narasiah and A.R. other events and brunch. By in- August 22: Ramanujan, the math- children from neighbouring Venkatachelapathy, under the Exhibitions vitation only. (11 a.m. at Hotel ematician: K.R.A. Narasiah. (At schools. Children who wish to auspices of the Madras Book From August 15: An exhibition of Savera.) For details contact Chamiers (Anokhee), Chamiers register for the walk can call Club. Guest fee applicable (At early publications, periodicals Sushi 98840 72433. Road, 6.30 p.m.). 42043487 or 28275858. (At the Taj Connemara, 11.30 a.m.) and magazines of the city. N. Asan Memorial S.S. School.) August 25: The Madras Quiz (in August 22: Glimpses of Madras Heritage walks Murali, Managing Director, The August 20: An interactive Tamil). Only for students study- Heritage – Built, Natural and Cul- Hindu, and A.R. Venkata- storytelling session for children ing in Tamil medium. Each tural: Prema Kasturi. (At Gallery August 19: A Tree-walk in the Gov- chalapathy of MIDS will speak and adults organised by Spring school can send upto a maximum Sri Parvati, 6.30 p.m.) ernment Museum Grounds, 7.30- at The Roja Muthiah Library, Into Reading, K.K. Nagar. Sto- of four teams of two students August 23: Wiele and Klein, early 8.30 a.m. Taramani, at 4.30 p.m. rytellers Jeeva Raghunath and each (At P. S. Higher Secondary photographers of Madras: Dr. August 19: The buildings of August 19: Exhibition of old and new Nandini Sridhar will trace the School, R.K. Mutt Road, Joachim Bautze. (At Max Poonamallee High Road. Tour Madras photographs. Talk on growth of Madras that is Mylapore, at 1.30 p.m.). Mueller Bhavan, 6.30 p.m.). organised by Chennai Heritage Madras by Randor Guy. (At Chennai. To register, contact August 26: The Madras Quiz (in August 23: Street Cricket in from Mayor Ramanathan Sta- Gallery 4, 255, Kilpauk Garden 23716927 or 99404 50495. (At English). Open to all. Teams of Chennai: Badri Seshadri. (At dium, Egmore. 6.30-9.00 a.m. at 5.30 p.m.) Hotel Green Park, Vadapalani.) two can participate. No fee. No Gallery Sri Parvati 6.30 p.m.) August 25: Mylapore Heritage August 19-25: Exhibition of photos August 20: Thudumbu attam, a per- registration. Just land up for the Walk. Two-hour-long walk August 24: Famous murders in Ma- and prints of parts of old Madras. formance of the folk instrument written prelims (at P. S. Higher winds its way through the heri- dras: Randor Guy. (At Taj Coro- (At the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar by Unarvugal Dramatics, fol- Secondary School, R.K. Mutt tage landmarks of Mylapore. No mandel, 6.30 p.m) Foundation.) lowed by stories about Chennai Road, Mylapore. 2.00 p.m.). prior registration. No fee. En- August 19-26: Rod Hudson, a Bri- August 24: Coins of the Madras by mime artistes (At Hotel August-September: The Rotary tirely on foot. Starts at Luz tish-born numismatist and still Green Park, 5 p.m.). Club of Madras South’s three Presidency: R. Vaidyanathan. (At Church campus at 7.00 a.m. photographer, exhibits his pho- Gallery Sri Parvati, 6.30 p.m.). August 20: North Madras school- Rotaract Clubs and four Interact Conducted by Namma Mylapore. tographs of Madras. Gita, a children tour South Madras Clubs will organise painting, elo- August 25: The Devadasis of Ma- August 25 & 26: Heritage walk in- Chennai painter, will supple- schools. Students of Kalaimagal cution, and quiz contests, and dras: Sriram V. (At Chamiers side Fort St. George, organised by ment this with her work. (At Vidyalaya, Royapuram, will exhibitions on Madras. The Club (Anokhee), 6.30 p.m.). Mylapore Times. Open to all. No Gallery Sri Parvati, 11 a.m. to present Villupattu and a visual states it is celebrating Madras August 25: Words and Images of fee. Assembly at car park opp. 7 p.m.) display highlighting North Month rather than Madras Madras that is Chennai: Fort St. George at 7 a.m each August 19-26: The Larsen & Madras landmarks during tour. Week. For further details con- Shreekumar Varma. (At Gallery day. Interested persons should Toubro Heritage Museum in August 22: Release of special Postal tact S.R. Madhu at 2446 8594, Sri Parvati, 6.30 p.m.) call 98410 49155 and register. Manappakkam will be open to Cover by the Department of 4238 4229. August 25: A heritage tour of the August 26: Madras as a backdrop in schoolchildren during Madras Posts, Tamil Nadu Circle, at September 1: Inter Collegiate Ma- city. Hippocampus, Abhirama- Tamil films: Mohan Ram. (At Week. Contact: 99401 98135. Head Post Office, Anna Salai. dras-focussed Quiz, organised by puram, will conduct the tour for The Park, 6.30 p.m.) August 19-September 18: An ex- August. 22: Release of Chennai T- ABS – Chennai Chapter. (From 9.00 a.m. at Bertram Hall, CONTESTS: Four contests are being conducted by The Mylapore and Adyar Times in connection with Madras Week. Closing dates Loyola College.) for these are between August 18th and August 22nd. In case you miss the closing date and still want to enter a contest, contact NOTE: Many more events are Vincent D’ Souza at 98410 49155 and find out whether late entries are being accepted. planned. Watch the Press and website www.themadrasday.in. 6 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2007

derstand the Tamil spoken by l As Madras that is Chennai prepares to celebrate Madras Day – earlier generations in cinema, as August 22nd – and Madras Week – August 19th-26th – Madras it was written Tamil,’ said Bhagyaraj. He introduced collo- Musings looks back on this page at some of the things that were quial Tamil. The strange thing said about the city during last year’s celebrations. was that in this rebirth/renais- sance, other languages moved out of Chennai. Other states at (Current Affairs questions are that time began to offer subsi- from the period July 16th to dies to set up studios and labs.” 31st. Questions 11 to 20 per- The success of In 1985, people like tain to Tamil Nadu and Bharathiraja and Mani Ratnam Chennai.) ushered in new cinema. 1. Which book released on July Hariharan is convinced that T. 21st has become the fastest sell- Chennai Cinema Rajender is a phenomenon. “He ing book in history? defied every code that had been established by the cinema of 2. Which building now has the MGR. A gorilla-like protagonist tag of being the tallest building in (Continued from last of cinema managed to combine dual roles with heavy make-up, the world? replaced the white, fair hero; fortnight) nationalist ideas, love of icons, and alcohol, an important fac- the flowery language gave way 3. Name the famous media ty- myths and consumerism. Songs, tor. The remakes of Tamil to to mindless alliteration. Of coon who has bought the vener- . Hariharan, a graduate in dance and music formed a core Hindi were big money spinners. course, his picture En Thangai able Wall Street Journal for $5 bil- KFilm Direction from the for regular cinema to rally Many heroines from Chennai lion. FTII (1946), by the time he Kalyani disappeared after six around. moved to Mumbai. The shows. The counter-culture 4. Which West Indian cricketing spoke last year had made five Chennai became by default Malayalam and Kannada hero- feature films, three children’s that was born became Tamil legend joined the Indian Cricket the most prolific centre in the ines wanted to come to cinema. Mani Ratnam created League on July 23rd? films and over two hundred world, with 800 feature films be- Chennai. Yet when the men documentaries on a variety of a strong Tamil hero in Roja who 5. In the context of the Services, ing shot at a fraction of the Hol- tried to move to Mumbai, like goes to the north and offers why is Lt. Gen. Deepak Kapoor subjects. One of them, titled lywood budget. Hariharan Kamal Hasan, feudal politics Ezhavathu Manithan, won the them a challenge. Today, there in the news? quoted facts and statistics: the did not allow them to be a suc- is reverse integration. Heroines National award and the Mos- total turnover was $1.6 billion cess,” he continued. 6. At which prestigious athletics cow Festival award. He has from Bombay, like Aishwarya meet did India win five gold, five or Rs.6500 crore. An average Hariharan categorically been teaching at the University Rai, Tabu and Rima Sen, are all silver and five bronze medals to Hollywood production costs stated, “Tamil cinema never of Pennsylvania for over 7 years. entering the Tamil market.” finish in second place behind $125 million, i.e. the money cared for national awards or in- In the past five or six years, China? A Director of the LV Prasad spent on 14 Hollywood movies ternational film festivals. The Film & TV Academy, he has documentary and short films are 7. Name the last King of Afghani- was used to produce 800 mov- comfort level in showing the being shot with handcams. been training students in the ies here. But it is not a cottage movie locally was incredible. At stan, who reigned between 1933 field of Cinematography, Direc- “Anybody can make a movie. and 1973 and who passed away industry, for we have the best the same time, they have been tion, Editing and Sound Design. The democratisation of cinema recently. state-of-the-art equipment, on ready to adopt and adapt to new has become very rapid and there Hariharan, who spoke at one par with any other country pro- technology and new equipment. 8. Which famous movement, of the Chennai Heritage lec- is more of a national idiom.” which had its origins in Brownsea ducing films. People do not blink an eye to in- On another tack, he pointed tures last year, passionately feels The miracle is that with such vest in a camera worth Rs.2-3 Island, celebrated its 100 years re- that Chennai is actually the out that, out of 800 movies, 70 cently? a disorganised industry, so crore. The true test of German capital of cinema, but admits were dubbed. But now Holly- 9. In which South American that Mumbai has usurped the wood movies are attracting the country did a disastrous air crash southern audience; in fact, credit. l by leave 189 people dead? “In Chennai there is national Schwarznegger sounded better 10. For how many years has cinema. No other city encour- PADMINI NATARAJAN in Tamil than in the original. Sanjay Dutt been sentenced to RI ages cinema in a variety of The film Mummy was a phe- for his involvement in the 1993 genres and in all the Southern nomenal success, he said. Bombay blasts? languages. It gave films a new much is done. “It is so produc- or US equipment is done here. Hariharan was critical about tive, with 65% of Indian cinema All equipment run for 24 hours melodrama. “It is not about re- * * * syntax. The grammar developed by default. During pre-indepen- being produced here in and the cost factors are simply producing reality. If you see a 11. In which country has TVS dence, there was a strong na- Chennai. Why did we have all not valid. Profits are ploughed Tamil film and fall in love, af- Motor Company’s first overseas great stars of the 1960s and back into the industry. Look at terwards you are in deep plant commenced production re- tionalist agenda. Cinema had a 1970s sitting here, like N.T. Prasad, Nagi Reddy or AVM – trouble. Many of our films are cently? free mobility and silent cinema had sub-titles. There was more Rama Rao, Prem Nazir, and the profits from a film called love stories but very few people 12. Where in Chennai’s suburbs reading material than sounds. many others, and all the great- Bhabhi were ploughed back into have love marriages. Look at is the country’s second largest We are a talkative nation and est musicians? Why is it so com- Prasad Labs; the income from the matrimonial columns,” he water treatment plant? were quick to take to the ‘talk- fortable here? Why did I decide Ek Duje Ke Liye was invested joked. 13. What sort of shops is the ies’,” he said. that Chennai was the right into 70 mm recording studio Pointing out a worrying fac- South Cooum River Road in Hariharan linked the emer- place to be in?” These were that may be the only one in the tor, Hariharan said, “There are Chennai known for? gence of a new pan-Indian au- questions he posed and then world today.” Hariharan com- no safety standards in our stu- 14. Which is the oldest building dience and the establishment of provided convincing answers. mended the sheer simplicity of dios. Three wires are stuck into in the Government Estate in metro cities to the development “It is the atmosphere, the the lifestyle. “Their attitude is electrical outlets. No hats or Chennai? of cinema. “Tamil Nadu has kind of warmth and respect. to make more cinema, not to helmets are worn and workmen 15. Which building was meant to many cities. Many people were People like you, even when you make money.” dangle dangerously from cat- be the official residence of the sharing and seeing movies and have only a slight knowledge Considering another aspect walks high up in the studios. Chief Ministers of the State after were linked by a common myth about movies. Just knowing that of Tamil films, he said, Tamil Even the cameras that are hired Independence? – whether it was Pune, a raga is called Hamsadwani is cinema is inextricably linked to change from day to day. There 16. Which famous director’s son Calcutta, Mumbai or Chennai. enough for you to be welcomed. Tamil chauvinism. Cinema was is a desperate need for is making his debut as hero in the It was the birth of the single There is genuine camaraderie. cleverly used as a counterpoint standardisations. Audiences in film Thottal Poo Malarum? identity of India. India is a cin- The industry is well organised to politics. Chennai are very conscious of technology. They appreciate 17. How is Thiruthuraipoondi ematic nation that has been cul- and disciplined and people “In the late 1970s, new wave Subramania Srinivasan better turally bonded. Cinema also de- come to work on time. Why do Tamil cinema, led by Tamilians, unusual shots and clap for known? veloped the secessionist ele- people in Chennai come on spoke of liberation and breaking them. They even clap for titles. For example, when they see the 18. Which notable incident from ment and created the Tamil time for a shooting schedule? all the rules. The 1970s saw a identity. The other three lan- Let me tell you a secret. People complete political turnaround. name of P.C. Ram, they clap in the Mahabharat is associated with respect for the technician. To- Keeranur? guages, Telugu Kannada and from Bombay never caught on Raja Raja Chozhan with Sivaji to the fact that it is the hot and and Ulagam Sutrum Valiban day, Tamil cinema plays in the- 19. With which film pioneer Malayalam, came to Chennai to tasty breakfast that is served to with MGR slipped at the box atres all over the South; but it is would you associate the Crown, make movies and joined hands to attack Hindi cinema.” every person on a shooting office and Emergency was de- not the other way.” But there is the Globe and the Gaiety in a globalisation of Tamil films Chennai? Hindi cinema, according to schedule. It is the hot idlis and clared. In the post 1980s, there Hariharan, was constructed to uppuma that make the cast and was again a change in the genre. beginning. Are we going to land 20. What is housed in the place compete with Hollywood. crew so punctual,” he quipped Tamil cinema attacked the he- up with a hodgepodge genre or once known as Moubray’s “Most South Indian films gemony of previous cinema. can we maintain our cultural Cupola? Tamil cinema had a dual com- petition – Hollywood and Bolly- have the same stories with Kamal Hasan’s songs were in identity? Only time will tell. (Answers on page 8) wood. The melodramatic style strong heroes in moustache or the rural idiom. ‘I could not un- (Concluded) August 16-31, 2007 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

l A trek through the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest, only to find... ‘Extension’ could be a threat too

arly one Sunday morn- K.R.K. Thirunaranan of The Eing, I drove through the Nature Trust. smoking garbage at Palli- Members of the Madras Wild jasmine. karanai, through the confusion Naturalists’ Society confirm, adding to the plastic and gar- habitat would cause great loss to that is Medavakkam township, “We have noticed nests of In- bage for good measure). Lorries the resident fauna.” and progressed into peace and dian robin, the Pied kingfisher, are also driven into the water But another expert feels, “We serenity. Actually, into one of the Small blue kingfisher, the sources for cleaning purposes. cannot say a definite ‘No’ to the the last scrub forest strongholds White breasted kingfisher and Just one forest guard and one projected activity, as long as ‘ex- of the once richly biodiverse the Hoopoe. The Whitebrowed watcher having to patrol an tension’ activity is only in the Coromandel Coast (which now bulbul is also common. Rosy area of 560 ha certainly cannot peripheral area of the Reserve, has only an estimated 1% of its pastors have been seen in win- control the trespassers who en- and does not in any way affect original scrub jungle) – the ter. The common raptor seen is ter the Reserve Forest! the core area.” Concerned natu- Nanmangalam Reserve Forest the Shikra. The waterbodies at- On the viability of the recent ralists, however, feel apprehen- near Tambaram. Its wide vari- tract birds like the Common ‘developmental projections’ on sive that any form of active de- ety of indigenous, medicinal sandpiper and the Little cormo- this fragile ecosystem, and the velopment in this area will only flora and native fauna has been rant. The fig tree near the ra- extension centre planned, Dr. bode ill for the flora and fauna of the focus of many scientific pa- vine, the only one in the area, T. Murugavel, Project Coordi- this fragile habitat. pers, but this fragile ecosystem when in fruit, attracts Mynahs, nator, Environment Monitoring However, at a recent meet- is just where more ‘develop- Coppersmiths, Drongoes, Spar- and Action Initiating (EMAI), ing with concerned environ- ment’ is slated to happen, and rows (Yellowthroated and who has been monitoring this mental groups, the Forest De- soon! House), Red vented and Red partment has assured environ- An Extension Centre is pro- whiskered bulbuls. White mentalists that a) though they l by SHOBHA MENON posed by the Forest Department throated munias have been seen have been allotted 100 hectare, in the Reserve Forest area on feeding on grass seeds. The they are not going to bring 100 ha, “to educate farmers on Red-whiskered bulbul. Common Indian nightjars are, area for more than two decades, whole area under plantation; b) raising economically viable tim- here. Naturalists seek out however, seasonal. Both the says, “The Forest Department’s only old Eucalyptus trees will be ber species,” according to P. Nanmangalam as the haven Purple sunbird and the Purple- plan to use 100 hectare of this uprooted and the natural Subramanian, Chief Conserva- closest to Chennai for the elu- rumped sunbird are resident.” reserve forest area for a research growth will be allowed to grow; tor of Forests (Extension). In- sive Indian great horned or In- Meanwhile, the Indian great station and to plant saplings c) if the natural vegetation does digenous tree species “in five to dian eagle owl (Bubo bubo horned clings to a precarious would definitely have a great not grow, native trees will be 10-acre model plots on the site” bengalensis). Conservative esti- existence, as human pressure negative impact. The Depart- planted; d) there will be no dis- would be raised and the “agro- mates of the breeding popula- drives it out of its preferred ment has already put up a build- turbance to the scrub vegeta- forestry models of economically tion of this bird in India are less habitat with land development ing and planted tree species tion; and e) the water source for viable species” could help farm- than 2,000 pairs. activities treating ravines and (close to the Quaid-e-Milleth the saplings raised there would ers earn higher incomes. We made our way through gullies as sewage dumps, and College) and fenced the area; it be borewells. Nanmangalam lies adjacent the unyielding stiff branches of rock faces being intensely has also cleared scrub vegeta- The sun is by now really hot. to the road to Tambaram from the cactus-like Euphorbias and mined for pebbles and tion (approximately 2m width) One last look at the beauty and Velachery junction (at a dis- the exhilarating scented wild bluemetal chips. Add to this lo- all along the fencing. The De- grandeur of the overhanging tance of about 7 km). The main jasmine. In flower from Decem- cal mythical beliefs (which con- partment should confine use cliffs of an old quarry sur- path to the north leads to sev- ber to February, they are visited sider owls as creatures of ill- only to the area where the eu- rounded by Ficus trees, midst eral rocky quarries – previously by hordes of flies, bluebottles omen and harbingers of death) calyptus trees are seen. Care the cicadas and the heady scent used for granite quarrying – and and bees, and, slowly, the birds and the general apathy towards should be taken to leave all of wild jasmine, and I have to ravine-like areas with water too, says a naturalist. “A com- the plight of wildlife, and their scrub vegetation untouched, return through the ‘butterfly present throughout the year. mon nesting bird is the Little future looks rather bleak. along with traditional water- paths’. And I wonder, should The steep face of the ravines brown dove, the most common The presence of year-round shed management practices. havens of local wildlife and pro- with water below is the home of groundbird, the Grey partridge, water in the quarries attracts lo- Vehicular movement of any tected scrub jungles undergo many species of birds which and the most colourful seen cals who utilise the water for kind or for any purpose should threat in the name of ‘forest ex- roost and/or breed in cavities here, the Small minivet,” says washing and bathing (of course, be avoided. Any change in tension’ too? CHENNAI HERITAGE A big ‘Thank You’ to 40 of you 260-A T.T.K. ROAD, ALWARPET, CHENNAI 600 018. We publish below the list of donors who have, between 16.7.07 and 15.8.07, added to I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) / the support Chennai Heritage and its voice, Madras Musings, have already received. I have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it hereafter. We thank all of them for their support for the causes Chennai Heritage espouses. — Chennai Heritage l I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for Rs. 100 (Rupees One hundred) payable to CHENNAI HERITAGE, MADRAS, as subscription to Madras Musings for the Rs. 30: Srinivasan, V. year 2006-07. Rs. 50: Gowreesan, V.S.; Amith Nag, V.A.; Kamalakannan, A.; Ballal, C.B.L.; Ganesan, N. l As token of my support for the causes of heritage, environment Rs.100: Muthu Damodaran, G.; Pillai, M.R.; Ram Ganeshan, R.; Shantha and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, I send Chennai Krishnan; Suresh; Ponnusamy, M.P.; Nina Gopalakrishnan; Prema, S.; Heritage an additional Rs...... (Rupees ...... ) Mahadevan, M.; Raman, K.V. Please keep / put me on your mailing list. Rs.150: Pitchai, R.; Vijayaraghavan, CK; Sharma, KSV Name : ...... 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paintings by K. Bala Subra- aerial photography using the Madras Week maniam, G. Raman, N. Mano- technique of kite photography har, P. Agustine and Nelson (taking aerial pictures by using a (Continued from page 1) Is Madras Day only for adults? Kennedy. (At Vinnyasa.) kite to lift the camera) by Nicho- Till August 31: Exhibition of From August 22: Thoughts, an ex- las Chorier. Spectacular views of No way! The Asan Memorial hibition of the works of senior the wonders of India. (At Alli- two talks. The Public Relations School will have a three-day paintings by S. Jayaraj (at Lakshana Museum of Aarts). artists. (At Artworld.) ance Francaise.) Society of India decided to have : exhibition on the city, and chil- Till August 31: Power, an exhibi- Till August 25: Green Healers – an August 27 The Roots of Dialogue the installation of its new team dren will celebrate the birthday tion of paintings (at Artworld). exhibition on medicinal plants across Religions in India by Prof. for the year 2006/2007 as a cel- of the city at the Alps Academy August 31: Trinetra, featuring with panels on the importance of Mushirul Hasan, Vice-Chancel- ebration of Madras Day with a in Mylapore on the 22nd. George Kurien performing move- medicinal plants and their uses lor, Jamia Milia Islamia, New talk on the restoration of Senate In addition, there are at least ment on stage along with Madhav in curing several ailments. There Delhi. Organised by Association House. Several Rotary Clubs half a dozen heritage walks to Chari performing solo piano. (At will also be a display of live plants of British Scholars, Chennai came forward to observe the choose from on each of the two Alliance Francaise, 7.00 p.m.) and raw drugs. (At C.P. Art Chapter. (At University Cente- Centre Main Gallery.) nary Building, at 5.30 p.m.) week by inviting speakers to Sundays that flank Madras August 19-25: Faith Onwards, a collection of digital paintings on August 25: Dasaru Kanda Krishna August 31: Haunted by Compas- give lectures on subjects con- Week. There is, in addition, at dance by Kalakshetra. A fund- sion: Vedanta Desika’s ‘Daya nected with the city. Schools least one tour exclusively for canvas by Preeta Gopalswami. She has exhibited her work in raising concert for Concern In- Sataka’ by Dr. David Shulman, that had heritage clubs in them kids. online galleries such as dia Foundation. (At Theatre- Professor, Indian Studies, He- had presentations of their work We, a part of the Madras indiaart.com and yessey.com Kalakshetra.) brew University, Jerusalem. (At and there was a city-based quiz Week team, are not satisfied August 21-30: An exhibition of August 27-31: An exhibition of Museum Theatre, 7.00 p.m.) in PS High School open to stu- with all this. For one thing, we dents. And a few heritage walks. would like the festival to spread This year things have got to the north of the city, with THE SEARCH FOR GREEN... bigger and better. Taj Coro- that neglected part of the me- mandel, in addition to hosting a tropolis joining the bash. What (Continued from page 3) wheel is not necessary. The ac- present a window of opportu- couple of talks, will have a food about the IT folks who now experts, leading to doubt tions can begin. Be it the rivers, nity to learn and change course festival at Southern Spice comprise the Gen Next in this whether these studies would, in and their creeks, the Pallikar- to ensure that the environment which will have as its theme the city? Can we expect their par- fact, assist the enhancement of anai marsh, the beaches or the gets its due. For a plan that de- celebrated Cook and See, the ticipation? What about the the city’s environment. myriad other natural features, termines the city’s road map for recipe book of Meenakshi shopping complexes and malls? Let us not feel ecstatic about political will, backed by the next 20 years, city planners Ammal, the Maami who in the Will it be too much to hope for establishing increased green concerted efforts through par- must relentlessly work towards early 20th Century pioneered special discounts and the begin- cover through advanced satel- ticipatory approaches, can rea- mainstreaming environmental the concept of a cookbook for nings of a shopping festival on lite imagery and kid ourselves in sonably salvage what is left of an sustainability in the Master young brides. While the Park the lines of the Dubai Festival? having improved the environ- environmental crises-ridden Plan. It would be an opportu- Hotel will also be hosting one We hope for the best and are ment! It is time that our plan- Chennai. nity gone abegging if the DSMP talk, this year sees the entry of confident it will happen. After ners put their energies back in With reference to participa- 2026 tries to develop the city Welcomgroup Park Sheraton all, the city’s music season prioritising Chennai’s environ- tory development, a good place without protecting the environ- Towers into the celebrations. began with only one Sabha in mental assets and start earmark- to start would be Chennai Met- ment and ensuring social Similarly, Green Park Hotel will 1927 and look where it has gone ing them for protection – the ropolitan Development Autho- equity. have an evening of Chennai on today! In the meanwhile, it is last of the actions mentioned in rity’s (CMDA) own Commu- the 20th with folk performances celebration time folks! See you the chapter! nity Based Environmental and film shows. at the entertaining dos. It should, however, be noted Development Programme Answers to Quiz This year there are two sets Organising this year’s (CBEDP) (a follow-up to the here that information about 1. Harry Potter and the Deathly of talks happening simulta- programmes, or offering venue, many of these facets does al- Sustainable Chennai project) that aims to bring a ‘bottom-up’ Hallows; 2. Burj Dubai; 3. Rupert neously with yet another series hospitality, presentation or ready exist and reinventing the Murdoch; 4. Brian Lara; 5. He is to happening each day at the Sri prize support to them, are approach to city planning and be the next Chief of Army Parvati Gallery on Eldam’s Chennai Heritage – the pub- tion of British Scholars Chennai environment protection. De- Staff; 6. Asian Ahletics Champion- Road. The Department of Posts lishers of Madras Musings – Chapter, The Indo-American veloping strategies and evolving ships; 7. Mohammed Zahir Shah; 8. and Telegraphs signifies the Mylapore Times, Adyar Times, Association, The Roja Muthiah suitable projects to meet the ob- Scouting; 9. Brazil; 10. Six years. Government taking note of the Arcot Road Times, Forum Art Library, Ramu Endowments, jectives laid down by the * * * celebrations as well, with a spe- Gallery, Goethe Institut, Alps Nizhal, Hippocampus, Asan CBEDP, coupled with funding 11. Indonesia; 12. Chembaram- cial cancellation planned for Academy, Aseema Trust, Memorial School, INTACH- through suitable forms of rev- bakkam; 13. Shops which dis- the 22nd of August. The Gallery P.S.H.S. School, Gallery, C.P. Tamil Nadu Chapter, Larsen & enue generation (perhaps im- mantle automobiles; 14. Govern- ment House, often erroneously will also host an exhibition of Ramaswamy Aiyar Foundation, Toubro, The Taj Coromandel, pact fees on environment-un- friendly construction, etc.), called Admiralty House; 15. Cooum coins and paintings at the same Sri Parvati Gallery 4, Rotary Park Sheraton, The Park, Hotel House; 16. Sakthi, son of P. Vasu; time. There is, in addition, the Club of Madras South and other Green Park, Hotel Savera, The would be the first significant 17. S.S. Vasan; 18. It is considered exhibition of old Madras publi- clubs it has involved, the Public Taj Connemara, Chamiers steps to tackle the current crisis the place where Bhima killed cations at the Roja Muthiah Relations Society of India (Anokhee) and Lalit Kala the city is facing. Keechaka; 19. Raghupathy Library. Chennai Chapter, the Associa- Akademi. In all, the DSMP 2026 does Venkiah; 20. Madras Club.

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