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• Short ‘N’ Snappy • Vintage cars of Madras • Madras Week musings • Madras Week events • A jolly evening

Vol. XXVI No. 9 MUSINGS August 16-31, 2016 Metrorail to spread further... t long last there are plans stations. The second will con- Ato expand the Chennai nect the same end points but on Metrorail Limited (CMRL) net- a western alignment, via areas work to make it a public trans- such as , Anna port system that will cover a Nagar, Ramapuram, Nandam- large section of the city. It is bakkam, St Thomas Mount and reliably learnt that even as onwards. This will span 44.6 km Phase 1 of the Metro is nearing and 42 stations. A smaller third completion, work is underfoot corridor will be on a east west on surveying the rest of axis, connecting Lighthouse at Chennai for a second and more the Beach to the mofussil bus ambitious phase. This is being station at . This will have 17 stations and span 15.7 km. G by The Editor Much of these corridors is planned to be underground. Therein lies the rub. The cur- undertaken by RITES (formerly rent phase has a mix of tracks Rail India Technical and Eco- nomic Services) Limited and (Continued on page 2) will soon be submitted to the State Government. This is to the good, but speedy action in implementation will hold the key to making it an effective ...but several questions remain solution. Phase 1 of CMRL, which will t is heartening to note that section of our Metro rail the eventual success or failure addition, acquiring of any land connect to Ithe present regime in our appeared remote. The tracks of the Metro service depends owned by the State for the Chennai Airport via two State has taken up the task of and rolling stock had been on effective and speedy Metro is to be free of cost while corridors, is present becoming getting on with the completion tested and waited for months execution of the remaining if any space belonging to the operational in phases. It has and enlargement of the city’s on end before the flagging off portions. It would be wise to Centre is to be taken over, suffered a number of delays be- Metro rail network in right ear- actually took place amidst recall here that the much older compensation at market rates cause of land acquisition, ven- nest. This contrast with the much fanfare. It was then said MRTS is still a relatively poor has to be paid. This the State dor defaults, prolonged neglect complete lack of interest it dis- that the party in power was performer, chiefly because of Government feels will skew its owing to change of party in played towards the project for not so keen on seeing the great delays in its execution debt. Likewise, all escalation in power, and technical issues. unknown reasons five years ago. project come to fruition chiefly leading to cost escalations and cost of executions and the After much cost escalation due The present sense of urgency because the idea of a Metro also because of very poor last burden of any exchange rate to these reasons, the entire line augurs well and may mean that service for Chennai was that mile connectivity’. fluctuations are to be borne by is expected to be fully opera- we will have an operational of a political rival that had the State Government. Cash tional by 2017. It is in the light system sooner than we think. previously been in office. Now, It would also appear that the losses in operations are also to of this track record that the At the same time, the project is however, sentiments appear to State Government is having be the State’s burden. next phase is to be viewed. likely to run into some rough have done an about turn. The some concerns regarding the On the other hand, as and Phase 2 is envisaged in three weather, chiefly because the ongoing Assembly session liability it faces on account of when Chennai Metrorail makes corridors. The first, will be from principal stakeholders, namely witnessed heated exchanges the Metro rail. It has demanded a profit, the Centre will be Milk Colony in the Centre and State, are hav- between the two principal that the Memorandum of entitled to a dividend. More- the north to SIPCOT in Sho- ing some differences of opinion parties, each one claiming Understanding on the Metro over, the railways have retained linganallur, via an eastern align- on accountability and conseq- credit for the Metro rail. While rail signed in 2011 between the surface rights on all land they ment, traversing , uent cost apportionment. we applaud this eagerness, we State and the Centre needs a have leased to Metro Rail for , , , would like to sound a word of relook on certain clauses. The underground work. The lease, and then on- A few years ago, the very caution – the currently operat- first of these concerns land which is for 35 years, is at wards via . This likelihood of the powers-that- ional section is a mere fraction acquisition. This is present to be market value. The State has will span 44.3 km and have 45 be inaugurating the first of what has been planned and borne entirely by the State. In (Continued on page 2) CMYK Burying Caesar, musically 2 August 16-31, 2016 INTACH Convenors urge focus The problems of permission he Man from Madras these were men who did not that he loves. For that matter, on natural heritage T Musings is forever being answer phone calls from mere so does MMM. Years ago, the chivvied around by the Chief mortals of Madras who Chief once told MMM that amil Nadu Chapter’s Convenors’ Workshop was held recently to conduct some heritage walk thought they could fix appoint- each of these events was a or the other. Every time he, the ments. learning experience and while Tfor Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Nagercoil, Salem, Chief, finds MMM taking a So, that was that. MMM re- he, the Chief, did not know Thanjavur, Nilgris and Kodaikanal participants. It was stressed short breather between assign- turned to office, got a letter what the audiences got out of that greater emphasis needs to be placed on documenting bio-di- ments, his (meaning the ready and then sent one of his it, he, the Chief, came away a versity and natural heritage in all cities and towns. Chief’s) eyes hood over and he minions to the temple on a wiser man. MMM has always (the Chief again), makes a pro- working day. Miracle of looked upon many of these Convenors were suggested to seek broad-based membership to nouncement to as why does miracles, the EO was present events as grist for this overcome the general apathy and neglect towards heritage issues not MMM conduct a… and deigned to accept the let- column’s mill and so has rarely at both local government and societal levels. Natural heritage and The consequence of all this is ter. He would, he said, mull turned down any opportunity biodiversity is degrading at a rapid rate due to development activi- that MMM is forever hunting over the matter and send a re- as well. ties and patronage extended to building lobbies. around for walking spaces with ply. Buoyed by this, MMM an- Of late, the learnings have heritage in their vicinity. Dur- nounced the walk and was got richer. MMM spoke at an Armed with an inventory, local administration/municipalities ing one of his searchers he soon flooded with registrations event where everyone ap- can be pressurised to notify such listings through Government came across a temple in the from enthusiastic participants. plauded except one gentleman Grazettes. outskirts that briefly shot to MMM began planning the who maintained a stony si- fame when a great 18th/19th event with gusto, but at the lence. At the end of the event Chapters could also, it was suggested, adopt a nearby village century composer visited it back of his mind there was al- he came up to MMM and said which has heritage potential in order to involve common citizens and endowed it with five delec- ways this doubt – what if no that while he enjoyed the pre- in heritage related activities. table songs. This being that permission came? What if sentation, he did not agree great personage’s 250th birth MMM took a large group only with MMM’s story on how the Capacity building courses for local PWD engineers and anniversary year, MMM de- to find the temple doors firmly got his name. Municipal level workers could be conducted by each Chapter at cided to do a walk there. On shut on his face? What would MMM in his defence said he their level with the help of IHA Division. visiting the place MMM dis- people think? Would he not had picked up the details from covered that it was really a become a hissing and a by- the Chief’s well-known book. thing of beauty. The road lead- word? All the while, in the To which the man clucked ing to the temple was flanked meantimes, the day of the tour rather impatiently in a fashion METRORAIL on either side by rows of 19th kept nearing, and no sign of the that implied that the Chief did TO SPREAD SHORT ’N’ SNAPPY century structures. The thor- permission. MMM’s minion not know all. He said he would (Continued from page 1) transport. To what purpose, oughfare itself was broad, made several visits. The EO in- send in his findings by email. then, such an investment? It is lined with trees and it ap- formed him that the papers MMM reproduces it verbatim above and below the ground. peared as though the entire were with the appropriate au- below by way of proof to show The average cost comes to high time that our State setting had been imported thority. As for the Hereditary how the Chief has misled us around Rs 300 crore per km of authorities wake up to the from some never-never land. Trustee, there was no sign of all along. workMADRAS done, the above ground WEEKimportance AGAIN of deadlines and the MMM, like Jim Corbett, made him. “Another story what I cost coming to Rs 150 crore/km financial impact of non adher- subtle enquiries of the natives It was then that an angel in heard is one of the British and(Continued the below from groundpage 1) around ence to them. and was informed that the rea- human shape by way of a senior Governor’s sister name is Rs 400 crore/km. If Phases 2, 3 son why the place was main- Government officer called Merina. When her hus- There is yet another aspect tained so well was because it MMM and asked him as to band died in London the andThose 4 are who all largelyare planning subterra- events thatare requestedthe new plan to send is silent in details on. It nean, the expenses will be at the was the location of choice for what was biting him (MMM). Governor brought her sis- by email to the following IDs – [email protected] announced just as a couple and any Tamil feature film that When MMM poured out his ter to Chennai for [email protected] end. That means .the Detailsof somonths received ago will that be putthe upMass on needed a village setting. No- tale of woe, the man smiled and change. During her stay Governmentthe web site www.themadrasday.in will have to be Rapid and alsoTransport the mobile System app thatMa- body knew of the 19th Cen- said that this was the first time usually evenings went readydras Week. with the In funds.addition, It isa un-multi-pageoperates booklet from withBeach programmes station to tury composer but they all he had heard of permissions and spends her time in derstoodwill also be that published like Phase and 1,distributed the closer to wouldthe date eventually of the event be knew of 21st Century music being necessary for visiting a beach during that time otherby Madras phases Musings will also, whose be funded websitemerged is www.madrasmusings.com with the Metrorail. If directors who had won Os- house of God. Was MMM nobody was allowed. with Japanese assistance. That that were to be done, execution cars. planning any unlawful event or Hence people used to the The priest, like the natives, anything that would sully the beach is belongs Marina. may not be much of an issue as of large part of Corridor 3 would financial institutions in the was most welcoming though shrine? No, he was not. Why, From that moment on- be completed very soon with he did not know the rudiments then, he needed to just go wards the beach called developed world are keen to probably not much of a cost associate with projects in of worship. For instance he ahead. That is just what MMM Marina Beach.” outlay. What happened to that never broke open the coconut did. The tour went off very Who would have thought emerging nations, chiefly with idea? Perhaps the feasibility that MMM offered and yet well. The priest was delighted of that, Chief? These are the an eye on earning higher rates report when it is out will cover managed to complete the to see such a vast throng and same people who go around of return. What is more impor- this aspect as well. prayers. He was happy to was even happier when he saw saying that the Nawab teth- tant is that CMRL focuses on know that MMM planned to them all making fat offerings at ered his horses in a place completing the latter phases In the ultimate analysis, the bring people over but he was the altar. There was no talk of called Ghoda Baugh, which according to planned deadlines. Metrorail will be an immense quite firm that MMM also any permission. became . Now, Each month of delay in boon to the city and help needed to obtain the necessary A couple of days later, on if the Nawab lived in Che- completion will only push the improve its public transport permission for doing this from coming home, MMM found an pauk, why would he keep his costs higher. If these are to be system. The five corridors the Executive Officer, Hindu envelope of Governmental horses in Kodambakkam? would together account for 104 Religious & Charitable En- hues. Inside was a paper that Must have been quite a com- recovered, it would mean more dowments Board of the Gov- had clearly seen better days. It mute each morning. The same expensive fares and if these are km of the city. It is to be hoped ernment of . Also, was from the EO. He was glad creative lot have been going not attractive, commuters may that the plans materialise into it would be best that the He- to grant permission, it said, but around stating that still continue to use private reality soon. reditary Trustee was also pla- MMM and team would need to takes its name from being a cated by means of an identical adhere to several rules and garden to an ancient temple. letter. Copies of course, would regulations, all of which in But you, Chief, have always need to be marked to both. retrospect MMM realised he been harping on how the ...but questions remain No, the EO and the Trustee had abided by. The letter name was given by a Chief were not present just then at clearly mentioned the date of Minister of the 1950s. Makes (Continued from page 1) While the present demand for the temple, the day being a the tour but it was typed and you think, eh, Chief? Cer- revision of the MOU may be to questioned the logic behind Sunday and it would be best signed a day after it! tainly The Man from Madras settle political scores, it cannot this, arguing that if surface that MMM came in person on Musings ponders over all these be denied that the points set rightstakings. were Moreover,retained, thein the lease case of , the area owned a working day between 10.00 topics quite often. And on that by the Railways spans a whoppingforth 72 acres are logical. of which The the Centre station is am and 5.00 pm. MMM asked note he would like to wish all ought to be at nominal rates. t is that time of the year, occupies just a fraction. Why thenyet does to respond.the Railways An impasse want to over de- if the functionaries were at the the readers a Happy Madras temple on all weekdays be- when the Chief hurries from Week with more such molishIt must the bestructure? pointed Theout hereHigh Courtthis couldhas rightly lead suggested to delay that in I that the MOU was signed completion of the Metro. Are tween those hours. To this the event to event, spreading colourful, if wholly untrue, any development in the place can happen with the station building sweetness and light, and also between the Centre and the we to wait forever for a reliable priest said no, MMM would discoveries. remaining intact. Hopefully this should see better counsels have take his chance. And no, telling many stories of the city Stateprevailing in 2010, at thewhen Railways the present and betterand well days planned for the public Royapuram trans- – MMM regime’sterminus. rival was in power. port system? August 16-31, 2016 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

Was this the College’s home?

Keezhadi his is an exchange that Tyour Editor recently had he Keezhadi archaeological with Rear Admiral Mohan Tremains (MM, July 16) are Raman (Rtd.) who is at undoubtedly of “magnificent” present Secretary of the Ma- origin. But how far a sustainable dras Literary Society (MLS) reconstruction of the history of and is in change of its Library these remains is possible, is yet and programmes. to be seen. The more anti- Dear Editor, quated Aditanallur discovery So much we value today (1866) and its place in the his- originated in the scholarly tory of Tamil Nadu still remain works initiated by F.W. Ellis at elusive. There is no updated the College of Fort St George. data whatsoever available on All that was done in just 30 the Aditanallur excavations. years, as the establishment Romila Thapar (2002) once was closed in the 1840s. Sadly, its site is not too well indicated the intrusion of for- known. It does not find a place eign elements in the evolution even in the ASI’s Chennai list, of this culture. Nearly 170 clay which goes back to Stone Age urns containing genetically dif- sites. Sriram V once told me ferent human skeletons were that the old building in the unearthed from this site in DPI compound near the MLS 2006. Probable considerations was the College. at the time, probably brought Is that true? I ask because about a reburial of this the building looks like the evidence. Some potsherds MLS in age, and we go back just to 1905. stumbled upon in the vicinity of – Mohan Raman Aditanallur in recent times seem to bear striking resem- Dear Admiral, There used to be a large old Dear Editor, the 19th Century and this one Further, since the College blances to some motifs found on The building exists, and constructed on the cleared closed in 1842, it is reasonable earthen jars (of about 3000 BC) red building in the campus in which CARE had its office. If was handsomely restored and site. to infer that apathy and recovered from Egyptian sites. I remember right, it was at the renovated a few years ago; I I think he would be right. neglect would have set in. But such finds are yet to be suit- back of the DPI office blocks. think Microsoft helped out. It Apart from being the view of a Bharat Insurance and the ably pursued. It was believed that this was presently houses the computer committed researcher like River Gate in the DPI If we are only looking for the main building of the Col- cell of Samacheer Kalvi. Sriram, the building looks Compound are examples. monolingual Tamil cultural lege of Fort St. George. Sriram V includes it in his newer architecturally than Perhaps euthanasia for build- ethnicity or hegemony in sites I don't know whether the regular heritage walks around 1812. In fact, many bits of or- ings, as a prescribed remedy, building still survives. the DPI compound. He tells namentation are identical to has precedents dating from such as at Keezhadi or Adita- me that the original building the MLS building, which dates the Raj! nallur and at such earlier times, – The Editor was probably pulled down in from 1905. – Mohan Raman we certainly will have to re- learn the vicissitudes of history. I happen to be an ardent stu- cannot be so casually posited for tank. But my diabetic-foot dent of Tamil Sangam text, but these finds, as suggested in your friendly sandals, which I had I do not consider their contents report. acquired just a few weeks ago, to be dovetailed all the time to had disappeared. After walking Rev. Philip K.Mulley CHENNAI HERITAGE the so-called archaeological for a while with my arthritic time-frame or vice versa. Anaihatti Road Kotagiri 643 217 knees acting up and not finding No. 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, Whether it is the Indus Val- any footwear shop nearby, I had ley heritage or the glory of the Lost at temple to take an auto home. I vowed Westcott Road , Sangam Age or the antiquity of felt that I was not alone after never to go to that temple Chennai 600 014 Keezhadi, a lot more homework again. needs to be done. How ancient Ireading MMM’s article on visiting the temple to the God R. Usha I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List is the name Keezhadi is not [email protected] known. Was this site known by of skulls, not finding the No...... ) / I have just seen Madras Musings any other name has also to be chappal booth, left my expen- OUR ADDRESSES and would like to receive it hereafter. investigated. Sangam-time ref- sive sandals near one of the G I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for erences apparently do not seem entrances to the temple. When For matters regarding subscrip- tions, donations, non-receipt of Rs. 100 (Rupees One hundred) payable to CHENNAI to indicate any knowledge I came back from the shrine, receipts etc.: CHENNAI HERI- about the place. Hence, pre- found all the footwear TAGE, 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, HERITAGE, MADRAS, as subscription to Madras scattered, some even beyond Westcott Road, Royapettah, meditated dates between the Chennai 14. Musings for the year 2015-16. Indus Valley and Sangam times the fence around the temple Madras Musings now has its own email ID. Letters to the editor G As token of my support for the causes of heritage, can be sent via email to environment and a better city that Madras Musings editor@madras musings.com. Those who wish to intimate change espouses, I send Chennai Heritage an additional of address can also do so provided the subscription number is quoted. Rs...... For non-receipt of copies, change (Rupees ...... ) of address, and all other circulation matters: Madras Musings, C/o Please keep/put me on your mailing list. Lokavani Southern Printers Pvt. Ltd., 122, Greames Road, Chennai Name : ...... 600 006. On editorial matters: The ...... Editor, Madras Musings, No. 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, Westcott Road, Address: ...... Royapettah, Chennai 600 014. No personal visits or telephone ...... calls, please. Letters received will be sent from these addresses every ...... couple of days to the persons concerned and you will get an ...... answer from them to your queries reasonably quickly. Strange as it ...... may seem, if you adopt the ‘snail mail’ approach, we will be able to In the last fortnight’s article from ‘Naduvakkarai to ’ the help you faster and disappoint All cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. DD/Cheque should map showing the shrines left out the names of the two most important and appoint you less. be sent by Speed Post only. ancient temples. We correct the omission in this map. ñ THE EDITOR 4 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2016

G Two pages on automobile tales Recalling the birth of Mobile hen Mr. Viswanathan and writer Sandilyan to cheap and easy. With a couple “W asked me to preside Nathan’s Cafe nearby. The of hundred rupees you could over this function, I readily three of us used to have break- land up at a cousin’s house in agreed. As in everything else, fast for around Rs. 2.50 and the Calcutta or Bombay, move whether in trade or industry or office attendant would be wait- around in trams, electric trains commerce, any spirit of adven- ing for the balance one rupee! or city buses and campaign ture deserves to be welcomed. Remember, this was 50 years continuously for about a In industry I always welcome before Amma Unavagams. month, collecting material for more and more first generation There wasn’t much money in articles, and advertisements entrepreneurs. In technology the business even for KSri. He and subscriptions. fields. I welcome the increase in suggested that I start a maga- I received good support and the number of qualified and zine of my own. It was an encouragement from several able technicians. In the sphere honourable way of getting out friends in business. Most of publications too. I welcome of a rather tough unwritten notable among them was the explorations into new fields. It partnership. Gandhian S.N. Ramasami who requires courage to enter this I had already begun cam- worked as Advertising Manager sphere on one’s own. I also feel paigning to start a transport for TVS. He was impressed by that, consistent with our growth monthly, Mobile, for which I my foregoing a steady job after in the industrial sphere and also had applied for registration. It taking two post-graduate the rapidity with which we are wsa at that time that I had to go degrees and taking the risk of putting India on the industrial map of the world, it should add more specialised journals of spe- G by S. Viswanathan of Industrial Economist, cific interest. A matter of was reaching high-end business Siemens – that constructed the particular pleasure is that our a successor to Mobile literates who were high-flyers Rourkela Steel Plant; the Ger- chief minister Sri M. Baktha- and that he could reach them man government then offered vatsalam is participating in this at low cost. When he still to provide facilities to cover function.” to Delhi for a medical examina- entering a field totally on my pointed to budget constraints, I Daimler Benz, VDO, Volks- tion after being selected for an own. As mentioned earlier, it offered a barter arrangement: wagen and the Hanover Fair. This was stated by A.M.M. Air Force interview. When I was a clean slate, being little Murugappa Chettiar, head of ad space for air tickets. We failed it, I used my time in Delhi equipped for journalism in the agreed on the release of 12 back Getting the permit from the , at the to campaign for advertising and form of any knowledge, leave Reserve Bank for travel was a launch of Trade Wheel in cover colour advertisements in booked the first advertisement alone expertise, on reporting, return for a ticket to Europe! herculean task. For nearly a December 1964. for the cover page in colour! editing, proof-reading or pro- month, I had to visit the With the concentration of Two years earlier, I started In the next three months, I duction. I used to spend long Exchange Control Department my career in journalism by hours with him discussing the British-collaborated ventures in (ECD) of RBI to get the clear- travelled to Bombay and Cal- Madras, I explored the possibi- launching Mobile, a monthly cutta, familiarising myself with transport sector. He introduced ance. All I had requested for focussing on transport and me to several specialists includ- lity of covering the collabo- was £150 for the month-long the state of automobile produc- rators’ plants in the UK. travel. tion and the transport sector. ing the head of engineering at visit. The ECD manager Simpson’s, H.B. Stanford, who Stanford wrote to his friend in relented at around 4 p.m. on a I began my career teaching How cheap those days were! British Leyland who referred my You could purchase a circular helped me so much to familia- Saturday and issued the P-form at, first, Loyola College and, rise myself with the intricacies request to the Society of Motor which entitled me to travel to then, at Madras Christian tour ticket from the Railways Manufacturers and Traders. for your own itinerary. There of the automobile industry. Germany with an exchange of College. Krishna Srinivas M.K. Raju of India Pistons, K.S. SMMT agreed to provide local 3 pounds and 10 shillings, but (KSri), editor of Poet, invited were just two conditions: you hospitality and facilities spread could not retract on the travel Ganapati of Bimetal Bearings, not to UK. Stanford kindly of- me to partner him in running A.K. Bose of Wheel & Rim over two weeks to visit ten fered to arrange any foreign ex- his business. It was printed at a and the total distance covered manufacturing plants of auto- must be more than three times Company and A.R. Venkata- change I needed in Europe. I small printing press with a few raman of Simpson & Co., S. mobiles and auto components. rushed to Delhi the next morn- cases of lead types and a treadle. the distance of the farthest sta- These included Rootes Motors, tion. I drafted the route as Ma- Seshadri of PanAm, Mendiretta ing. Luckily, in those days, air- There he printed the periodicals of Caltex, Makarand Desai of British Motor Corporation, line companies worked seven South Rail News for the South- dras-Calcutta-Jalandhar-New Leyland Motors, Standard Delhi-Bombay-Arakonam- Tube Investments, and N. days a week and I could collect ern Railway, the Indian Mahalingam of the Sakthi Triumph, Forte Dunlop, Joseph my ticket from PanAm and Chemical Manufacturer for a Coimbatore-Cochin- Lucas, York Trailer, Edbro Trivandrum-Madurai-Trichy- Group were others who gave me catch the flight to Frankfurt Bombay client, and Indian their support in the initial years. Tipper, Raleigh Industries, and that night. Industries and Poet, both owned Madras. The price for a third J. Payen & Co. Each company The clean slate beginning by him. class ticket was Rs. 75. being visited provided five-star The visit to Europe (SMMT was a big help in several ways. It Since this was a single ticket, hotel accommodation and said it was the first such facility He printed Poet out of love lent for out-of-the-box thinking I could demand reservations transportation on the day of the extended to a non-European and mailed it at considerable and course corrections. I had an from Madras for the different visit. For the two week-ends, I journalist) provided deep expense to readers in India and interesting and extremely useful segments. The clerk at the shifted to the Indian YMCA insights into industry and several countries abroad whom encounter with Seshadri, Sales counter protested: he had to which offered a room with bed, management: Europe was he brought under the banner of Manager of PanAm in Delhi. I send nearly a dozen telegrams at breakfast and dinner at 35 booming with post-war recon- the World Poetry Society. In dropped into his office (without railway’s cost to ensure onward shillings (Rs 23) a day! struction almost complete. A the mornings he eagerly awaited appointment) and requested reservations. Two years later, single auto manufacturer, the postman – an occasional advertisements. He pointed out I also managed to get invited when I stabilised the business, I Volkswagen, was producing subscription cheque of Rs 10 that my publication was a small on a two-week visit to Ger- graduated to first class. The cost 6200 cars a day! India was pro- was expectantly looked forward one from remote Madras with many. The Press Bureau of of the circular tour ticket then ducing in three plants around to. The Pandian Bank in limited circulation and said that German industry offered to was Rs. 250. The rate was tele- 20,000 a year. The visit led to liberally PanAm had to advertise across provide facilities for visiting the scopic; the more you travelled the phasing out of Mobile and took upto Rs. 1.50 as bank the globe, reaching prospects manufacturing plants of a con- the less you paid per km. the launching of Industrial charges for discounting a Rs. 10 through mass circulated news- sortium of six German compa- Economist. (Courtesy: Industrial cheque. KSri would hand his There was little capital with papers. I submitted that my nies – AEG, Mannesman, Economist.) wife Rs. 5 and used to take me which I started. But living was specialised publication Mobile Krupp, GHH, Demag and August 16-31, 2016 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 Six pages for Madras Week 2016 ACDs not among our A vintage wealth

ravel down memory lane miles per hour being slow when panion. We also had the Roots Twith me and let’s recall the compared to the Studebakers. I group of cars in Madras like the array of cars that once were a have personally witnessed in Singer roadstar, Riley and part of the Madras scene. The the 1960s a Studebaker Hillman series, starting with ABC of cars is ACD, these Landcruiser V8 racing past Ply- Minx, the Imp, Hunter etc. scene-stealers (even now they mouths and Dodges. This re- Auburn are great crowd-pullers): Au- minds me of Lee Iacocca men- manufacture in Japan. After the burn, Cord and Duesenberg. tioning in his book that the initial round of discussions, they Their streamlined contours Ford V8, despite having a side C finally zeroed in on a model and painstakingly designed, coupled valve engine, was no patch wanted the drawings and proto- with massive muscle power is a when it came to acceleration, type to be readied. GM indi- delight to watch even now in 0-60 miles per hour, while com- cated 8-10 weeks for develop- peting with GM's Buick 8 inline ment; the Japanese insisted on overhead valve engine. The four weeks. The Chief of GM G by Ford V8, however, used to pip commented: "That soon" And a V.S. Kylas other at the poles because of name was born – Datsun! cutting edge technologies that Secretary of MHMC Madras once had two Ply- Ford had developed after World mouth Stationwagons, MSY War II when the American war 7293 and MSY 7294, white veterans had a lot of money and coloured cars used by the Chief pictures, movies or museums. Cord. of Police. They had extra boot Madras can be proud of the fact 331 – combinations like 1331, space to carry the “Walkie that we did have a dealership 2331, 4331, 5331, 7331, 8331 Talkie” Radio equipment. The selling these cars, M/s. D apart from stand alone 331 with name Stationwagon was coined Rajagopal Motors, just behind several prefixes in each of the by the Americans for all models Mount Road on . series from MSC onwards. which had an estate version Sadly, no one in Madras has one Kamaraj's Chevrolet Styline with a door at the back. The of them, even in a vintage car bore the number MDT 2727 name was on account of the ex- collection, today. and MGR's Ambassador MGR tra boot space required to fetch Apart from these, we also 4777. Some of the prominent all traveller's bags while com- had quite a number of cars from industrial houses had numbers muting from the railway station. Nash, Rolls Royce, Lagonda, totaling to 9. Madras car own- Allegro, Renault, Mercedes ers attached a lot of importance Many of the cars mentioned Benz, Volkswagen, Skoda, Fiat, to superstitious beliefs and none in this article will be exhibited Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Daimler, of them would go near a num- by the Madras Heritage Motor- Delage, Willys Knight, Kaiser, ber totalling 8 as it was consid- ing Club on Sunday the 28th at Rambler, Jeeps, Hudson, Hup- ered a jinxed number. But when Turyaa Hotel on OMR, a mobile, Sunbeam, Humber, it came to cars, the suffix for kilometre away from . Cadillac, Buick 8, Pontiac, cars like Buick 8, Morris 8, Aus- The Club was founded in 2002 Duesenberg. Oldsmobile, and Chevrolet. We tin 8, Standard 8, Ford V8 were with Patron Members M. Sara- vanan, Suresh Krishna and the also had Ford T models (Tin- buying power and used to pre- From Italy cars are the Bug Fiat, not a bar. late A. Sivasailam succeeded by lizzy), Ford Tudor, Ford Prefect, fer the V8s. Fiat Millicento, Fiat 1100, I recall an incident that hap- Mrs. Mallika Srinivasan. Balraj Ford Anglia, Ford Popular, Ford Colonial rule ensured that Super Select and Fiat Delite to pened in the 1980s during the Vasudevan was the Founder Consul, Ford Zephyr, Zodiac, Madras had its array of English Madras. The French, East and launch of the Allwyn Nissan President, V.S. Kylas, the Taunus (from Dagenham Ford cars from the factories of Aus- West German, and Czechoslo- Cabstar 576. The date was fixed Founder Secretary, and the Motors in the UK) and we had tin, Bentley, Daimler, Morris, vakian cars too plied on Madras for the launch of the vehicle on Committee Members were Ford Teardrop model V8 1939 Rolls, Humber, Jaguar, roads, like the Mercedez Benz, an all-India basis as this was one Ranjit Pratap, M.S. Guhan, Viji and then Ford Mercury V8, Landrover, Sunbeam, Singer, Volkswagen, Opel, Peugeot, of the first JVs in India to manu- Joseph and Sumanth Chaganti. Ford V8 Custom, Ford Thun- Triumph, Allegro, Standard, Renault, Citroens, NSU and facture commercial vehicles. Members own close to 200 derbird, Custom et al. Ford, Hillman, Riley, and Skoda. There was also Russian Just days before the launch, the vintage cars and 150 bikes. Madras can also boast of Vauxhall. The Austin range of cars like the Moskovich, Tatra Japanese team were taken having had the low slung yet cars comprised the Austin 7 and Volga. And GMs aback when the dealers ap- The uniqueness of the Club very distinguished Studebaker Chummy, Ruby, Austin 8, Aus- Australia’s gave us Caprice and pointed, especially those from is that it has a lot of members models – the famous Aero tin 12/4, Austin 16/4, Holden. the South had a peculiar re- who have single cars as well as Nose, the Champion, the Land- Sheerline, Austin Princess, Madras has the unique dis- quest. They wanted the name members who have fleets of cruiser, the Commander and while the Morris range included tinction in this part of the coun- Allwyn Nissan cabstar 575, cars. All feel at home and the the President, apart from the Cowley, the Bullnose, the try of giving importance to car which totalled 8, to be changed bonding is excellent. The Club DeSoto. They were a cut above Cut-door Morris, Morris 8, registration numbers. Looking to Allwyn Nissan cabstar 576. also helps members restore their the rest as they came with the Morris 10, MG series, and the at the numbers you could guess Even though the Japanese ini- cars and bikes by providing the overhead valve engine versions Morris 1000 (affectionately who the owner was. Some of the tially resisted this, they finally necessary expertise. On the which were much ahead of their called the Tiger 1000 because of numbers which were very pro- had to relent and accept 576 anvil are plans to have the contemporaries – Ford and its peppy engine). There were minent in those days were 2772, which totalled 9. Club's own museum-cum-state- Chrysler. Film celebrities used also several models of Jaguar, 7670, 9100, 5545, 786, 5445, Another of Japanese story. of-the-art education platform to patronise Chryslers, Dodge Flying Standard, Standard 8, 2313, 5193, 1962, 5515, 9682, The Japanese are very good as for automobile engineering Kingsway and Plymouth Savoy Standard Vanguard phases 1, 2 2838, 4777, 6777, 4852, 2919, reverse engineering and per- students to learn more about for their flamboyant fins and & 3, Ensign V6 Estate, Tri- 1, 7, 2829, 4077, 123, 4, 2728, fecting any existing design. A restoration of vintage cars, excellent contours along with umph Mayflower, Triumph 1917, 7374, 747, 7470, 5052, team of four Japanese were at apart from having cut-sections their trims which used to be Herald, Standard Super 8 basic 4786, 7293, 7294 and 6666. GMs Detroit design office in the of the old and new for students stunners, had to contend with model, Standard Super 10, the There were also the numbers early 1950s wanting a new pro- to get a glimpse of car design low performance, their 0-60 Pennant and Standard Com- with the last three digits being totype to be designed by GM for then and now. 6 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2016

G Madras Week musings with Vincent D’Souza From Broadway’s churches...

hen we lived on Mount visit the churches of the Protes- Quietly, the Metro Rail WRoad, we often attended tant community. line’s underground section is Sunday Mass at St. Mary’s on On the long Walk towards being constructed and already, Armenian Street and then Mint, there was a distraction – there are stories swirling walked down to NSC Bose wondering why there was a around. There the Metro work- Road to have breakfast. large posse of policemen and ers had to sweat to break down On Sundays, you had the a large number of people huge boulders, which had been whole area to yourself. You still crowding a tea stall, I veered dumped in the other century to do - this densely commercial off the main road and found level a low-lying Broadway. St. Thomas’ Cathedral of the Mar Thoma Christians. area shuts down on this day of myself in a birds and chicken Salesian priest Fr. Santhosh the week. (I wish Ninan’s was market. was happy to brief me on St. open, for its fish curry-rice. It is I got a lot of stares, some Xavier’s, the only Catholic There are a series of Masses Walks around old neigh- in its 60th year, I was told). stony ones. The men were sell- church on this road (at the far on Sunday mornings and I am bourhoods reveal a different I was back on Broadway to ing some rare birds and racing end). This year, the church cel- hoping that when we do have world, even readers must be prepare to curate a Walk for pigeons and they did not like ebrates 150 years since the core the Walk we will get a window aware of. Why don’t you and 2016. me taking pictures. of the church was build; it was a to step in and take in all the your friends curate a Walk in Walk focussed on the Street in these parts of the sub-station of St. Mary’s on unique features here, including your area for Madras Day 2016 heritage churches on this road, city hold old secrets. Armenian Street. relics of Saint Francis Xavier. (www.themadrasday.in) and of it. And Sunday mornings are the best time to work in peace. The morning I stepped into ... to City’s food trails St. Thomas Cathedral of the Mar Thomas congregation, hat do you need to make The strands of Burmese food streets that lie in the shadows momos. There are many such located off Loane Square, the Wa simple fish curry on the lingers on in the backstreets of of the giant IT companies here street food zones which feed the community was celebrating the city’s seashore? Parry’s Corner. It may not be to sample the food that was on huge IT community of OMR; feast of Saint Thomas. Tomatoes, onion, tamarind, the best. But it is cheap, sale in the evenings. you should drive down the The church office was chilli powder and some salt quickly-tossed and street-food. He says the ‘classic’ vada pav alleys after dusk to locate packed with Baskets of appams; should do. Newer food streets are for 15 bucks was a steal at one them! these and more were to be The men who go out to sea emerging. joint, the egg chicken roll, at 90 And if you go beyond the served to the community after for a few days must double up as And one must appreciate bucks, was “awesome and a menu cards and the food, you service. cooks. So their fish curry has its the efforts of some members of complete meal by itself” at an- will appreciate the changing Thank God, the volunteers limitation. Chennai Food Walks to explore other joint, the fish fingers for face of the food-makers and the hid them away when the service Their womenfolk do a better the new street food zones in our 80 bucks was a hit with his character of their customers. was on! job. city. friends at a third place and else- At Tucker Church, at 7.30 The tangry taste matters and Muralidhar Shreedhaaran where, he tried the chicken There trends also tell us sto- a.m. there was time to take in it goes well with steaming rice. recently took off into the momos, at 60 bucks; ‘Okayish ries of our city. (Courtesy all the memorials, including a A city shows its colours Kandanchavadi zone, into the but had to search for chicken in Times) prominent one to Thomas through its food. Food made Moore Lane, surgeon and and sold off on its streets. oculist in Madras and physician Walking around helps. to the Nawab. And a well- The old haunts are in maintained pipe-organ, re- Mylapore and . paired at great cost. T’Nagar and Purusawalkam, The Young pastor at Arcot Mint and Royapuram. Lutheran Church who rides his and Royapettah. from his home in I wondered why a Sri Lankan Manali knew less of the church food zone did not emerge in a history but a lot of the Church, place like Besant Nagar and be- established by Danish mission- yond. Till August 24: Art Exhibition, Sa- with Wayanad tribal dances by cred Sensual by N. Subramaniam Wayanad Nattukootam Naata- aries in the then united Arcot In the late 1980s, they made region, with headquarters close at Apparao Galleries rivu Padan Kendram. huge community, having taken Art Exhibition, to Cuddalore. Till August 30: What a Colour – Till September 7: refuge here following ethnic war Watercolours at Apparao Galler- Goblins, Gnomes & More by Edge III. He had time to explain the and the seaside neighbourhoods ies, The Leela Palace Ganga Singh, Mahmud Hussain, Till September 30: Paintings Ex- salient features of the service. I of the city were their comfort- Avishek Sen and P.G. Dinesh at hibition, Movement on the Edge needed that lesson for it is only able homes, for those who could Apparao Galleries, The Leela II by John Tun Sein at Sandy’s, at Christmas carol time that I afford rents here. Palace Till September 30: Paintings Ex- hibition, Movement on the Edge III by Madhukar Maithani at MADRAS MUSINGS ON THE WEB Sandy’s, Nungambakkam September 9: IndoSoul by Karthick To reach out to as many readers as possible who share Iyer Live at 7 p.m. Goethe- Institut Auditorium our keen interest in Madras that is Chennai, and in September 30: Memory Space – response to requests from many well-wishers – especially Sounds of Berlin and Chennai. A Watercolours. rare musical venture organise by from outside Chennai and abroad who receive their postal Till August 31: Art Exhibition, the Goethe-Institut Chennai, copies very late – for an online edition. Madras Musings Layers and Journeys of the Heart composed and presented by featuring the work of Akmal Kammerensemble Neue Musik is now on the web at www. madrasmusings.com Hussain and Keiko Mima of Berlin along with Indian musi- Pondicherry at Dakshina Chitra cians in collaboration with – THE EDITOR August 31-September 1: Onam Kalakshetra (at 6.30 p.m.) celebration at DakshinaChitra Goblins, Gnomes... . August 16-31, 2016 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

August 20-21, 2016 Lecture: Temples of Vietnam and Indonesia by Vijay Kumar. 6.30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Madras Organised by Chennai Outreach. Apparao Galleries Exhibition: Anna Nagar. Organised by Nam Veedu, Nam 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Week ’16 OOr, Nam Kadhai Swarna Mini Hall, Email: [email protected]; phone: 91 98404 95717 Anna Nagar August 13 to September 3 August 20 (Saturday), 2016 Updated till August 12th Walk: Marshall’s Road (Rukmini Lakshmipathi Road) 7 a.m.-9 a.m. Starting led by Sudha Umashanker. Organised by Storycorner­ at point: just outside ­Bookmine. To register: 9840247624 Rajah Muthiah Hall August, 2016 Through August. in-gate Exhibition: Paintings and sculptures. Organised by 9.30 a.m.-6.30 p.m. ­Cholamandalam Artists’ Village in collaboration with Lalit daily at ­Cholamandalam Exhibition: An exhibition on Tirukkural by architect 11 a.m. Kala Akademi, Regional ­Centre, Chennai Artists’ Village M. Dhanasekaran. Organised by MLS. Non-members of MLS: Rs. 50 per person. August 21-28 Games: The participants would be introduced to the art 2 pm to 5 pm Exhibition: Photographs of IIT Madras from its founding IIT Madras of making board games and, as a team, they will make The Learning ­Community till recent times. Organised by IIT Heritage Centre 9 a.m.-5 p.m. games based on the theme: Madras. Only for 12-16 years. at Quest, August 21-27 Santhosh from Bambaram Toy Library will be facilitating the event which is hosted by Bambaram, YOCee and Digital engagement. Digital crossword quiz on Madras Digital The Learning Community Quest. Please bring your own theme. Organised by British Council. For details: 42050700 basic stationery materials. Charts and additional pencils, / email: [email protected] sketches would be provided at the venue. Free. Limited to 10 teams (2 members per team). Prior registration: Till August 29, 2016 http://goo.gl/forms/eTFCJleawzKrQ0BT2 Exhibition: Tamil Nadu Cuisine – to create awareness of the 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Contact: 9840544629 (Revathi), Santhosh (9962387624) diversified traditional andauthentic ­ food culture across Stella Maris College Tamil Nadu. Organised by the Department of ­History and Talk: Jesuit Participation in Chennai history by 5.30-6.30 p.m. Tourism, Stella Maris College Dr. Amaladass Anand Dhyana Ashram Till August 30, 2016 Food Walk: West Mambalam Food Walk. Free but pay for 4 p.m. Exhibition: Exhibition stalls on: 1. Miniature Models on 10 a.m.-3 p.m. what you eat. Starting Point: Venkatra- Heritage buildings,­ (institutional and government);­ 2. Stella Maris College Organiser: Sridhar Venkataraman. Register: 97909 57208 mana Boli Stall, Tham- Old and New Movie clippings or ­posters; 3. Videos on baiah (Reddy) St. old cities and streets of Madras; 4. Names and Taglines of the streets and places of Madras; 5. Photo album on Walk: British Blueprints 1 – Lighthouse to War Memorial. 6 a.m.-8 a.m. Reporting the old and later changes in Madras; 6. Photo Booth - Mode: walk. Distance covered on foot: approx 3 km. To venue: Gandhi statue, heritage cut outs at the backdrop and a photo taken; register: Write to [email protected], Ph: 99400 40215. Marina beach Maxi- 7. ­Handmade ­greeting cards, badges, bookmarks, mehendi ­Organised by Storytrails. Things to bring: comfortable mum capacity: 30 PAX designing on culture and heritage; 8. ­Display of liter- walking footwear, cap ­Registration free ary works relating to Madras and old paper cuttings; 9. ­Heritage walk in Stella Maris College Campus. Organised Walk: Bird Walk at Tank 6.30 a.m. Bus stand opp by the Department of History and Tourism, Stella Maris Please bring along binoculars and cameras. Organised by IT Park near Toll Plaza in College the Madras Naturalists’ Society. Perumbakkam. Group For registration: Vijay at [email protected] Size: 25. Strictly on first- Till August 31, 2016 come basis. Exhibition: Ancient temples of Madras. An exhibition of Kadambari Gallery Walk for the diffabled: The City and its Cinema – an 10 a.m-12.30 p.m. paintings curated by ­Gandhirajan DakshinaChitra ­accessible excursion. Starting point: Entrance An introduction to the fascinating history of cinema in gate of L.V. Prasad Acad- August 16 (Tuesday), 2016 Chennai followed by a walk across Prasad Studios and emy, . Rs. Prasad Labs. Lead:. Venkatesh Chakravarthy, Regional 200 per person, towards l Talk: Madras Day by Sashi Nair. Organised by the Rotary Boat Club travel charges Club of Adyar. Only for Rotarians and their guests ­Director of L.V. Prasad Film & TV Academy. Organised by Explore Differently (www.facebook.com/ August 17 (Wednesday) 2016. exploredifferently) NOTE: See Also August 25th Walk: Explore Industrial Madras. Walk through Time : 4pm Industrial Estate, led by N. Ramaswamy. Starting Point : Near Talk: Sir CPR’s Madras by Sriram V. Organised by The C.P. 11 a.m. Ramaswami Aiyar (CPR) ­Foundation CPR Foundation NOTE: No need for Registration. Contact: Ram: 9444062684. CIPET Main Gate Route: https://goo.gl/maps/mPGXwvccQR52 Lecture: Chennai: From Metropolis to Megapolis: Demog- 11 am-1 pm followed raphy and Social Mobility by Sujatha Natarajan, Patron by lunch. ORF-Chennai August 18 (Thursday), 2016 and ex-President, Family Planning Association of India. Conference Hall Play session: An Evening of Traditional Games conducted Ashvita Bistro, ­Organised by Observer Research Foundation (Chennai by Kreeda in partnership with ­Ashvita Events. Details: Chapter) Note: Email confirmation­ mandatory 3-5 days in [email protected] advance. [email protected] Talk: Palaeolithic cultures of Madras by Dr. Jinu Koshy, 11 a.m. August 19 (Friday), 2016 Department of Ancient History & Archaeology, University Madras Literary Society Exhibition: An exhibition on Tirukkural by architect M. 11 a.m. of Madras. Organised by MLS Dhanasekaran. Organised by MLS. Non-members of MLS: Madras Literary Society Rs. 50 per person. Talk: Prehistoric sites in and around Madras by Dr. Jinu 3 p.m. Koshy, Department of Ancient History­ & Archaeology, DakshinaChitra Talk: Chennai History through Church Architectural Styles by 5.30 p.m.-6.30 p.m. ­. Organised by DakshinaChitra Dr. Amaladass Anand Dhyana Ashram Talk: Cultural History of Colonial Madras by K.R.A. Narasiah. 3.30 p.m. Films: Madras Masters. Screening of documentaries Golden 6.30 p.m. Organised by DakshinaChitra DakshinaChitra Flute and ­Kamadhenu. Celebrating­ the city’s two well- Gallery Sri Parvati known artists, Alphonso Arul Doss and Veera Santhanam, Talk: Contemporary art in Chennai by Vaishnavi Ramana- 4 p.m. directed by Gita, city-based painter and film-maker. Audi- than. Organised by DakshinaChitra DakshinaChitra ences can interact with the artists after the screening. Launch: Memories of Madras – A card game celebrating 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Organised by Gallery Sri Parvati Madras City followed by a quiz and a game session in Odyssey, Adyar August 20 & 21, 27 & 28, 2016 association with Odyssey and produced by Kreeda with Films: These documentaries will be screened by 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and guidance from S.­ Muthiah. ­DakshinaChitra: Shilpi speaks: Conversation with Ganapathi­ 3 p.m.-5 p.m. For information: [email protected] Sthapathi and Measuring the sky: A journey to the Seminar Hall, Dakshina l Singing: Bharati evening -- singing Bharatiar songs. Haddows Club ­Brhadiswara temple (IGNCA film) Chitra Organised by all-women Rotary Club of Chennai Bharati. Only for Rotarians and their guests

Note: Limited seating/registration at all venues/events on first-come, first-served basis, but terms apply l Not open to all. Only for members and guests. Check www.themadrasday.in and Madras Week App for up-to-date programmes. Promotion and Publicity: PRISM Public Relations. 8 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2016 Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Busting the idol racket by Hotel Crowne Plaza August 21 (Sunday) 2016 Vijay Kumar. Organised by Madras Musings (Adyar Park) Heritage Ride: Madras Day Heritage Ride to Sadras Fort. Start: 5.00 a.m. 6.30 p.m.-8 p.m. Organised by Cycling Yogis The ride will start from the ­Finish:12.00 noon. city and reach Sadras Fort. The return will conclude at ­Registration is l Talk: Madras Port by K.R.A. Narasiah. Organised by the Hotel Savera ­DakshinaChitra Heritage­ Museum on ECR Road. There will ­compulsory for all the Rotary Club of Madras Midtown. Only for Rotarians and be a Medal Distribution ­Ceremony and talk on ‘Cycling in participants. For more their guests Madras 1877-1977’ ­followed by special edition My Stamp information ­contact: release on S.Muthiah (Chronicler of Madras) at the finish Ramanujar Moulana August 23-27, 2016 ­(DakshinaChitra). NOTE: Helmet is mandatory. Please wear Ph: 9884023123 or log on bright coloured clothing to enhance ­visibility.The ride is to www.facebook.com/ Exhibition: Water Science: Journeys from Australia to Centre for Water free of cost and has no ­registration fees. You are responsi- cyclingyogis/groups Madras: Photo exhibition will ­showcase Australia’s knowl- Resources, College­ of ble for your own safety. Obey all the traffic rules. The road edge and expertise of water sciences in India with a spe- Engineering, Guindy will not be closed for the event. Ride route is subject to last cial focus on Chennai and its history in irrigation and water minute changes. management. The exhibition will include a glimpse into Alfred Deakin’s (Australia’s second Prime Minister) visit Walk: British Blueprints 2 – Beach Station to Fort. Mode: 6 a.m.-8 a.m. Reporting to the then , where he researched and walk. Distance covered on foot: approx 3 km. To register: venue: Beach Station, published on Madras ‘superior irrigation facilities and Write to [email protected], Ph: 9940040215. Organ- North exit. ­Maximum canal systems’. Organised by Australian Consulate-General, ised by Storytrails. Things to bring along: water bottles, capacity: 30 PAX. Chennai comfortable walking footwear, cap ­Registration free Walk: Nature Walk at backwaters. Please 6.30 a.m. Bridge on OMR- August 23 (Tuesday), 2016 bring along binoculars and cameras. Organised by the ECR link road at Kelambak- Madras Naturalists’ Society. kam. Group Size: 25 strictly Forum discussion: Traditional Games from Chennai – Their 10 a.m-12.30 p.m. Tamil For registration: Vijay at [email protected] on first-come basis impact on the development of ­Special Children. Rasa in Nadu Eyal Isai Nataga ­partnership with Kreeda. Manram For information: [email protected] Walk: Naduvakkarai to Anna Nagar. Organised by Nam 7 a.m.-8 a.m. Starting Oor, Nam Veedu, Nam Kadhai. point: Tower Park – Ayya- Walk: Linking Science and Society. A walk through the cam- 11 am to 12 noon. Registration: [email protected] pan temple side entrance pus of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). Maximum registrations Against a backdrop of water harvesting and solar power, - 25. Tree Walk: Nandanam. 8-9 a.m. Nandanam Extn. the walk will also explore the labs where researchers work, Register online: http://bit.ly/29CT9LO. Organised by Nizhal ­outside Boston School and there will be an interaction with Prof M.S. Swamina- than. The walk will be facilitated by Prof P.C. Kesavan and Food Walk: Food Walk. Free but pay for what 9 a.m. Starting Point: Dr. S. Rajalakshmi. To register: [email protected] you eat. Organiser: Sridhar ­Venkataraman. Ekambares­warar Temple, Register: 97909 57208 Mint Street Play session : Traditional Games for special children. 2 p.m-4 p.m. Tamil Nadu Play session: Games from Chennai – A display and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The Folly, Kreeda in partnership with Rasa. For information: info@ Eyal Isai Nataga Manram play session­ conducted by Kreeda in partnership with ­Amethyst, Opp Satyam kreedagames.com ­Amethyst. For information: [email protected] Cinema Theatre: If Shakespeare was born in Madras, how would 4.00 p.m. Walk: On the trail of the (for kids). To register: 10 a.m.-12 Noon Report- he have scripted his plays? A contemporary presentation Write to [email protected] Ph: 9940040215. Organised ing venue: Fort Museum of an act in a Madras setting from any Shakespearean play by Storytrails. Things to bring along: water bottles, cap entrance to be enacted by college students. A 10-minute presenta- Free. Max. capacity: 25 tion by each team. In English but might include words and PAX phrases in the local dialect. Organised by British Council. Walk: A tour of the Bronze Gallery, Madras Government 11am- 1pm. Rs. 300 per For details: 42050700/email: [email protected]. Museum, led by Dr. Chithra Madhavan.­ Registra- ­registration. Organised org tion: [email protected] by Namma Mylapore Talk: The communities that make Chennai. Anuradha Oberoi 5 p.m. Storytelling: Madras Nalla Madras – a storytelling feast by 1.30 - 2.30 p.m. The Spice will look at the Parsi, Sindhi, Marwari,­ Bengali, and Punjabi Press Institute of India Jeeva Raghunath. Organised by Kathai Kalatta Jar ­restaurant, Residency communities in the city. Organised by Press Institute­ of (PII) Hotel India CPT Campus, Taramani

Walk: Textile Walk of T.Nagar –A guided tour of the “Golden 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Chandralekha and the 6.30 p.m.-8 p.m. Furlong” to understand the heritage­ establishments, their Rs. 350/- per registration Chennai connect by Sadanand Menon. Organised by Chamiers industry and their special weaves. This year’s walk will Madras Musings include Pothys, RMKV and Sundari Silks. Led by Sreemathy Mohan. l Discussion: Panel discussion on Marrying into 6.30 p.m.-8 p.m. Registration: [email protected] Chennai. Participants four Chennai expats – Deborah Hotel Savera Thiagarajan (American), Miri Vasu (South Korean), Shannon Conversation: Three Chennai authors – V. Rajesh, Abhishek 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Zirkle-Prabhakar ­(American) and Peter Claridge (UK). Mod- Krishnan, Naqiyah Hasan – in conversation.­ Organised by Odyssey, Adyar erated by Nina John. The four panelists will discuss the pros Odyssey, Adyar and cons of living in Chennai with spouses from Chennai. Organised by Rotary Club of Madras South. For members Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Madras under the Golconda 6.30 p.m.-8 p.m. and guests only Sultans by S. Anwar. Organised by Madras Musings Hotel Maris l Talk: Poochi Venkat will speak on biodiversity. Organised Alumni Club Talk: Traditional Games from Chennai – What they tell us 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. by Rotary Club Chennai Gemini, Rotary Club Anna Nagar about ourselves by Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda at The Folly. The Folly, Amethyst Aditya and Rotary Club . Only for Rotarians and For information:[email protected] their guest. August 22-28, 2016 August 24, (Wednesday)2016 Art Show: CWA Art Show 2016. Chennai Weekend Artists Lalit Kala Akademi. 3 p.m.-7 p.m. are conducting an art show ­displaying around 300 art ­Inauguration: August Play session: Never too old to play – A play session for Old is Gold Store, No. works of ’Chennai-on-location‘ drawings and paintings. 22, 5.30 p.m. Contact: senior citizens conducted by Kreeda in ­partnership with 53, 1st Main Road Indira Show includes public participation also. Inauguration by Muralidharan Alagar the Old is Gold Stores. For information: info@kreedagames. Nagar eminent artists of Tamil Nadu. 9840082098 com /[email protected] Exhibition: Prize-winning Madras photographs from Alli- AFM Gallery Talk: Reviving it to match its legacy. Rear Admiral Mohan 5 p.m. ance Francaise Contest Raman (Retd) will talk about the historical­ role of the Press Institute of India August 22 (Monday), 2016 Madras Literary Society in South Indian ‘orientalism’. (PII) Organised by Press Institute of India CPT Campus, Taramani Play Session: Never too old to play – A play session for 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Old is Gold senior citizens conducted by Kreeda in partnership with Store, Opp. Kohinoor Lecture: South Indian Languages during Colonial rule – 5.30 p.m. the Old is Gold Stores. Asiana, ­Semmenchery History and growth by K.R.A. Narasiah.­ ­Organised by Roja RMRL, For information: [email protected] /sanjay@oldis- Muthiah Research Library goldstore.com Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Some personalities of this 6.30 p.m.-8 p.m Talk: Some street names of Madras that is Chennai by 5 p.m. City by . Organised by Madras Musings The Hyatt Regency Sriram V. Organised by Press Institute of India (PII) Press Institute of India Talk: British architectural photographers and the heritage of 4.00 p.m. CPT Campus, Taramani the Madras Presidency, 1855-1905 by Dr. Crispin Branfoot, British Council South Asian Art & Archaeology expert from SOAS, Univer- Lecture: Digging the Past: Archaeology Norms, Practices and 5.30 p.m. sity of London. Organised by INTACH and Association of Legislations in India and the U.S.A. by Dr. S. Suresh, State RMRL, Taramani British Scholars Convenor, Tamil Nadu Chapter, INTACH. Organised by Roja Muthiah Research Library Storytelling: Storytelling for and by adults. Topic: It hap- 6 p.m. pened in Chennai. Cafe Coffee Day Square Open Mic (ten-minute time-limit per teller). Facilitated by Khader Nawaz Khan Road the World Storytelling Institute.­ To register:­ info@story- Nungambakkam tellinginstitute.org / 98403 94282 August 16-31, 2016 MADRAS MUSINGS 9 August 25 (Thursday)2016 Lecture: Chennai: From Metropolis to Megapolis: Psy- 11 am-1 pm followed by chology of a Changing Social ­Fabric by Dr. Ravi Samuel, lunch followed by lunch Walk for the diffabled:Arms Gallery at the Government 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PhD, Psychotherapist. Organised by Observer Research ORF-Chennai Conference Museum. A look at the amazing­ ­collection of weapons on Rs,200 per person, ­Foundation (Chennai Chapter). NOTE: Email confirmation Hall display, most from the Tanjore armoury. Stories and trivia towards travel charges mandatory 3-5 days in advance. behind them. Lead: Rajith Nair. Last date for registration (*see also August 20th) [email protected] 16th August, 2016. Organised by Explore ­Differently (www. facebook.com/exploredifferently) Recital: Chennaiyil Gnanaratnam, a recital and play on 11 a.m. Madras Literary Bharati and Chennai. Organised by MLS Society Storytelling: Madras Nalla Madras – a storytelling feast by 1.30 - 2.30 p.m. Storytelling: Tales of Madrasapattinam by Jeeva Raghu- 3 p.m. Madras Literary Jeeva Raghunath. Organised by Kathai Kalatta Malgudi Restaurant, nath. Organised by Kathai Kalatta and MLS Society Hotel Savera Play session: Never too old to play – A play session for 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Storytelling: Madras Nalla Madras – a storytelling feast by 4 p.m. senior citizens conducted by Kreeda in ­partnership with Old is Gold Store, Jeeva Raghunath. Organised by Kathai Kalatta DPI Library the Old is Gold Stores. AH 247, 1st Street Walk: Understanding Tamil Nadu’s Textile Heritage – A Rs. 300/- per registration For information: [email protected] /sanjay@oldis- Anna Nagar guided walk in the Govt Museum. Get to know the vintage goldstore.com textiles of Tamil Nadu and textile related repositories avail- able in the museum. Led by Sreemathy Mohan. Registra- Presentation: Select bronze sculptures in the Government 5 p.m. tion: [email protected] Museum, Egmore. A presentation by Chithra Madhavan. Press Institute of India Talk & Demo – Lecture and Demonstration of Ancient 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Organised by Press Institute of India (PII) Temple Games presented by Apparao­ Galleries in associ- Apparao Galleries, CPT Campus, Taramani ation with The Leela Palace. Chitra Madhavan in conver- The Leela Palace Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Chennai’s Style Influenc- 6.30 p.m.-8 p.m. sation with Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda; Lakshmi Srinath ers – panel discussion: Rosella ­Stephen and panelists. Amethyst / TVAM and Kreeda will translate traditional games in ­Organised by Madras Musings the demonstration; For information: info@kreedagames. com August 26-28, 2016 Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Chennai & Cricket by R. 6.30-8.30 p.m. Competitions and Festivities: Point Classic Surf, All day till 11 pm Mohan. Organised by Madras Musings Hanu Reddy Residences Music and Yoga Festival 2016 ­celebrating Madras beaches Covelong Point, and surf. There will be an international level surf competi- Kovalam village Storytelling: Madras Nalla Madras – a storytelling feast by 7.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. tion hosted by the Asian Surfing Championship , a diverse Jeeva Ragunath. Organised by Kathai Kalatta Southern Spice restau- music line-up with two stages, a yoga and a meditation fes- rant, tival, evening film screenings, and a variety of beach side The Residency Towers activities. And, of course, food. Organised by The Covelong Point Social Surf School Film: Documentary on Chennai Lakes produced by 4.30 p.m. ­Environmentalist Foundation of India. The documen- British Council Exhibition: Marvellous Madras Photographs 2016. Tanishq, Anna Nagar tary highlights the plight of Chennai’s lakes and aims at ­Organised by Gingerbead ­sensitising the larger public on the need for conserving our water bodies. To be followed by a brief discussion. August 26 (Friday), 2016 Organised by British Council. For details: 42050700/email: Talk: Kapaleeswarar temple, Mylapore – History, Art, 6.30 a.m.-8.30 a.m. [email protected] Architecture and Traditional Games by Chithra Madha- Eastern entrance to van with Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda Rs.300/- per person. Kapaleeswarar ­Temple August 28 (Sunday)2016 To register, [email protected] (next to Giri Trading) Heritage Walk: Kapaleeswarar temple, Mylapore – His- 6.30 a.m. -8.30 a.m. tory, Art, Architecture and ­Traditional Games by Chithra Storytelling: Madras Nalla Madras –a storytelling feast by 1.30 - 2.30 pm Rs. 300 per registration. ­Madhavan, with Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda. Jeeva Raghunath. Organised by Kathai Kalatta. Malgudi ­Restaurant, Organised by Namma Register: [email protected] Hotel Savera Mylapore Photowalk: Yocee (http://yocee.in) conducts its 8th Starts at 6.30 a.m. Food Walk: Mylapore Food Walk. Free but pay for what 4 p.m. annual Madras Week Photowalk for children Photowalk Meeting Point : In front you eat. Organiser: Sridhar Venkataraman. Register: 97909 Starting Point: Mylapore for children. Led by N. Ramaswamy. The walk will cover 57208 Head Post Office, of the the Creek. For children of 10 years and above. Bring your Cemetery. Kutchery Road own camera (any type). Carry light snacks and water bot- tle. Dress easy. Free. Register with Revathi at 9840544629. Talk: People, participation and panning out – Madras Day 5 p.m. Open only to first 25 registrations. celebrations over the years. Jayashree B. will showcase her Press Institute of India Route : https://goo.gl/maps/WFkneVivvx32 study about how Madras Week has grown over the past (PII) decade. Organised by Press Institute of India CPT Campus, Taramani Walk: Harrington Road walk led by Padmapriya Baskaran and 7 a.m. Sudha Umashanker. To register:­ 9790918056/9840247624. Starting point: Shoppers Lecture: The Tamil-South Korean Connection by Kyungsoo 5.30 p.m. Organised by the Cooum-a-cultural-mapping group and Stop Kim, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai. RMRL, Taramani ­Storycorner at Bookmine Organised by Roja Muthiah Research Library Heritage Walk: 9th annual Living Statues of Marina 7:30 a.m. Beach walking tour featuring six brief ­dramatic Meeting Point: Kannagi Storytelling: Madras Nalla Madras – a storytelling feast by 4.30 - 5.30 p.m. ­enactments (in English and Tamil) of the characters Jeeva Raghunath. Organised by Kathai Kalatta Shiva Parvathi Gardens statue, Marina Beach (at portrayed by the statues. Stopped at: ­Kannagi, NSC Bharathi Salai) Bose, Thiruvalluvar, George Pope, Bharathidasan, and Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Madras Bhashai in Tamil 6.30 p.m.-8 p.m. Avvaiyar. ­Cinema by V. Mohan Raman. Organised by Madras Musings The Park Hyatt Let us know if you might like to (a) Perform one of the statue characters (in English or Tamil). (b) Read-aloud poetry by Book release: Meera Raghavendra Rao’s Madhwas of 7 p.m.-8 p.m. the characters (Thiruvalluvar, Bharathidasan, Avvaiyar, etc). Madras (Palaniappa Bros.). ­Organised by Odyssey, Adyar Odyssey, Adyar The suggested scripts (in English), and other details, are at www.storytellinginstitute.org/28.html. Organised by the August 27 (Saturday) 2016 World Storytelling Institute. Heritage Walk: Marudheeswarar Temple – and games 7 a.m.-7.45 a.m. At To Register, [email protected] / 98403 94282 thrown in! Tiruvanmiyur in 7-8th Century.­ Pradeep Chakra- entrance to temple oppo- varthy with Vinita Sidhartha of Kreeda. site the temple tank and Food Walk: Sowcarpet Food Walk. Free but pay for what 9 a.m. Registration: [email protected] facing the beach (NOT you eat. Starting Point: Ekam- the one on ECR) Organiser: Sridhar Venkataraman. Register: 97909 57208 bareswarar Temple, Mint Street Walk: Steeple Chase. Walk through Chennai’s Christian 8 a.m-11 a.m. Reporting history and stories. Registration: [email protected],­ venue: Storytrails office. Exhibition: Heritage Automobiles. 9.30 a.m. All day. Ph: 9940040215. Organised by Storytrails. Things to bring Max. capacity: 10 PAX Organised by the Heritage Motoring Club The Turyaa Hotel, OMR along: water bottles, comfortable walking footwear, caps. ­Registration Free (1 km away from Tidel Mode: Tempo Traveller Park)

Heritage Talk: Heritage of Madras before the Arrival of the 10.30 a.m. Photowalk: Yocee (http://yocee.in) conducts its 8th Starts at 6.30 a.m. British by Pradeep Chakravarthy.­ Organised­ by the Depart- annual Madras Week Photowalk for children. Led by N. Meeting Point : In front Room M-0-1, Ramaswamy. The walk will cover the . For ment of History and Tourism, Stella Maris College Stella Maris College of the Quibble Island children of 10 years and above. Bring your own camera Cemetery Talk: History of Madras from indigenous sources and folklore 10.30 a.m. (any type). Carry light snacks and water bottle. Dress easy. by K.R.A. Narasiah. Organised by The C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar CPR Foundation Free. Register with Revathi at 9840544629. Open only to ­Foundation first 25 registrations. Route : https://goo.gl/maps/WFkneVivvx32

l Book release: A book of selected writings on Chennai 9.30 a.m. by Randor Guy. This will be ­followed by INTACH film on TAG Centre Madras narrated by S. Muthiah. By invitation only 10 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2016 l Lecture: Kizhambur Sankara Subramanian, Editor, Kalaim- 10 am at the exhibition Photo Competition: Graffiti Games in Temples / Monuments conducted by Kreeda in part- agal. Organised by Probus Club of Chennai. hall of ­Russian Cultural nership with Ashvita Events. Last date for submission: August 15, 2016. For more infor- Centre, Kasturi Ranga mation: [email protected] Road, (Open to members * * * Photographic Society of Madras (PSM), is holding the ShootMadras photography contest Heritage Walk: Stone Gallery of the Govt Museum led by 10.30 a.m.-11.30 a.m. and later an exhibition. Pradeep Chakravarthy. Participants buy their own tickets at Registration free. There are two sections: 1. Open, and 2. Students. There are three themes: the gate. Registration to pradeepchakravarthy75@gmail. com by Aug 20, 2016. 1) My Madras: The photographer’s personal tribute to Chennai, including typical Chennai views like beaches, towns, eat outs, city life, cityscapes. Storytelling: Madras Nalla Madras – a storytelling feast by 1-2 p.m. Aloft. Chen- 2) Only in Madras: scenes unique to Madras, be it a modern woman in Jeans and tops Jeeva Raghunath. Organised by Kathai Kalatta. nai with jasmine flower on her head or The thenga maanga pattani sundal on the beaches, trade mark autos or ‘flying trains’. Tree Walk: Neer Vanam Chitlappakkam. Organised by 4.30 p.m.-5.30 p.m. 3) Evolving Madras: New buildings, roads, bridges, flyovers and metro lines, parallel with Nizhal. Register online: http://bit.ly/29CT9LO Erikkarai structures of yester years. Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: The Co-Optex Story by T.N. 5 p.m.-6.30 p.m. Entries to [email protected] by August 15th, 10 p.m. Maximum two entry Venkatesan, ias. Organised by Madras Musings The Park per theme, per participant, but in only one of the two sections. Prizes: 6 first, 6 second and 6 third. Special Mentions plus complimentary PSM membership till 31st March 2018 for Quiz: The Madras Week Odyssey sports quiz conducted by 5 p.m.-7 p.m. first and second prize winners. Partab Ramchand. For ages 12 years and above. Participa- Odyssey, Adyar For details: B. Ramana Kumar, Cell: 9841113024 / email: [email protected] tion as a team of 2. Pre- registration at 24453191 required. Organised by Odyssey, Adyar * * * Open Quiz: Murugappa Open Quiz. Conducted by Sumanth Quiz: Heritage quiz open to students of 6th, 7th and 8th Standards only. Rolling trophy Raman. to the ­winning team and other exciting prizes. Organised by DakshinaChitra. For details: For details: [email protected] Sarojha Gurunath 98414 36149/044-2446 2435/2491 8943 l Talk: From maattu vandi to Metro by K.R.A. Narasiah. Presidency Club * * * Organised by Rotary Club of Royapettah. Only for Rotari- ans and their guests. August 13-28, 2016 August 29 (Monday), 2016 Daily Contest in Odyssey Facebook page ‘odysseybookstore’ and Twitter ‘@odysseypost’. ­Contest based on Chennai authors and their books. One lucky winner every day gets a Film Screening: The Anglo-Indians of Madras – A Fading 5 p.m. signed copy of that Author‘s book and a book voucher from Odyssey. Organised by Odys- Presence. Screening of a film directed by Harry MacLure Press Institute of India sey, Adyar and Richard O’Connor. Organised by Press Institute of India (PII) CPT Campus, Taramani * * * September 3 (Saturday), 2016 Drawing Competition: Madrascapes. Theme – Madras. The drawing has to be of people or Quiz: Murugappa Madras Quotient Quiz. For details: prasa- From 12 noon locations or life as it was in MADRAS in earlier times. For ages 8 years and above. Drawing [email protected] St. Bede’s School sheet and colour pencils will be provided. Gifts for winners and participation certificates ­Auditorium, for all. Organised by Odyssey and Y PLUS. 3 p.m.-4 p.m. For registration call 24453191. San Thomé * * *

OTHER EVENTS COMPETITIONS Odyssey Adyar Madras Week promotions Display of books written by over 100 Chennai Authors. Authorwise Books display with separate info cards about the author. Madras Week 2016 Commemorative collage cre- COMPETITIONS organised by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai ated with all these authors pictures. Competitions Results Registration ‘Chennai Books’ Bag is a cloth Bag with cover images of books written by Chennai authors. Three different bags covering 90 book cover images. Buy any two books written Social history of Anna Nagar: Scrapbook 21st August 2016 Submission on or by ‘Madras’ authors at an Odyssey store and get one ‘Chennai Books’ Bag free, buy four before books and get two bags free, buy six books and get all three bags free. Power point August 15, 2016 * * * Competition 1: Make your own social history album/scrap book. Age: 8 to 16 (individual) . August 21-28: The Chennai-based clubs of Inner Wheel District 323 are distributing a Start with a 4 generation family tree (minimum), add pictures, plan of your house (before sheet giving some interesting write-ups on heritage, and an 8-question quiz with answers. and now), write stories, add function invitations, postcards, sketches etc., and how your Six variations of this have been created in Tamil and English. They will be ­distributed to family moved to Anna Nagar, when? how? why? How your family history is related to Anna diners in ­restaurants after diners have placed their orders, while they are waiting for their Nagar. food. Distribution will be at Hot Breads-associated restaurants and at a few others. Cre- ation of awareness about Madras heritage is the aim. There will be prizes and selected works will be displayed at the 2nd Anna Nagar Social History exhibition. * * * Competition 2: Video or Power Point presentation. Age: 15 and above. No. of persons: 2 August 22: A Special Cover will be released by the Postmaster General at ASI, Fort St. to 5 George at 11.05 a.m. The theme: First Madras Exchange Lighthouse – 220 years. The Cover How your family moved to anna Nagar, when? how? why? How your family history is shows an artist sketch from archival records description and the rear of the cover will show related to annanagar. how the twelve oil lamps were kept in front of local mirrors to act as reflectors. Organised by D.H. Rao. Quiz on Anna Nagar. Registration before August 18, 2016. * * * Drawing competition: Junior level, Senior level (topic – on the spot). Registration before August 18th 2016. INTACH FILM ON CHENNAI For details of all competitions: [email protected]; Phone: 91-98404 95717 Arrange to screen the film “The Story of Madras – The First City of Modern India” brought out by Intach Chennai Chapter and collected last year by many schools. Invite students of * * * neighbouring schools to attend the screening at your premises. Documentation Contest organised by Kreeda in partnership with Odyssey. The film, of 50 minute duration and in English, could be screened on any convenient day Games my Grandparents played / Memories of playing Traditional Games in Chennai – Docu- during the month of August 2016 to increase the awareness and appreciation among chil- mentation submission conducted by Kreeda in ­partnership with Odyssey. dren of the heritage of the city they live in. Last date for submission of entries: August 26th. For information: contest@kreedag- ames.com or contact the Odyssey staff Details: [email protected]. CD please contact Chitra / Saravanan / Lakshmi at 24991696, 24994909, 24983619.

Some Venue Details

Aloft, Chennai: 102, , OMR - IT Expressway, , Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119; Alumni Club: Boat Club Road, R.A.Puram, Chennai 600 032; Ashvita Bistro: 11, Bawa Rd, ­Alwarpet, Chennai, 600018; Observer Research ­Foundation: Conference Hall, Sixth Floor, A-1 Building, 89, Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Chennai 600 004; Dhyana Ashram: 25, Madha Church Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai 600 028; Chamiers: Old No. 79, New No. 106, Chamiers Road, Nandanam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028; Dhyana Ashram: 25, Madha Church Road, R.A. Puram, Chennai 600 028; DPI Library/Madras Literary Society: College Road, Thousand Lights, Chennai,­ Chennai 600 006; The Folly, Amethyst: next to Corporation Bank, Whites Road, ­Royapettah, Chennai 600 014; Hanu Reddy Residences: Left off Kasturi Ranga ­Avenue 1st Street; Iyal Isai Nataga Manram: 31, , Thendral, Thendral, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028; Odyssey, Adyar: 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, 600 020. Shiva Parvathi Gardens: 51/55, Seemathamman Koil Street, Mettukuppam Main Road, , Chennai 600 095; Sri Parvati Gallery: 28/160, Eldams Road, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 018; Storytrails Office: 21/2, TTK Road, 1st Cross, Sriram Nagar, Chennai 600 018; Swarna mini hall: 111, G Block, 2nd Avenue ext. Road, near Chintamani bus stop, Anna Nagar East, Chennai 600 112; TAG Centre: T.T.K. Road, Mylapore, Chennai 600 004; Thambiah (Chetty) Road, 700 metres west of Duraiswamy Subway. August 16-31, 2016 MADRAS MUSINGS 11

(Current Affairs questions are Introductions from the period July 16th to 31st. Questions 11 to 20 per- tain to Chennai and Tamil Nadu.) The Madhu 1. Who bought the pioneering por- tal Yahoo! for $4.83 billion in cash, ending the latter's over 20-year run model as an independent corporation? 2. Name the craft that recently be- came the first solar-powered air- lifelong journalist and who has made the craft to travel around the world Aintroduction of speakers an art, S.R. without fuel. Madhu has at last come out with his first book. 3. Name the eminent Bengali Titled Windows to the World, it contains a se- author and social activist, winner of lection of his much talked about circulars on the Jnanpith and Ramon Magsa- the speakers at the weekly meetings of the ysay Awards, who passed away Rotary Club of Madras South (RCMS). He has S.R. Madhu and the cover of his book. recently. been organising these meetings 4. Name the young javelin thrower who set a world record and became for the last 18 years as the the contents of the circulars, Svelte, smart, slim (till they get with the Times of India, Mumbai, India’s first-ever gold medallist in Club’s Programme Committee here are a couple of excerpts married), milk and roses com- in 1964. After spending 15 years any world athletics championships. Chairman and enticing mem- from the book. plexion, articulate. They exude in mainstream journalism with 5. In the recently released 2016 bers and their guests with the About Sandeep Narayan: confidence and charm. Kush- TOI and American diplomatic Fortune Global 500 list of the circular. “Sandeep is as fluent and want Singh put it better, Punjab missions in Mumbai and Delhi, world’s biggest firms, which oil ma- While Madhu is known for mellifluous a speaker as he is a is known for lusty men and before he was deputy managing jor was India’s top-most company at his introduction of speakers, I singer. The American upbring- busty women. editor of their Span magazine, he 161st place with revenues of introduced Madhu to RCMS ing is obvious but the emotional “Anuradha thinks that switched over to development $54.7b? twenty years ago. I have had a content is Indian – nay Tamil! Chennai-ites are bit distant and journalism when he joined the 6. How did Rohit Khandelwal make The Indian influence on San- Bay of Bengal project of FAO news recently? ringside view of the tremendous reserved compared to the folks 7. Malcolm Turnbull has become time and effort he puts in to deep was enriched last year back at home. Make sure to give (United Nations) that was head the Prime Minister for the second identify a good speaker, gets his when he married Radhe, a her a warm welcome.” quartered in Chennai and dealt time of which Commonwealth and or her biodata, talks to them beautiful Bharata Natyam And about Srikala Varma with fisheries. As the Interna- cricket-playing country? about the topic to be covered, dancer and daughter of Sadguru who spoke on ‘Know Your tional Information Officer of the 8. On July 17th, the youngest Prime and does his own research on Jaggi Vasudev. Story-telling, Eyes’: project he wrote, edited and Minister (aged 37) of the country the topic before he prepares the public speaking, music – produced scores of reports, was sworn in. Name him and the circular. Since a copy of the par- Sandeep excels in all three. “You would not associate books, brochures and video nation. ticular circular also goes to each Good reason for you to dump royalty with Ophthalmology. films. 9. Which online giant has success- speaker, it is not uncommon for other priorities on Tuesday and And not Bharata Natyam train- It has taken over 50 years for fully tested Aquila, the first ever many speakers to start their talk listen to Sandeep Narayan.” ing either. But Srikala is no Madhu to come out with his high-altitude solar plane, to bring common princess. You will Internet access to remote parts of with a note of thanks to Madhu About Dr. Anurdha Uberoi first book, “a book that gives for the introduction, but also who gave a talk on Punjabis in agree when you meet and listen an idea of the abundance and the world. to her.” 10. Kerala’s 86-year-old Dakshyani complain in jest that Madhu Chennai: variety of the talents active in is all set to enter the Guinness has stolen that thunder by cov- ‘And Punjabis? Vibrant, As N. Ram says in his Fore- Chennai, a book that is also a World Records. For what achieve- ering several points from their Boisterous. Loud. They work word, “the book is a continuing tribute to Chennai.” Now ment? presentation in the circular. hard, play hard, sing with zest essay in the science and art of that he has started, he has a * * * While many Rotary Clubs and dance with energy. They communication”. couple of more books in the 11. At which prominent Mylapore complain about their inability live life king-size. The women? Madhu started his career pipeline. building did the RBI’s Cash and Is- to get good speakers, Madhu sue Department function during the World War II years? believes that “there is no dearth 12. Name the celebrated of good speakers in Chennai. scriptwriter for films like Mullum This is a happening metro, it’s Ways forward suggested Malarum and Sakalakala Vallavan, an intellectual capital, a film who passed away recently. capital, a music capital. It has 13. An Oregon businessmen, economists, en- he Alumni Association of – Pre-monsoon cleaning and banks and right of way of riv- team led by Dr. Mas Subramanian, trepreneurs, scientists, lawyers, Tthe College of Engineering, desilting of flood channels ers who did his schooling and college sportsmen, writers, singers, and Guindy, discussed at a recent – Flood-zone mapping of all – Linking of Backingham Ca- in Chennai, has created a unique dancers. It is a vibrant city po- seminar the December floods. the rivers for magnitude with nal to the sea near Oggium shade of blue. What is it called? litically, economically, socially. The newsletter of the Associa- various return periods Maduvu 14. Which popular restaurant It has scores of achievers young tion reported that the Chief – Restoring the flood-carrying – Keeping the mouths of chain began as a small sweet shop and old. It has a little army of Guest, G. Ganapathy Subrama- founded by K.S. Thirupathi Raja capacity of all the rivers Kusasthalayar, Cooum, and former IAS officers, plus thou- nian, Former Engineer-in- – Restoring and preserving the Adayar rivers open to the sea and is now set to open its first out- sands of youth with stars in their let in the US? Chief, PWD, and Consultant- Marshland at all times eyes and fire in the belly. Be- 15. What item of significance (that WAPCOS-Chennai, spoke on – Conducting hydraulic and Another speaker spoke of can’t be photographed) to Tyaga- sides, most of Chennai-ites are what needed to be done, rather hydrologic model studies the need to shift the airport to raja followers is kept in a house at loquacious and they love to than looking at the past. Giving and preparing rescue man- in the context Varahappa Iyer Lane, Thanjavur? talk”. a background of the meteoro- agement plans of the inadequacies of the sec- 16. Where in the State was the No wonder Madhu has been logical, topographical and hy- – Flood forecasting ondary runway and its impact country’s first green train corridor able to get excellent speakers drological features of the – Restoration of macro and on the flooding and operations opened recently? week after week to address Chennai Metropolitan Area micro drainage systems of the main runway at Meenam- 17. After which literary giant is the RCMS. (CMA), the river basins and – Desilting of water bodies bakkam. Jaya Priya Rajiv, post- Taramani campus of the University Madhu’s book was released tanks within it, the influence of/ – Linking storm water drains graduate student in M.Tech of Madras named? at an Installation meeting of the impact on the Pallikaranai – Beautification of lakes and (Planning), made a case for ap- 18. Which Chennai resident won Rotary Club of Madras South at Marsh Land and the Backing- maintenance proaches that could encompass the Ramaon Magsaysay Award which Natarajan Nagoji, a ham Canal, etc., he detailed – Improvement of ecology flood plains regulation, perme- recently? member of the RCMS was in- how rapid urbanisation and en- – Placing data on flow, water able roads, rainwater gardens, 19. The dome of which specific stalled as the District Governor. croachment, discharge of raw level, rainfall, etc., in the blue- green infrastructure, un- ratha at served as Madhu credits Nagoji for moti- sewage/sullage, and dumping of public domain derground water storage, rain the inspiration for the dome atop vating him to come out with the the multi-speciality hospital at solid wastes, illegal construc- – Arming Government bodies water capture and delayed Government Estate, Mount Road? book. The book is an excellent tion, etc., had degraded the en- with legislative powers to drainage etc, citing similar mea- reference work not only for Ro- 20. How do the resident’s of Madras tire system and suggested the deal with encroachments sures undertaken successfully in remember the British peer Richard tary and other Clubs who are following ways forward for the – Creation of a Disaster Man- other parts of the world. (Cour- Plantagenet Campbell Temple- looking for good speakers but is future: agement and Rescue Force tesy: AACEG News) Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Gren- also in a way a mini-directory of – Proper planning and curbing – Carefully planned and ex- ville? ‘who’s who’ in Chennai. of occupation of hydrologi- ecuted resettlement plans (Answers on page 12) To give you an idea about cally sensitive areas for people living on the river (Continued on page 12) 12 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2016 A jolly evening with Guha & Kapil t was an evening laced of lane. The spacious hall was not seen a single IPL game and Ianecdotes, nostalgia and again brightly lit and all round compared Test cricket to single camaraderie. Cricket and were memorabilia celebrating malt scotch whiskey and T-20 Chennai that was Madras have the various triumphs of the Jolly to country-made liquor, mak- always had a special bond. The Rovers over the years. The well- ing clear his apathy towards crowd is acknow- attended function was the cul- cricket’s shortest format in un- ledged to be the most know- mination of a year long celebra- equivocal terms. ledgeable in the country. And tion of the Golden Jubilee of the But for all of Guha’s impec- the audience at the valedictory Sanmar group’s ties with Jolly cable English and excellent de- Ramachandra Guha (left) and Kapil Dev with N. Sankar of the Sanmar function of the 50th year of the Rovers which has been undis- livery, it was Kapil who brought Group. Sanmar family’s ties with the putedly the city's leading cricket the house down as he reeled off and affectionate and it was for their success was that the Jolly Rovers Cricket club was in club going by the number of tro- stories that revolved basically great to see cricketers who per- management adopted a profes- keeping with tradition and phies it has won. around his once lack of English haps had not seen each other sional attitude even in the days reputation. It appreciated the Indeed, club affiliation was for an extended period ex- when the game was largely ama- eloquent keynote address of his- the first of the five forms of teur, with very little money in G by changing pleasantries preceded torian and author Ramachan- cricketing partisanship that by warm hugs. There was M G. it. This attitude gained momen- dra Guha on ‘Five Forms of Guha touched upon, the others Partab Ramchand Bhavanarayanan, a member of tum when Bharath Reddy Cricketing Partisanship’, the being a State team, Test cricket, the Madras team that won the joined Jolly Rovers in 1983. The humorous speech of Kapil Dev the importance of bowlers, and Ranji Trophy in 1954-55 for the former Indian wicket-keeper who had no hesitation in pok- the affinity towards an and how he got along as a player first time, now pushing 90 and was aware of the changing ing fun at his once limited En- individual's own generation of and captain taking this in his there were several young club trends in the game and as cap- glish, and the amiable ambi- cricketers. Guha, with his love stride. He recalled a Selector’s cricketers just happy to be soak- tain, manager and talent-spot- ence. and knowledge of the game reluctance to appoint him as ing in the atmosphere though ter played an inspirational role Everything was done in style (particularly Test cricket, as he Captain because at that time he they did not miss taking a selfie in shaping Jolly Rovers’ trium- with elegance and orderliness emphasised), reeled off anec- could not speak English at all. with Kapil. phant march through the years. being the hallmarks. The entry dotes that embellished his 40- Kapil said he felt like saying at For me, personally, it meant A book by V. Ramnarayan, to the hall itself was well lit, had minute talk, though he did slip the time "Why don’t you get a lot to be present at the func- aptly titled Cricket for the love a red carpet and had photo- up on a couple of occasions someone from Oxford or Cam- tion for, as a sports reporter, I of it was released on the occa- graphs on both sides to send when it came to facts and fig- bridge to speak and meanwhile had covered a lot of league sion and its engagingly told in guests on a trip down memory ures. He admitted that he had I will play.’’ He spoke about his cricket and have observed word and picture the Jolly Rov- love for Tamil Nadu and in par- closely Jolly Rovers’ rise. I al- ers’ story and the Sanmar ticular South Indian food, but ways felt that the main reason Group’s connection with it. also recalled that his affection Ways forward suggested for Chepauk was deep since "I never failed in a Test there". Answers to Quiz (Continued from page 11) duce the subjective element in While congratulating the decision-making, proper execu- Sanmar Group, Kapil said that 1. Verizon; 2. Solar Impulse 2; 3. Mahasweta Devi; 4. Neeraj In the question and answer Chopra; 5. Indian Oil Corporation; 6. The actor, model and TV per- tion and upkeep of stormwater running a cricket team for 50 session that followed, the sonality became the first Indian and first Asian to win the Mr. World drains, need for posting of staff years is a "tremendous achieve- following points were stressed: ment and it is such traditions title; 7. Australia; 8. Pema Khandu (Arunachal Pradesh); 9. Facebook; the need for an overarching with adequate experience in that keep the game alive in the 10. The oldest living elephant. Authority to ensure a holistic sensitive posts, greater coordi- * * * nation between the Central and country.’’ approach in the framing and But despite the entertain- 11. Lakshmi Vilas that later became Kamadhenu Theatre (and is execution of the works, en- the State governments in the now a marriage hall); 12. ‘Panchu’ Arunachalam; 13. YInMn Blue as it execution of works, and dis- ment provided in varying ways hancing the capacity of the by Guha and Kapil, the most is a combination of Yttrium, Indium, and Manganese; 14. Adyar tanks in the region, recourse to semination of flood warnings Ananda Bhavan; 15. The Rama idol that the great composer used to pleasant aspect of the evening down the line in the various de- worship; 16. Between Rameswaram and Manamadurai; 17. Sekkizhar; flood forecasting models based was the ambience. A cricketing on rainfall distribution in the partments etc. 18. Musician T.M. Krishna; 19. Draupadi ratha; 20. He was the Duke audience will always be lively zone of influence that could re- – S. Suryanarayanan of Buckingham and Chandos after whom the famous canal is named!

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