Registered with the Reg. No. TN/CH(C)/374/18-20 Registrar of Newspapers Licenced to post without prepayment for India under R.N.I. 53640/91 Licence No. TN/PMG(CCR)/WPP-506/18-20 Publication: 1st & 16th of every month Rs. 5 per copy (Annual Subscription: Rs. 100/-) INSIDE G Short ‘N’ Snappy G A forgotten re-naming G Anglo-Indian Col. in the INA G Madras Week Programmes G Pala Art in the Museum

WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS CHENNAI

Vol. XXVIII No. 9 August 16-31, 2018 Is Fort up for adoption? G by The Editor

recent report to the above Aeffect had those concerned with this historic precinct rubbing their eyes in disbelief. For those not in the know it said that a conglomer- ate that had “interests in cement, power and sugar” had offered to take over the mainte- nance of the place under the “Adopt a Heritage” (sic) programme of the Central Gov- ernment. Given the business areas in which the group is said to be, it appears that this is the same entity that has been awarded the maintenance of the Red Fort in Delhi, at a throwaway price. That decision raised quite a ruckus, but Chennai being far away from Fort St. George – Will it fare better in private hands? the national capital and with but tepid local interest in the welfare of the fort here, it would appear that the business group Problems ahead of Smart City is more or less assured of getting wo years after it was parks and waste water manage- the contract. That is if the local T launched, the Chennai G by A Special Correspondent ment again in Kodambakkam Government does not object. Smart City Project has come and T’ Nagar. This however seems unlikely at t present, the Chennai Met- relationships? Has an expert alive. According to the The term “Smart” is meant present. There is of course ropolitan Area is 1,189 study been done to assess what AMCHAM-PwC Smart Cities waste management. The invest- Ato convey that “smart cities” are much to be said both in favour with Rs. 1,366 crore. Therefore,sq.km after its notification in needs to be done to result in a Report, of the 44 projects in ment is estimated at about Rs. made capable of collecting and of, and against, the idea. the Smart City by itself is not1975. CMDA intends to expand positive impact on decongestion, Chennai, as of December 2017, 1,366 crore through Centre- analysing vast quantities of data Let us look at the positives and cannot be about makingit to 8,878 sq.km engulfing reduced pollution and improved five were under implementa- State partnership and raising to automate monitoring re- first. The fort as it stands today Singapore out of Chennai inTiruvallur and Kancheepuram quality of life? tion, 32 had not started and the funds from other sources source usages, improving is pretty much in a shambles. five years. Districts and Arakkonam and When the area was expanded rest were in pre-tender stages. including international multi- service quality, and making real Large sections of it are in a state The Smart City ProjectNemili Taluks in Vellore District, to 1,189 sq.km, Government rea- There is no clear indication of lateral funding agencies. If Rs. time decisions on many aspects of collapse including the King’s would smarten the City and notChengalpattu becoming part of soned that a large area was the target completion dates for 500 crore each have been given of city management. This Barracks, Wellesley House, Last by itself make a new smart city ofthe region. The objective is to needed to find the best possible different projects either in the by the Centre and the State, the purpose of the Project is served House on Snob’s Alley and Chennai. This clarification ofanticipate the needs of the popu- location for employment, afford- Report or in the illustrated inference is that only the by the inclusion of an integrated Clive’s Library. Those that are its scope is not to diminish thelation by 2026. able housing and relocation of project details extensively Rs. 366 crore will have to be command and control centre standing are in an appalling Project’s importance. Many Enlargement of the City slums and developing connecti- publicised in the newspapers. It raised from external agencies or that can monitor traffic signals, state of maintenance and that component projects confine theregion, and that too, by over vity. This was primarily to be is known, however, that the Rs. 866 crore, if the State’s own city surveillance and manage includes the Assembly and smartening to one sub-projectseven times seems highly complex achieved by creating satellite Smart City Project has a five- contribution is from borrow- the smart transport system. This Secretariat Building. The sole segment or geographical areaand over ambitious. Reservations towns and peripheral ring roads. year time frame ending 2022. ings. The latter is likely, consid- is indeed an important facility exceptions are Clive’s House but serve as models for easyon some issues cannot be helped. Of five proposed towns, only The Smart City Project ering the flimsy state of the of immense value. (now the office of the ASI), the replication at other locationsHave similar objectives, as were two – Manali and Maraimalai (SCP) has many interesting government’s finances. Still Rs. The expectation from a Exchange Museum and the without having to re-invent thespelt out, been achieved for the Nagar – were accomplished. This features – parks and waste 866 crore is too small a sum, Smart project is different for Church of St. Mary’s. A wheel. Examples of such modelsfirst expansion to 1189 sq.km? If has not been adequate to arrest water management systems, considering Chennai’s needs. each city according to its pre- contract to a private business are the roof-top solar panels inthe answer is in the negative, how the rising overcrowding in pedestrian plaza, cycle sharing The city needs major revamping vailing level of civic develop- house may ensure much needed specific buildings, footpathis an enlarged area a substitute for Chennai city. The object of system, footpath development, of the sewerage and storm water ment. As an example, it is dif- funds and a drive to restore the development of 23 roads insound conception and implemen- making housing in suburbs an restoration of 56 water bodies, drain systems besides infrastruc- ferent for, say, Singapore and structures. Also, even in terms Kodambakkam and T’ Nagar,tation? If the answer is in the attractive option has not been bicycle lanes, multi-level car ture for the collection, treat- Chennai. The installation of of general cleanliness, in which cycle sharing system inaffirmative, would it not be realis- realised. Reports from residents parking, smart classrooms, con- ment, recycling and disposal of information technology consti- aspect the Government has Teynampet and Kodambakkamtic to break the proposed massive in outlying areas indicate that version of SVL (sodium lamps) solid wastes and de-congestion tutes one part, but for most repeatedly come a cropper, such zones, pedestrian plaza in T’expansion into manageable local roads have not been put in to LED (light emitting diodes) and pedestrianisation of the Indian cities smartness implies a private agency may prove a Nagar and Kodambakkam area,modules, of the same size as for place nor has the supply of lights, parking management, hundreds of km of city roads. “basic modernisation and better performer. multi-level parking in Kodam-the first expansion, without serviced land for middle and pedestrianised streets and solid All this cannot be accomplished (Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 2) bakkam and Teynampet, andweakening their organic inter- CMYK 2 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2018 Problems ahead of Smart City To Marina or not to Marina ast fortnight’s happenings, decision, claiming that your order. MMM still remem- (Continued from page 1) decongestion and a comprehen- Lespecially the pronounce- Tweedledum had taken it by bers an anecdote wherein a sive plan for safe and pleasant ments of celebrities after they himself, without consulting senior corporate executive quality of life improvements, pedestrian paths and cross- called on an ailing leader of the any of them, thereby leaving from our city had his vehicle such as ensuring cities have overs for the whole City and State, the comings and goings him to face all the flak. MMM delivered to him from the reliable electricity, water retrieving and protecting public and sloganeering would have supposes that this is what manufacturer in the eastern supply, and waste management, spaces from unauthorised and all ideally given much grist to politics is all about. Even more side of our country, after the and promoting walkability. As intrusive use are of utmost this column’s mill. But The interesting was the behaviour obligatory wait of 48 months. such, India’s Smart Cities urgency as the City is already Man from Madras Musings of the lawyers who had filed He was shocked to find a dead does not wish to dwell on that. petitions in the court against lizard stuck on the bonnet and Mission is not truly about smart bursting at the seams. Bare cities in the commonly under- What he on the other hand the laying to rest of the leader what’s more, the vehicle had necessities before smartness. does wish to comment about is of the Tweedledum/Tweedle- been spray painted with the stood sense of the term.” The sums allocated to these the extraordinary behaviour of dee party at the Marina. The animal on it. Scraping it off The concentration of several our State Government, such as moment they realised that the would mean getting the paint innovative components in the essentials in the Smart City project are not large and com- it is. arguments they had proffered scratched. So he wrote to the T’ Nagar and Kodambakkam Tweedledum, he of the duo against the burial (coastal regu- manufacturer who very kindly zones has, expectedly, evoked prehensive enough to resolve that now rules, the other half lation zone, environment, etc), offered to take the car back criticism from residents in other the City’s basic problems. It being Tweedledee, has in could be used against the but cautioned that a new areas. Even spread of compo- must be said to the credit of MMM’s view come away from proposed interment of their vehicle would take another 48 nent projects would thin the the Tamil Nadu Government the controversy with sufficient leader, they withdrew all their months. So our man retained demonstration impact as that they did request the Cen- egg on his face to qualify as a cases. Environment, CRZ, etc the car and drove it around, opposed to a comprehensive tre in May 2017 “to tweak the one man hatchery. The pur- be damned. What mattered lizard and all. He eventually Smart City project guidelines pose and logic behind denying was that the recently deceased became quite attached to the facility in a single location. The the Old Man a resting place on leader had to get space there. animal and it gave him no select location should be taken to allow for pan-city implemen- tation of all proposals initially the Marina simply evade To MMM it just went to show trouble. as a model to be replicated in MMM. Mind you, MMM is that many of these cases were other zones. The successful and considered only for T’ Nagar”. timely completion of the Smart Not to be put off, the Govern- City Project would enrich the ment can still take advantage government’s expertise to repli- of the present opportunity to SHORT ’N’ SNAPPY cate the modules in other parts raise funds through bonds and/ of the City towards making a or from multilateral funding Singapore. agencies and utilise the exper- The web-site of Chennai tise of Chennai Smart City Smart City Limited (CSCL) Limited (CSCL) for major against memorials of all kinds, politically motivated and not Contrast that with the does not give, on line, periodic reconstruction of infrastruc- and even more against the guided by any sense of present. MMM had his vehicle ture, systems and processes usage of the Marina for this altruism. sent over for its annual service information on stages of execu- purpose. But in this case, Be that as it may, MMM is and received a call shortly tion of the components. Citizen that once for all fulfil basic needs. given that the Tweedledum/ happy for the recently departed thereafter asking in very obse- involvement is recognised in Tweedledee Government had – he would have wanted space quious terms as to whether he the Project strategy but should The Smart City movement is just a couple of years ago laid on the Marina and he has got had any specific complaint. be reflected in practice – con- meant to be continued by the their leader to rest in the same it. As for the larger principles On his replying in the negative veying continuously up-dated State Government emulating place, why deny the leader of that get affected, we gave those the voice at the other end information on progress. its models and enlarging its the rival party the same privi- the go-by a long time ago, did sighed in relief and profusely Solid waste collection and scope to cover the entire lege? It would have been far we not? What does one more thanked MMM. The car was disposal, enlarging and Metropolitan area. Smart gov- more gracious to allow the memorial matter? sent back after treatment burial to happen there without One last word – the State modernising the ancient which no doubt included a ernance and smart citizens the matter being eventually Government, or Tweedledum, massage and a shampoo, to- stormwater drains, traffic make a Smart City, after all. decided by a court of law. put forward an argument that gether with an invoice whose There is one positive as- the Marina was meant for value would have got MMM a pect to the matter – neither Chief Ministers who pass away new car in the lizard era. party has taken over additional while in harness. If that were MMM paid up without a mur- land from the Marina for the to be mandated for the future, mur. A couple of days later burial spots of the two late MMM will hereafter pray fer- came a call from the dealer lamented leaders. Each has vently that all CMs of our State who had sold the car to MMM, FORT FOR ADOPTION? been forked out space from live long and lead a happy life asking if he was happy with the (Continued from page 1) contract awardee to simply the memorials of their respec- in retirement. service done. MMM assured tive mentors. That has at least carry out routine cleaning and the caller that all was well. put to rest the fear that in Service unlimited Three days later came a call The negatives are however beautification (by way of centuries to come the beach from the sales office of the formidable. Firstly, how will a gardens and a potted plant or may just become a Golgotha of he Man from Madras manufacturer asking MMM if private contractor negotiate the two)? In the event of such sorts. The corresponding T Musings has a car, all was well. This time MMM minefield of multiple ownership restoration, will the contractor negative is that we will have to produced by the American was a little brusque and said of the Fort? Unlike the Red fund restoration by the ASI or suffer four memorials where company that has manufactur- that he had already received a Fort, FSG has claims on it by will it resort to agencies that it there were initially two, all ing facilities near our city. To call enquiring to this effect and the Legislative Assembly, the has? And will the latter be constructed in styles com- him, a vehicle is just something so could he please be left that takes you from place to Government of Tamil Nadu, qualified to take on such tasks? pletely alien to local forms. alone? The voice apologised The two existing memorials place and he does not waste These are some of the questions and said that must have been the Army, the Navy and the Ar- are grotesque to say the least, time in debating suspensions, the dealer while this was a call chaeological Survey of India. that remain unanswered. one like something from Paris transmissions, and whatever from the manufacturer. Four This is one of the chief reasons There is an even larger ques- and the other defying all else that automobile enthusi- days later came a call asking if for its being in such a poor tion – has the Government description, complete with a asts agonise over. He also, it all was well. When MMM re- shape. None of these agencies given up on its ever gearing up rearing winged horse that must be admitted, does not plied that he had already gone can agree on what needs to be for maintaining historic pre- looks as though it flew down look too much into mileage, through this exercise, the done. How can a private party cincts in its possession? And from Athens. The plans re- not because he is well stashed caller apologised and said he surmount this problem? And rather than simply farming out leased a couple of months ago with money, but because in his was from the call-centre in will its voice be heard? such maintenance, why can it for the memorial of the leader view, driving around in our city Delhi and had no connection is not conducive to fuel not make the ASI the channel of Tweedledum/Tweedledee with the earlier ones. MMM Secondly, in what way is party too had all kinds of efficiency of any kind. for private funds and use the banged down the receiver. He such a contractor qualified to strange features. The new one, But let us pigeonhole all is now bracing himself for a carry out specialised mainte- money so received to as and when it is planned, will that for the nonce. What call from the United States of nance, conservation and resto- strengthen that body? In the not be much different. MMM writes about is the lev- America. MMM is also now ration? In case such a need long term, the latter may be the But to get back to the origi- els of service that our vehicle worried if there is something arises, and there is certainly best option, for a strong and nal act of refusal, MMM manufacturers have attained. wrong with his car that these plenty of it at FSG, how will revitalised ASI can become a notices that Tweedledee and There was a time when our callers know of but are not such a party go about it? Does specialist body to take on resto- other lesser tweedles in the country had three carmakers wanting to share with him. He this Adopt a Heritage scheme ration across the entire country Cabinet distanced themselves and each took at least four better check it for lizards. years to deliver after you placed even envisage situations like and not just as FSG or the Red very cleverly from the –MMM that or does it expect the Fort. August 16-31, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 3 From Madras to Tamil Nadu: a forgotten re-naming adras State did not become Tamil Nadu State mekalai, Silapathigaram and the English and Tamil languages. Min a day. ‘Thiyagi’ Sankaralingam, a Congress works of Kamban and Sekhizar. Speaking on the debate, Oppo- Party worker who was behind the first demand to An MP then asked Anna as to sition Leader P.G. Karuthi- change the name, in the 1950s, made repeated repre- how the State could profit from raman said, “Madras is a name sentations. But to no avail. such a name change. To in world history; Tamil Nadu The DMK emphasised its demand for such a counter this, Anna asked as to will take time to reach the same change on entering the Assembly on May 7, 1957. how the country had benefited heights”. So, he suggested that There were just 42 votes in favour of the resolution by change of the President’s the name ought to be ‘Tamil and it was defeated. However, the DMK continued to post to Rashtrapati or the Nadu-Madras State’. However, represent on this demand. On January 30 1961, the Lower House to the Lok Sabha. at one point in the debate, Cover of the magazine Madras Information Socialist Party legislator Chinna Durai brought a reso- He stressed that the name of Tamil Nadu was accepted and released in 1968 December to commemorate lution to change the name from ‘Madras State’. In the state and its capital ought the resolution passed unani- renaming of Madras State as Tamil Nadu. order to win that resolution, he requested that the to be different. However, due to mously. Anna uttered “Tamil ruling party members vote in its the enormous strength of Con- Nadu” three times and this was favour. This led to Chief gress party in Parliament, the loudly cheered by legislators. G Minister Kamaraj postponing Bill was defeated. Anna recognised the contribu- Pavithra’s Perspective the discussion on the demand On July 23, 1963, the DMK tions of Thiyagi Shankara- for a month. The DMK brought in the resolution once lingam who died after going on boycotted the Assembly for again in the State Assembly, a hunger strike and three days protesting against this time moved by Rama Ma. Po. Sivagnanam in the the delaying tactics of the Gov- Arangannal. M. Bakthavat- formation of Tamil Nadu. Anna ernment. chalam was the CM. State said, “We are not an indepen- Meanwhile, senior Commu- Minister R. Venkatraman dent country because of the nist leader Bhupesh Gupta, ini- raised a point – “Tamil Nadu as name change, our State will be tiated a Bill in Parliament to a name will not be known inter- a part of India.” He also made it change the name of the State. nationally, on the other hand clear that the Tamil Nadu Sec- At that time, C.N. Annadurai Madras is recognised in the in- retariat would be the “Tamil (Anna) was a Rajya Sabha ternational market. Moreover, Nadu Government Secretariat” member and he supported the changing the name of the State and the nameplate was set up at move. A Congressman who will jeopardise the signing of Fort St. George accordingly. spoke then said, “About five agreements between States and On January 14, 1969, hundred years ago there was no other countries.” The resol- Madras State was officially United Tamil Nadu and only ution failed. However, with the renamed Tamil Nadu State. Chera, Chola and Pandya king- DMK sweeping the Assembly The Golden Jubilee year of this doms. Such a demand cannot elections in 1967, the matter historic occasion has not been be historically justified.” Reply- became a reality. remembered. I wonder why – ing to this, Anna pointed out On July 18, 1967, Chief (Courtesy: TCC Digest). usage of the term ‘Tamil Nadu’ Minister Anna prepared a resol- in ancient literature including ution to change the name of Paripadal, Pathitrupattu, Mani- Madras State to Tamil Nadu in – R. Muthukamar

were very good friends. The approach to a case by Eardley Norton and Sadagopachariar was dif- ferent. Norton’s way of cross examination was always aggressive. Sadagopachariar’s method was exactly the contrary, he was conciliatory. Norton has observed in his self typed letter More on Norton written on 31-12-1960, “where is the patient, National Art Gallery, Chennai his refers to the article of Suresh courteous hearing, the desire to learn all that T Balakrishnan Eardley Norton – Lawyer had to be learnt, meticulous scrutiny, lest inad- The first time I saw the National Art Gallery was as an oblivious outstanding (MM, August 1st). vertently injustice perpetrated, the fearless of nine-year-old, out on my first-ever school excursion; I remember gazing It was stated in the article that Eardley consequences – where all these have gone? Do at the imposing structure with unseeing eyes (my friends’ chatter was Norton was enrolled at the Madras Bar and our judges possess them now? What is the an- all-consuming, those days) and rushing past. The second time was on being the latest entrant was appointed Secretary swer?” Norton has added, “We need strong men the movie screen, watching Mani Ratnam’s Thiruda Thiruda, which of what in later times came to be known as with determination to do right irrespective of all featured the National Art Gallery in the song Chandralekha, and being “Madras Bar Association”. consequences. Where are they? You will not stunned: what was this beautiful, beautiful palace, and how long had In the book titled A Century completed – The find them among the puny clique in Simla or they taken to build the set? More time would pass before I realized that it Madras High Court (1862-1962) edited by late Delhi. I am sometimes very sick at heart.” wasn’t a set, but actually a monument right here, in Chennai. V.C. Gopalratnam, late N. Krishnaswamy Norton has concluded addressing Sadagopa- Somewhere during my late teens, as a firm History enthusiast, I began Ayengar, retired District Judge and earlier a chariar as “Your affect(sic) friend Eardley to haunt the Government Museum and its environs, when the magnifi- practising lawyer at Madras High court during Norton. cent façade caught my attention again. Over the years, I went back, the period when Eardley Norton had his prac- Late N. Krishnaswamy Ayengar has ob- discovering newer nuances, and its background: that it came into exist- tice and had the privilege of instructing him on served, “Eardley Norton’s name will ever remain ence in 1907 under the auspices of Diwan Bahadur Namperumal behalf of his Senior, another renowned Advo- immortal in the history of the Madras Bar as a Chetty following upon the architectural style of Henry Irwin and that, cate of Madras High Court R. Sadagopachariar brilliant and fearless advocate, as a quick and originally meant to be used by the Victoria Technical Institute to display observed that Norton practised at the Madras resourceful cross-examiner, and as an accom- local crafts, it transformed into the National Art Gallery in 1951 … but Bar for more than three decades and as his prac- plished and mellifluous speaker.” He has fur- it would take a few more years and the conception of my book series, for tice widened, he shifted himself to Calcutta and ther remarked, “Norton was a true friend of In- me to stop being content to just gaze upon it and take a pen to record its yet Norton would come to Madras to appear in dia and strove in his public to promote only her beautiful features. It took me at least 4 days to complete – but I enjoyed important cases, civil or criminal. While refer- interest. He was associated with Indian National every moment of recording the delicate Mughal touches in this architec- ring to R. Sadagopachariar as one of the leading Congress as Chairman of the Reception Com- tural feat. lawyers, it was remarked that his early appear- mittee.” Details about the miniature: Black and White; Pen and Ink. ances were marked by a type of forensic elo- P.S. Subrahmanian Dimensions: Approximately: 5.6” X 7.7” quence almost unknown to the profession at No 87, Dr.Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore that time. Both Norton and Sadagopachariar Chennai 600 004 G Pavithra Srinivasan is a writer, journalist, artist, translator, columnist and an editor and is fascinated with History. 4 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2018 August 16-31, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 Kalaignar’s The Anglo-Indian Colonel eptember 6, 1945, Singapore positions in the INA S– A small crowd is gathered in the INA organisation, and was a bit miffed boating in front of an Azad Hind monu- about it. Anyway as matters took ment on Connaught Drive. As their course, Stracey did not join Indian engineers position gun- was with the 1st Battalion of the Mohan Singh and so was con- cotton charges, Major Donald 14th Punjab regiment at Bannu fined with other British officers Brunt (Royal Engineers) is seen on the North West frontier. in the Alor Setar jail. As the jetties checking the fuses. The fuse is lit In February 1941, the battal- number of prisoners increased, and the charges explode. Troops ion was sent to Burma. Later, it they were moved to Taiping, of the 17th Dogra Regiment became part of the 11th Indian then to Kuala Lumpur and ou just could not deny it – by a high-powered committee. A push over the monument Division’s 15th Brigade and was finally to Singapore, which had YKalaignar Karunanidhi was a fallout of this was the need to (marked ‘Itmad’ on its larger in September 1941 tasked with fallen to the Japanese, in go-getter and an achiever. The improve the river and hence face) with poles; a civilian crowd preparing the defenses at Jitra on November 1942. various accusations of corruption Kalaignar’s scheme. Budgeted at claps and cheers enthusiastically; the Malay-Thai border, antici- During this year of confine- apart, the man was known for his Rs 118 lakhs, it was launched and a Malay policeman observes pating a potential Japanese inva- ment, Stracey began getting dis- speedy implementation of any with much fanfare by Anna. that the clock on the nearby sion. illusioned. He caught up with scheme that took his fancy. That Karunanidhi as PWD Minis- tower, shows 6 p.m. On December 7th, the Japa- Mohan Singh who had by then he came a cropper in some, the ter was most enthusiastic about A guard of honour of the nese bombed Pearl Harbour, become a general, who had after Veeranam Water Supply project the project. The river, he 17th Dogra Regiment is back a sanctioning a plan to conquer the Farrer park meeting created being the foremost, did not really few paces, salutes a brigadier in a the SE Asian countries, such as the first INA and recruited a The Marina Boat House, with a happy family enjoying a cruise in the fore- Malaya, Thailand, Burma, and deter him. There were several ground, 1973. kilt. The brigadier spoke later, great many soldiers, totaling to others that came to happier con- explaining why this important Col C.J. Stracey. the Dutch of East Indies (Indo- 16,000 or so. Stracey decided to clusions. One that sadly did not, symbol in the memory of INA nesia) for oil and food resources. volunteer to the INA, sick of the was the Cooum Improvement soldiers, built by one Col C.J. different. He who chased adven- On Dec 8th, the Japanese inva- discriminatory attitude shown by Scheme. Stracey, had to be demolished. ture and traversed the world. He sion forces landed at Kota Baru his fellow British officers and in northern Malaya and soon, C.N. Annadurai, who had LOST LANDMARKS OF CHENNAI Sometimes you just stumble did his schooling in St Joseph’s, noting that they had anyway INA monumnet, Singapore. once declared the Cooum to be on a story while researching an- Bangalore, but did not complete Burma was overrun. washed their hands off the Units of the 1st division of obsequies”. Not only was he with many other festering issues (INA a blot on the face of Chennai, – SRIRAM V other and that is how I came his Intermediate and went on to Indian soldiers and thrown them was all for this pet project of across the tale of a fascinating join the Indian Military Acad- the 14th Punjab regiment were to the mercy of the Japanese. Mohan Singh at the start of the recognition, use of Indians for Kalaignar. Largely at the latter’s character, an Anglo Indian emy in 1935 as a gentleman at Jitra. Mohan Singh and Cyril Another reason was that he saw INA conceptual discussions, but manual labor, managing of prodding, the first phase of the named Cyril John Stracey, who cadet. Eric records the difficul- Stracey were part of separate but a number of his old colleagues was also a witness to its disband- Japanese misappropriation of ing and the first officer to be Indian assets in Burma) with the project was launched by Anna, declared, would be maintained a further fillip when, following rubbish. Rowing boats, power served as a senior officer in the ties the family had to endure in incomplete defensive positions already serving in the INA. formally picked up and arrested Japanese over the INA recogni- in his capacity as Chief Minister, consistently at a minimum depth the demise of Annadurai in boats and paddle boats were pro- INA. That itself should evoke meeting Cyril’s 2 ½ year course laid around Jitra. When the Japa- Stracey was tasked with leading after the retaking of Singapore by tion and issues about the tasks of on September 19, 1967. “On of eight feet and soon big cargo 1969, Karunanidhi became the cured. A gala inauguration of the some curiosity, an Anglo Indian expenses at Dehra dun (Pat nese arrived on the 8th, they had the 10,000 odd new volunteers the Allies. the Indian Independence League completion of the improvement boats and motor boats would sail Chief Minister. The Corporation Cooum Pleasure Boat service in a nationalist Indian outfit. It deferred his marriage to help pay solid air support and tanks. They which included Jawans, JCO’s, Meanwhile, things were not (IIL). Mohan Singh’s relation- scheme, the Cooum will bring on it. The project became a talk- of Madras began issuing enthusi- took place in February 1973 with was not easy to unearth details for his younger brother and their decimated the under-equipped Subedar Majors, Subedars and Madras city a place of pride like ing point for him and in most astic reports of the progress in the Chief Minister and cabinet of his life, but as it emerged mother had to give up their British Indians who had little Jamadars. He had to start a new going well for Mohan Singh. The ship with the I Kikan as well as the Thames of London,” de- press conferences and Assembly the river improvement scheme. getting into boats and sailing on gradually, bit by bit, it turned out home in Bangalore and move to answer for the Japanese tank army career as a 2nd lieutenant Fujiwara Kikan which was Rash Behari Bose turned sour clared Anna. He then went on to sessions of the time, you find him Dredging of the river was the river. But alas, nobody had to be a heartwarming tale. Rangoon as a house guest with supported from the air. The re- once again! behind him had given way to the resulting in him getting side- add, that his “younger brother repeatedly bringing up the taken up as Phase 1 of the project contended with the volume of The Stracey progeny were in her brother- in-law) after their maining British forces fled into Stracey in his own words “was Iwakuro and Hikari Kikans lined, dismissed, and arrested Karunanidhi has been pressuring subject and speaking on it most and this was flagged off by sand accumulating at the mouth. all 11 (four died as infants), four father passed away in 1932. the rubber plantations and hid. the only officer who saw the INA which did not think much of and transported to Pulau Ubin, Indians (or rate Indians as an island off Changi point. me for financial provision when enthusiastically. The scheme Karunanidhi in 1967. In 1970, Technical difficulties soon arose boys and three girls who lived Other family friends also chipped Both Mohan Singh’s and as a germ, a mere idea and who equals). Mohan Singh faced our first budget was under prepa- involved narrowing the width of steps were taken to evict all slum with the pump. The boat rides their lives mostly in India, each in with support as Cyril was not Stracey’s teams were hiding and eventually participated in its (Continued on page 9) ration. He could not rest assured the river and casing its sides with dwellers on the banks of the that took place between Napier of them are examples of how to granted a scholarship which he while the former was contem- on my statement till he himself concrete, this being a necessity Cooum, this being necessary to Bridge and Chetpet, had to soon serve on the public. The eldest deserved, for that was awarded plating his future, the latter was saw the finance allocation.” The for increasing the depth of the carry out strengthening work on be given up. Patrick started the wildlife pres- instead to the son of a well- forced to assume leadership of a motley group of officers, soldiers, Kalaignar was then Minister for water. Incidentally, this is now the banks. Next came the instal- The project may have ervation society of India, Ralph placed ICS officer. Eric recalls Public Works. being done in Ahmadabad for lation of a regulator and a sand became an ICS officer, Eric that Cyril as a youngster was ac- Gurkhas and so on, in the jungle. received due attention had not The locals gave no shelter or A. Srivathsan, writing in The the Sabarmati River Project. pump at the mouth of the river. the DMK Government been joined the police, Cyril, Doreen tually more artistically inclined The bolts & nuts of support and eventually when the Hindu in 2009, has recorded that Certain proposals made by This was an absolute necessity dismissed during the Emer- became a doctor, Margaret a than soldierly, could draw and it was only by the proverbial earlier Governments were also given that the Cooum lay south nurse and Winnifred, a paint well as well as play the Japanese reached the location on gency. The rival ADMK did not 16th where these men were hid- whisker that the Cooum escaped made part of the project. Note- of the harbour and so was a vic- want to pay attention to a teacher. piano with some proficiency. The Straceys’ affair with India The IMA’s newly graduated ing, the hungry and battered enterprise being blocked and covered up in worthy among these was the con- tim of littoral drift, the phenom- project so closely associated men had no choice but to surren- 1960. A scheme was proposed to struction of several facilities just enon that causes accretion of with its bête noire. Thereafter, started from the early days of the officers were not considered on what unique and synergetic evo- divert the river at Chetpet and off the Marina – a gymnasium, a sand. Eight boating jetties were EIC when John and Edward from par with the Sandhurst gradu- der. They were taken to the po- lution. with no functioning lice HQ at Alor Setar where the link it with the Adyar. The rest swimming pool, canteen facilities built all along the river. These Corporation Council owing to Cork came to India. John worked ated ones for they were Indian It was Krishna’s uncle, T.S. of it was to be closed. Fortu- and, most importantly, a boat were in the best PWD style – in the offices of Hyder Ali as the Commissioned Officers, not the Japanese started to separate the Srinivasan, who spearheaded the the muster roll scandal, and the Indians from the English. Stracey nately, this scheme was rejected club. The entire project received modernist with concrete pillars newly formed Madras Water British commercial agent repre- King’s Commissioned Officers. entry of TVS into auto compo- holding up a roof comprising senting the Bombay factory while ICO’s had a lower pay and were was initially left with the British, nent manufacture by acquiring a Supply and Sewerage Board but when his orderly piped in several small arches. The Boat working on other pressing is- Edward worked for the EIC in only meant to replace the VCO’s sprawling 300 plus acres of land House on the Marina was far Madras, who were fighting such as Risaldars, Jamedars and that Stracey was Indian, he was at Padi, entrusting Krishna with sues, the Cooum was given up. moved with the Indians. It was more grandiose. It had more than There were several schemes to Hyder. Both married Portuguese Subedars. The first two terms a small-scale industrial unit in one floor, large verandahs that Indian girls, perhaps from made them physically fit, adept here that Stracey met his old pal the Ambattur Industrial Estate. improve the river thereafter but Mohan Singh and Mohan Singh Arati Krishna. Arundathi Krishna. afforded a grand view of the Cochin, and later worked for the in English, accounting and in the to manage the sprawling enter- Krishna who did his Master’s none caught the public imagi- updated him of the INA activi- mouth of the river and a boating Nizam of Hyderabad while their next three terms, they were pro- prise that has 27 factories, in- in literature was new to manu- nation like the boat service. ties and his newfound involve- jetty. The boathouse on the Ma- children continued working for vided strategic and tactical train- cluding one each in China and facturing. He learned the nu- Today, all that remains are a ment together with Pritam Singh rina was completed by 1973. In the British who had by then ing. Camps in the plains and the UK. ances of cold forging from the couple of abandoned boat jetties and Fujiwara. He explained that many ways, these were the most started to govern India. A de- mountains provided them expo- Founder T.V. Sundram suppliers of equipment, their that are visible from the bridges Rash Behari Bose had arrived visible elements of the river im- scendant of one of them was sure to difficult terrains and tac- Iyengar pioneered the passenger leaflets, as also from engineers over the river. For a brief while, there from Japan and agreed on Suresh Krishna. provement scheme. Most signifi- Daniel Stracey, a district forest tics. After graduation (Gen transport business. Over the and workers around. Soon he they were the cynosure of all eyes a potential tie-up with the cap- cantly, the plan did not envisage officer (his wife, Ethel was a prot- Bewoor, Army Chief was his e built Sundram Fasteners years, the company grew around shifted from the modest shed to with the public queuing up for tured Indian soldiers to fight the cleaning the water in the river or estant). batch mate), Cyril was attached Has the leader in the business the mother business of transport: the TVS property at Padi and rides. Now, as the British. plugging the various outlets of Times of India The Stracey children grew up to the West Kent’s at Lucknow of bolts and nuts, metal forming the evolution was logical built it to its current stature. wrote, they appear to be waiting Stracey was confused and untreated sewage that emptied in Richmond Town, Bangalore, (this posting, according to Eric and powdered metallurgy. Re- through retreading of tyres and Krishna’s close involvement for the boats that will never torn, wondering what to do, for into the waterbody. then a quiet and cool part of the Stracey, with a British battalion cently, Suresh Krishna handed manufacture of rubber parts, with the CII exposed him to come. his heart was not set on cooper- The regulator and pump were city, with a cantonment and an was a compulsory part of initia- the baton to his daughters, bodybuilding, goods transport national and international ating with the Japanese. He also in place by 1970. A vast team of Rather ironically, Kalaignar Anglo Indian minority. Cyril, tion to regimental life before an Arathi as Managing Director and and parcel service, vehicle and practices. I remember his hectic noticed that some junior officers Kalaignar Karunanidhi and members of his cabinet enjoy a boat ride on the workers descended on the was interred very close to the who was born in 1915 in IC joined his regular Indian bat- Arundathi as Joint Managing auto component sales, insur- were now being awarded senior Cooum. Cooum to clean the river of all Marina boathouse. Kurnool, turned out to be quite talion). Cyril’s formal posting Director. He had groomed them ance, vehicle finance… a some- (Continued on page 6) 6 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2018 Eardley Norton, Congressman

(Continued from divorced. But the scandal had a Congressman. In later times, he last fortnight) devastating impact on Norton’s lent freelance support to the political career. He was movement from outside. he scope of this article for compelled to resign his newly After a brief period in politi- bids a closer look at his ser- T won seat in the Imperial Coun- cal wilderness, he re-entered vices as a Congressman, but it is cil in Calcutta, to which he was politics, though only local poli- relevant here to mention that at elected by the non-official tics, through his election to the the Bombay Congress of 1889 members of the Madras Legisla- Madras Municipality – he was a he introduced the Madras tive Council. Later the same member for more than one term scheme for the reform of the year, 1894, there was strong of the Madras Municipality. It Indian Legislative Councils, opposition from various was one of the bodies from which metamorphosed into the quarters to his attendance at which non-official members Indian Councils Act, 1892. The the Madras Congress to be held were elected to the Madras Leg- Madras scheme was prepared islative Council. He was re- under his leadership, and this elected thereto two years later was one of his deeds as a G by Suresh and retired in 1903. The period Congressman which is hardly when he was a member of the mentioned in hitherto pub- Balakrishnan Council did not record any sig- lished books on the history of nificant contribution of his as a the Indian National Congress Eardley Norton. in December. Despite the Councillor. But during that pe- or the Indian national struggle. opposition, he was elected as a riod he was actively engaged in The next Congress at ger than Madras and he pre- tographer Murder Case (1920) delegate. The objections to his certain public causes, notewor- Madras was in 1894, in which ferred to compete with equal or in Coimbatore. He also ap- speaking when the Congress thy among which were the ef- he held the audience spell- better talent. Calcutta wit- peared for the convicts in the was in progress created such a forts taken by many Madras bound with a stirring speech nessed his appearance in many appeal before the Madras High furore that the Madras Con- citizens to save the Victoria demanding the abolition of the sensational cases, including a Court and succeeded in getting gress of 1894 is remembered as Public Hall from a financial cri- India Council. But this Con- historic trial against revolution- their acquittal. It testifies to the much for the ‘Norton incident’ sis. He also took part in a few gress became notorious for aries known as the Alipore respect and adoration that the as for any other reason. commercial ventures. another, unhappy reason. He Bomb Case (1908-9), in which residents of Madras had for him He became so distraught by In 1906, he wound up his had got involved in an adulter- he led the prosecution, and the that in 1920, he was elected by the lamentable series of events, Madras practice and residence ous affair with the wife of trial of Nirmal Kanta Roy (1914) the non-official Europeans of and fearing that his political and moved to Calcutta. Twenty- Sullivan, a coffee planter in in which he successfully de- Madras as their representative enemies were trying to use him eight years ago, he had loathed Coorg, and his wide popularity fended Roy. His emigration to to the newly created Central as an excuse to injure the move- the prospect of having to leave had the unfortunate effect of Calcutta in 1906 limited his sub- Legislative Assembly, even ment, that he resigned from the England for Madras, but now giving the affair a great amount sequent appearances in courts in though he had been living in Congress a few months after the Madras occupied a special place of publicity. Eventually Sullivan the Madras Presidency to rare Calcutta since fourteen years conclusion of the Madras Con- in his heart. He had always and Marie Gerrard, his wife and occasions. The last of all the sen- earlier. gress of 1894. Thus ended sadly wanted to practise in Calcutta who Norton later married, were sational cases he fought in the Having worked for nearly and prematurely his career as a where he felt the Bar was stron- Madras Presidency was the Pho- fifty years at the Indian Bar, he retired in the early 1920s. His last professional engagement was in 1923 for Nabha in the Nabha-Patiala dispute in the The bolts & nuts of enterprise Punjab. He then spent a couple of years in retirement in (Continued from page 5) know that many companies in award. In addition to GM, SFL cent to over 80 per cent result- Kodaikanal, where he had a schedule during his tenure as the UK were asking if SFL was supplies a full range of radiator ing in savings on capital invest- garden house named Merton CII president. He participated ISO 9000 certified, he didn’t caps to other leading manufac- ment and surging profits, at- Lodge. He left India for good in in 305 meetings and had been know what it was. He read turers worldwise. The dedica- taining one of the best produc- May 1926 and returned to En- out of Chennai over 150 days, about it and brought a special- tion to customer satisfaction tivity levels in the world. gland. In 1927, owing mainly to travelling 4-lakh km. On ist from England to audit their evident in 100 per cent defect- Krishna refers to TPM as clean- the efforts of V. V. Srinivasa completion of the term, with processes and prepared SFL to free and on time shipments. ing up of the minds, rather than Aiyangar, at that time a Judge characteristic humour, he said: conform to the punishing ISO SFL is the first Indian engi- of the machines or plants. of the Madras High Court, an “each day I used to wake up at a 9000 standards: “our operations neering company to set up a Krishna’s forte is his faith in oil portrait of Norton was different town to address the lo- were already in good trim and greenfield venture in China to communication. It is a regular placed in the precincts of the cal chapter of CII. First I used so we got the certificate in 18 manufacture high tensile fas- practice for him to address his High Court. The Chief Justice to reassure myself in which months,” said Krishna. SFL is teners for the Chinese and in- workmen at the different facto- Victor Murray Coutts-Trotter town I was. I found my com- the first Indian company to get ternational markets. Set up in ries every year. There he ex- presided. pany doing even better during this! 2002 it has grown into a Rs. 250 plains to them in lucid terms Eardley Norton, who had left my absence and was worried Manufacture of radiator caps crore business. SFL has recently the state of the economy and India in 1926, spent the last five about my job!” for General Motors (GM), announced a new 10,000-tonne the work practices across the years of his life peacefully in Kent Suresh is the eldest son of USA, was a chance addition for capacity foundry in China at an globe. The talk motivates them and breathed his last on July 13, T.S. Krishna. Despite being SFL. In 1992, GM was looking investment of a billion rupees. to excel. His constant concern 1931. For his services as a Con- born with a silver spoon in his for a buyer of their radiator caps The Chinese operation for the advancement of the em- gressman he is remembered as mouth, Krishna had been a manufacturing units in En- currently contributes more than ployees assured their loyalty and one of India’s truest friends, and, workaholic and used to work gland. Since they already knew Rs. 2.5 billion of revenue drove them to work better. at the Bar, as an undisputed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. When he SFL, they offered to sell these to annually. This practice explains the cor- leader in his time in jury trial ad- returned home, his father used SFL. Even though the company After getting ISO 9000 cer- dial relations maintained by the vocacy. As V.V. Srinivasa to enquire, ‘how come you are did not have any knowledge of tification Krishna’s quest for TVS group he heads today with Aiyangar said in his speech at back so soon?’ Krishna, just the engineering intricacies of quality got accelerated. He the employers and the trade the time of the unveiling of his married, would shower, eat and radiator caps, Krishna felt that found the Japanese concept of union leaders for decades. portrait in the Madras High then get back to work with his this was an excellent opportu- Total Productivity Mainte- Krishna used to refer with un- Court in 1927, the residents of wife Usha at 8:30 p.m. and re- nity to gain entry into GM and nance (TPM) an ideal tool to derstandable pride, that his Madras were – I hope still are – turn by 11 p.m! Usha also readily agreed. Since then SFL focus on systems and quality Sundram Fasteners Limited had proud to own him as a Madrasee. evolved a business leader and has been the principal supplier and invited the TPM guru not lost a day’s work due to Copies of the book Eardley headed with distinction of radiator caps to General Mo- Yamaguchi from Japan. He suc- industrial strife. (Courtesy: Norton: A Biography are avail- Upasana Finance. tors and is a regular winner of cessfully took productivity of Industrial Economist). able at: C. Sitaraman & Co., When Krishna came to their “Supplier of the Year” machines from around 35 per – S. Viswanathan Royapettah. August 16-31, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

 Two lectures – Prof. V. Arasu and Prof. Azhagarasan 5 p.m. Exhibition on Early Tamil Alternate Magazine Movement will RMRL be open to all after the lectures. Organised by Roja Muthiah Madras Research Library (RMRL).  Tree Walk: Starting outside Words and Worths. Organised 5-6 p.m. by Nizhal. 2nd Avenue, Besant Nagar Week ’18 Registration: 98406 04912  Heritage Tour: Arcot Nawabs Trail in Triplicane led by 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. Till August 15th, 2018 Kombai S. Anwar (van) Cost: Rs. 500 (Breakfast included) Assemble at: Madras University Entrance on Wallajah Road For registrations: kaniyanheritage@ gmail.com (or) call: 94440 77171 August 14 From August 18-19  Talk: The rich, varied heritage of the city and the need to 12:20 p.m.  Walk: Marina Scrolls. Organised by Urban Design 3 p.m.-5 p.m. preserve it by Sriram V Women’s Christian College Collective. Charges: Rs.750/- (includes entry to the Start point: Napier Bridge For details contact: 9444712469 lighthouse, souvenirs, light refreshments and audio End point: Lighthouse August 15 equipment rental charges) Link to registration form:  Tour: Heritage Visit to St. Thomas English Church led by 4.30 - 6:00 p.m. https://tinyurl.com/Urbanaudiotour Payment can be made via Fabiola Jacob. Register by email: stthomasenglishchurch@ bank transfer or Paytm. Details will be sent after registration gmail.com or call 44 4203 5179 (Moses) is confirmed at this link.  Talk: Krupa Ge speaks on The Day Madras Drowned 5 - 6:15 p.m.  Exhibition: On Social history of Anna Nagar and 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. (bi-lingual). Arkay Convention Center household heritage of Madras. The exhibition includes Joy of books, (Previously just books, photos, maps, exhibits and more. It's an inclusive event – Anna Nagar) T88, 5th Main Road, Anna  Jayaraman Raghunathan speaks on Chennaiyin 6:45 - 8 pm Talk: people with all abilities are welcome.Touch and feel exhibits. Nagar Enthiran Sujatha (bi-lingual). Arkay Convention Center Organised by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai and For details, registrations: 94442 53532; August 16-17 Venkatraman Prabhakaran. [email protected]  Lecture on Urban Ecology & Resilience: a case of Soaking Raman Auditorium, AC Tech Campus, From August 18-24 City Chennai, an initiative of the United Nation’s Settelments Anna University, Chennai  Exhibition on Early Tamil Alternate Magazine Movement. RMRL Programme (UN-Habitat) & AARDE Foundation. Organised by Roja Muthiah Research Library. CPT Campus, Taramani August 16 August 19 10:30 a.m. Introduction to Soaking City Xavier Benedict  Ride: Madras Day Heritage Ride. 5 a.m. - 10 a.m. 11 a.m. Building Ecological knowledge Nalini Thakur OMR - Thirukazhukundram. Ride Distance: 100 km. Registration is mandatory for the regeneration cultural For more information about the ride, contact Cycling landscapes of South Asia Yogis / Ramanujar Moulana. Ph: 98840 23123 12 p.m. Chennai City Master Plan CMDA Chief Planner  Nature Walk: Exploring Nanmangalam 6.30 a.m. - 8.30 a.m. 2 p.m. Trees are the Earth’s endless effort Prime College, Nagapattinam Conducted by Care Earth Trust. To register: [email protected]. to speak to the Listening Heaven  Tour: Tour of the Stone Sculpture Gallery, Madras Museum 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m 2:15 p.m. Chennai City – An Area Dr. MGR University students conducted by Dr. Chithra Madhavan. Organised by Namma Registration: [email protected] 2:30 p.m. Hydrology of Chennai City Dr. L. Elango Mylapore. 3:30 p.m. For Earth’s Sake Dr. Sultan A Ismail  Tour: Justice Party Heritage Tour – North Madras led by 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. 4:30 p.m. J. Rajagopalan Govi Lenin, Editor-in-Charge, Nakheeran (van). Cost: Rs. 400 (Breakfast included) Assemble at: Side entrance to Ripon Building (opp Periamet mosque). August 17 For registrations: kaniyanheritage@ gmail.com (or) call 94440 77171 9 a.m. Participating College MIDAS Architecture Presentation College  Walk: Bird Walk at Perumbakkam Tank. Group Size: 25. Reporting time: 6.30 a.m. Please bring binoculars and cameras. Organised by Madras Reporting Place: Bus stand opp IT Park near 9:30 a.m. S. Theodore Naturalists’ Society (MNS). Toll Plaza in Perumbakkam. Baskaran Email Vijay: [email protected] for participation. Confirmation strictly on first-come 10:30 a.m. Chennai Weather Pradeep John basis. 11:30 a.m. International Case Studies Kees de Vries (Netherlands)  Quiz: The Murugappa Madras Quotient (MMQ) Quiz. 1 p.m. onwards Your favourite quiz about your favorite city is back with its St. Bede’s Auditorium, No. 37, San Thomé 12:15 p.m. International Case Studies Dr. Martina Girvan, London 8th edition and here is your chance to win name, fame and High Road, Santhome, Chennai 600 004 01:30 p.m. Participating college Presentation for fortune for you and your school! Organised by Murugappa students 15 minutes Group.  Tree Walk: Jeth Nagar, Mandaveli. 5-6 p.m. 02 p.m. Adapting to Climate Dr. Jinu Louishidha Organised by Nizhal. Starting outside Navasuja Sankara Change using Technology Kitchley J Nethralaya, Mandaveli. 3 to 5 p.m. Special Talks Registration: 95000 34187 August 17  Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Pavithra 6-7.30 p.m  Workshop: Knowing your library, storytelling and narrative 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Srinivasan on Madras in Miniature and presents her work Hotel Maris, Cathedral Road workshop for children aged between 3-12 years. For registration contact : 9444253532 / of sketching several of the city’s architectural masterpieces. Organised by MLS [email protected] Organised by Madras Musings. August 18  Heritage Walk: Discover Madras High Court. Walk 7-9 a.m.  Walk: Naduvakkarai to Anna Nagar walk. Organised by 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. conducted by N.R. Rajah (Senior Advocate). Interested Assemble before Madras High Court Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. Starting point: Tower Park: Ayyapan temple participants mail your name as in your identity cards to Museum by 7 a.m. side entrance. [email protected] before August 16th. Entrance to High Court from Prakasam Salai For details, registrations: 94442 53532; ID cards are a must for the walk. only (Opposite to Raja Annamalai Mandram [email protected] and adjacent to police station).  Walk: Marshalls Road (Rukmini Lakshmipathi Road ) walk 7 a.m. - 8:45 a.m August 20 led by Sudha Umashanker. Starting point – just outside To register: 9840247624  Presentation: Rediscovering the graceful arch bridges of 5 p.m. Rajah Muthiah Hall In gate. Organised by Storycorner at Madras – presentation by D. Hemachandra Rao. Organised Press Institute of India Bookmine. by the Press Institute of India (PII). CPT Campus, Taramani Talk: Industry & Employment by Mr. N. Madhavan, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  Talk:Chennai Heritage Lecture: Rosella Stephen 6 -7.30 p.m * Associate Editor, The Hindu, Business Line. Organised ORF-C Conference Hall, Reliance Building, moderates a panel discussion on North Rising: How North The Park by ORF, Chennai Chapter. Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Chennai 600 004. Chennai is finding its groove, with gaana, rock and hip hop. Nungambakkam High Road Organised by Madras Musings.  Book Readings: From S. Muthiah’s Madras 11 a.m.-12.30 p.m. Rediscovered. Readers: Nandan Sankriti, Kaushik, Purabee Madras Literary Society August 21 Nair, Selvi Palani, Shama Rajappa, Ashok and M.K. For details: madrasliterarysociety@  Presentation: In Kancheepuram – A photographer’s 5 p.m. Venkat Prasad. Coordinated and Directed by N.S.Yamuna. gmail.com; 044 2827 9666; 94442 53532 journey – presentation by D. Krishnan. Organised by PII. PII Organised by Madras Literary Society (MLS) and Association  Presentation by Chennai Heritage: Golden jubilee 6 -7.30 p.m of British Scholars (ABS). of a city landmark – a dramatised rendition of 50 years of Hotel Savera For non-members of MLS: Rs. 100. Hotel Savera. Organised by Madras Musings.  Tour: Tiruvottriyur - Temple, music and more led by 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. August 21 - September 15 Prof. Madhusudanan Kalaichelvam Arulmigu Thiyagarajaswamy Temple,  Painting Exhibition: Chennai – a dual emotion 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sannathi St, Gopal Nagar, Tiruvottiyur, in Abstraction and Figuration by A.Viswam and N.S. Forum Art Gallery, Adyar Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600019 Manoharan Opening on: August 21, at 5.30 pm For registrations: [email protected] (or) August 22 call: 78451 15486  Screening of the documentary An American in Madras. 2:30 p.m - 4:15 p.m. The documentary traces Ellis R. Dungan’s life in India as a Auditorium, U.S. Consulate celebrated director in the Tamil film industry from 1935-50. General Chennai * All ORF talks are open to the public provided you register and confirm participation with your mobile number by previous Thursday. For cancellation SMS: 98410 10718. NOTE:  Open to all, but terms apply. Limited seating at all venues on first-come, first-served basis.

Check www.themadrasday.in for up-to-date programmes. Promotion and Publicity: PRISM Public Relations. Email: [email protected] 8 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2018

 Presentation: The Parthasarathy Temple, 5 p.m.  Quiz: Military History quiz for college students. The quiz, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Triplicane – History, sculpture, architecture and inscriptions. PII covering the history of all three branches of the Indian CPR Convention Centre A presentation by Chithra Madhavan. Organised by PII. Armed Forces from their colonial origins to the present-day Alwarpet  Talk: Ways the Dravidian Movement uses stories. 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. engagement, will offer attractive cash prizes to the winning Organised by the Colours of Glory Facilitated by the World Storytelling Institute. Sagar Vihar Restaurant, team and at least five other teams that top the contest. Foundation. Call: 98403 94282; Email: [email protected]; on Marina Beach near RK Salai  Heritage Tour: Tour of Bronze Gallery, Madras Museum, 11 a.m. -12.30 p.m. Webpage: www.storytellinginstitute.org conducted by Dr. Chithra Madhavan. Organised by Namma Register: [email protected]  Talk: Covering Sports in Madras – A Senior Journalist 6 p.m. Mylapore. recalls his experiences of over fifty years by Partab PII  Walk Explore the St. Thomas English Church, San Thomé. 4.30 p.m.-5.30 p.m. Ramchand. Organised by PII. 100 m south of San Thomé Cathedral. Register: [email protected]  Talk and Q&A: Chennai Heritage Presentation: 7 -8.30 p.m  Tree Walk: Chitlapakkam Neer Vanam. Organised by 5 p.m.-6 p.m. Hindi films made in Madras –presentation by Mohan V. The Hyatt, Anna Salai Nizhal. Chitlapakkam Neer Vanam. Raman. Organised by Madras Musings. Registrations @ 9840627376 Till August 22  Tree Walk: Kotturpuram Tree Park. Organised by Nizhal. 5 to 6 pm.  Celebrate Chennai, Celebrate its Games. If you would like the Kreeda team to visit River View Road, Kotturpuram (Chennai Kondattam, Vilayadalam, Kondadalam.) you, email it at [email protected] or Registration: 97910 29568 To celebrate the rich history of games, Kreeda has been call 98417 48309.  Talk and Q&A: Chennai Heritage Lecture: 6 -7.30 p.m conducting from July 16th, a month-long road show From a Farm to a Forest by Janaki Lenin. Residency Towers, T. Nagar culminating with Madras Week. A specially decorated vehicle Organised by Madras Musings. will travel through Chennai for over a month, visiting schools, orphanages, old age homes, offices, apartments and even August 27 metro stations.  Quiz: The DakshinaChitra Heritage Quiz for school DakshinaChitra children. Open to students of 6th, 7th and 8th standards from Organised by DakshinaChitra. August 23 Matriculation, CBSE and ICSE schools. No participation fee  Panel discussion on We the People - Madras’ Historic Ties 3:00 p.m. - 5 p.m for the Quiz. with the United States. Eminent historians will trace the Auditorium, Women’s Christian College historic ties between Chennai and United States spanning August 28 more than a century. Organised by U.S. Consulate, Chennai  Talk: Nivedita Louis on "Wonder women of Madras". Rotary Club of Madras South Organised by Rotary Club of Madras South Hotel Savera August 23  Presentation: Agni Vasantham – An audience with 5 p.m. August 28-29 Aravaan in the streets of Chennai by Meenakshi Madan. (PII)  MADRASTICALLY – Yours. Skit: The Story of Madras; Stella Maris College Organised by PII. Photo booth and blog; Exhibition stalls on: (1). Organised by the Department of History and Madras to Chennai Food Stall (Madras street food); (2.) Black Tourism, Stella Maris College.  5 p.m. and White Tentkota (games, old movies, old cameras, studios RMRL, CPT Campus, Taramani and production houses); (3.) Double Damakas (history of Contact: 044 2254 2551 hospitals, and statues); (4.) Streetory (photos, videos and  Talk: Talk on Historic Temples Around Chennai by 6 p.m. games on old streets and places of Madras); (5.) Namma Dr. Chithra Madhavan. Organised by Tattvaloka. Tattvaloka, Eldams Road Military (Military history); (6.) Display of literary works relating  Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Pacchaiyappa’s 6 -7.30 p.m to Madras and old paper cuttings; (7.) Heritage walk in College Will by Sriram V. Organised by Madras Musings. The Folly, Amethyst, Whites Road Campus; (8.) Handmade greeting cards, badges, bookmarks, on Madras culture and heritage. August 24  Lecture-demo: A peep into the 2000-year-old Sangam 5 p.m.  Exhibition: A 2-day pictorial exhibition will feature images 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Age through Bharatanatyam by Lakshmi Ramawamy. PII and write-ups on the history of the Indian Armed forces, Stella Maris College auditorium Organised by PII. besides video shows and power point presentations on the Organised by the Colours of Glory topic. Foundation.  Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: The story of how a 6 -7.30 p.m bunch of slum children from Chennai went to sing in the US Chamiers, Chamiers Road August 29 by Sriram Ayer of Nalanda Way Foundation. Organised by  Exhibition: Indian Cuisine – to create awareness of the Stella Maris College Madras Musings. diversified traditional and authentic food culture across India. Organised by the Department of History and Tourism, Stella Maris College. August 25  Exhibition: Anglo Indian Crafts & Cuisine Fair. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  Quiz: Quiz for School and College students. Organised by 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrating the Anglo Indian spirit of Chennai. St George’s School campus, Poonamallee the Department of History and Tourism, Stella Maris College. Stella Maris College The Fair will offer sales of craftworks and products of current High Road. Till August 30 Anglo Indian entrepreneurs, mouth-watering food as cooked Hosted by the Forum of Anglo Indian  ‘Chennai’ N Vannangal. An exhibition of art works by DakshinaChitra in homes in Royapuram, Vepery and Perambur, and, music. Women, Chennai Madras-based artists A. Rajmohan, N. Jagadeesan, V.  Rare book display by Madras Literary Society. Organised by 10.30 a.m.-4.30 p.m. Ravichandran, N. Bhagavathi Sundaram and M.Ashok. The Madras Literary Society (MLS). For non-members of MLS: Madras Literary Society exhibition will display temple architecture, landscapes and Rs. 100. For details: madrasliterarysociety@ realistic works. Organised by DakshinaChitra. gmail.com; 044 2827 9666; 94442 53532 Till August 31 Talk: Sports and Past Time by Dr. Sumanth Raman. 11 a.m.-1 p.m.  ‘Madras Miniatures by Pavithra Srinivasan. A series of intricate, DakshinaChitra * Organised by ORF, Chennai Chapter. ORF-C Conference Hall, Reliance Building, nuanced portraits that capture Chennai that is Madras - in a new, Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Chennai 600 004. exciting way: through miniatures. Organised by DakshinaChitra.  Talk: Caste Conflicts In Colonial Madras by K.R.A. 10 a.m.-11 a.m. September 1 Narasaiah. Organised by Madras Literary Society (MLS). For Madras Literary Society  The Madras Quiz (Madras Open Quiz). Organised by 1 p.m. onwards non-members of MLS: Rs. 100. For details: madrasliterarysociety@ Murugappa Group. St. Bede’s Auditorium, No: 37, Santhome gmail.com; 044 2827 9666; 9444253532 High Road, Santhome, Chennai – 600004  Story Telling on Madras Literary Society by Story tellers 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Competitions from Kadhai Kamamishu (Lavanya Srinivas). Organised by Madras Literary Society  Quiz on Anna Nagar. 19th August 2018. Registration before August 15th, 2018. Organised Madras Literary Society (MLS). For non-members of MLS: For details: madrasliterarysociety@ by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai. For details: 91-94442 53532/[email protected] Rs. 100. gmail.com; 044 2827 9666; 9444253532  Drawing Competition -- Junior / Senior Level. (Age 2-5, 6-11, 11 and above) Topic on the spot. Registration: Before August 15th 2018. Organised by Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai.  Walk: Butterfly Walk at Adyar Poonga. Organised by MNS. Reporting time: 2.15 p.m. For details: 91-94442 53532/ [email protected] Group size: 25. Please bring binoculars and cameras. Car Email Vijay: [email protected] for  Essay Competition for Senior Citizens. The Senior Citizens Group of Besant Nagar and Mylapore parking, entrance and camera fees payable as per rules. participation. Confirmation strictly on first- (SCGOBNM) are organising an annual essay competition for senior citizens during the Madras Week. come basis. The topic is ‘What does Madras Day mean to me in my twilight years’?The essay competition is open  Tree Walk: Explore the natural heritage of the Institute of 4.30-5.30 p.m. to all. There is no entry fee.The essay is to be submitted in Word format (without any attachments) in Mental Health, Kilpauk. Organised by Nizhal. Starting at IMH main gate. English (about 600 words) to [email protected] latest by August 10. Prizes will be awarded for Registration: 98415 26431 the ten best entries. For details: Prof V.Chandrasekhar, President SCGOBNM: 9884224480  Lecture-demo: Gujili Ilakkiyam – Voice of the Madras 5 p.m.  Presentation: Heritage of Chennai – Multimedia Presentation Contest for city schools. Contest date: layman by Nivedita Louis. Organised by PII. PII August 21. E-mail to: [email protected] – and get the approval for your theme from us before you start working on the project. Organised by Mylapore Times.  Chintadripet. Organised by Nizhal. 5-6 p.m. Tree Walk: The contest encourages city school students to explore Chennai’s heritage and present the topic given to Starting at May Day Park gate you in multi-media form. The contest is open to school children studying in classes 8 to 12. The theme Registration: 94450 28067 for this year is: City’s Natural Heritage.  Talk: Chennai Heritage Lecture: Masterpieces of 6 -7.30 p.m the Madras Museum by Dr. Chithra Madhavan. Organised by Hanu Reddy Residences Addresses for Venues Madras Musings. Poes Gardens  Walk: Trace Origin of Madras – 6th Annual Heritage & Eco- 7 a.m -3:30 p.m. Alliance Francaise: No.24, College Road, Nungambakkam; Amethyst: Next to Corporation Bank, White’s Walk at Pulicat. Conducted by: Xavier Benedict. To register: [email protected] / 9884453409. Road, Royapettah; Chamiers Anokhe: 106 Chamier’s Road, R.A. Puram, (diagonally opposite Sheraton Park); C.P. Arts Centre: 1, Eldam’s Road, Alwarpet; DakshinaChitra: East Coast Road, Muttukadu. Forum Art August 26 Gallery: 57, 5th Street, Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar. Gallery Sri Parvati: 28/160, Eldam’s Road, Alwarpet.  Tour: Tamil Jains and Madras – from Puzhal, Vilankadu, 6 a.m -11:30 a.m. 41/19, Poes Garden; 176, Luz Church Road, Luz, Mylapore; Thiruvallur, etc. Led by Kanaka Ajithadoss (van). Cost: Rs. 500 (Breakfast included) Hannu Reddy Residences: Luz House: 45/16, College Rd, DPI Campus, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights; Assemble at Nageswara Rao Park entrance, Madras Literary Society: Observer 5th Floor, A-1 Tower (Rear Wing), 89, Dr. Radhakrishnan Road; Mylapore Research Foundation (ORF): Odyssey: 45 & 47, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar; Deshbandhu Plaza, 47, Whites Road, Royapettah; For registrations: kaniyanheritage@ Nahar Hall: Press Second Main Road, Taramani, CPT Campus, (behind M.S. Swaminathan Foundation); gmail.com (or) call 94440 77171 Institute of India: Raman Auditorium: AC Tech Campus, Anna University; Roja Muthiah Research Library: 3rd Cross Road, Rajiv  Walk: Chennai Port Walk and Sail led by KRA Narasiah. 6.30 a.m.-12.00 p.m. Cost: Rs. 1000 per Gandhi IT Expressway, CPT Campus, Taramani, (opposite Indira Nagar MRTS Station); Seafarer’s Club: Opp. Reserve Organised by Royal Madras Yacht Club head which includes breakfast, port entry Bank of India, Rajaji Salai; St. Bede’s Auditorium: No. 37, San Thomé High Road, San Thomé; Tattvaloka: 78, passes. Sail is optional at Rs. 500 extra. Eldam’s Road, Teynampet; The Folly: No 28, Whites Road, Amethyst, next to Corporation Bank, Royapettah; The To register please send us your name and Marina: 39, College Road, Nungambakkam. Westin, Velachery: No. 154, Velachery Main Rd, Velachery. age by mail rmycheritagewalkandsail@ gmail.com or [email protected] or call Saravanan 99626-12255 , Ramesh 92821-07449. Prior registration is a must for this walk. August 16-31, 2018 MADRAS MUSINGS 9

Our Museum’s wealth Pala Art – such intricacy, such detail

n front of a small bay on the which is a rarity. In the upper- Ifirst floor of the main section most right hand Ganapati holds of the Madras Museum hangs a a garland of beads (japa mala), board with ‘Medieval Sculp- with just one finger. Another ture-Pala Sena’ written on it. It hand holds the axe (parasu), the is unfortunate that very few third, unfortunately damaged, visitors to the museum notice it. is in the gesture of assuring Those who do, and those who devotees not to fear (abhaya pay close attention to the few hasta) and the fourth right hand sculptures of the Pala-Sena dy- is seen hanging reaching down nasties that are here, are richly to the waist and holding an ob- rewarded. These artifacts be- ject which is not clearly seen. long to an era which was known The topmost left hand is for an efflorescence of artistic stretched upward; the second activity. The mighty Pala Em- holds the elephant-goad perors ruled over most of the the third holds an On left: Dancing Ganesha and above: Vishnu (ankusha), (Pala Era). present-day states of Bihar and object which is not clearly seen West Bengal, and also but could be the pasha (el- Bangladesh for nearly four hun- ephant-goad) and the fourth One sculpture from lap and the pedestal on which stone – many of which can be dred years from the 8th to the holds a bowl of modaka. Two Kanaipara is slightly damaged, they sit has Nandi carved seen in Tamil Nadu today, some 12th Centuries C.E.. and, for tiny sculptures of Siva’s atten- but is a beautiful piece of art. beneath Siva and a lion sculp- even in worship. the most part, were contempo- dants, one playing the cymbals Though carved with a back ture beneath Parvati. A Siva Such intricacy, such detail! raries of the Cholas of South In- and another the drums, are seen slab, the image seems almost re- gana merrily dances near Nandi It is such a pity most visitors to dia. They were succeeded by on either side. On one side of moved from it. A keen observer with his outstretched left hand the museum don’t stop and pay the Senas. the base of the pedestal is will note that the weapons touching the foot of Siva. attention to these exhibits and An image of Ganesha of Ganesha’s mouse (mushika) and Vishnu carries in this sculpture The sculpture of Surya, a greater pity that our school black stone, from Rajashahi in on the other side is a supplicant are not in their usual places. standing straight and holding textbooks say so little about this Bangaladesh, is in this section devotee. The mace (gada) is held in the lotuses in both hands, conforms dynasty and its contribution to of the Museum. Its damaged There are two sculptures of upper right hand where there is to all the iconographical details the art of India. condition does not take any- Vishnu from Kanaipara in usually the discus (chakra); the for this deity given in the scrip- thing away from the skill of the Mushirabad District, West Ben- chakra is held in the upper left tures. Seven horses are carved anonymous sculptor who gal, and another from Bihar. It on the pedestal beneath, sym- The Anglo-Indian carved it. The beautiful sculp- is known that Hinduism, bolically representing the Col. in the INA ture of this deity (Nritta Vaishnavism in particular, was G by chariot on which the Sun God Ganapati) is in a dance pose very popular in the Pala region, Chithra Madhavan travels upon. One can imagine (Continued from page 5) with the left leg slightly bent especially in the areas of present how beautiful this carving A terminally ill Rash Behari and resting on a lotus. Ganesha day West Bengal and would have looked before it was Bose had by now decided on ap- has three bends in the body (tri- Bangladesh. hand where there usually is the damaged. Brahma with an pointing fresh blood to lead the bhanga), and has eight hands conch (sankha) and the lower intricately carved halo and with large INA organisation, which right hand is in varada-hasta the vehicle (vahana) Hamsa on was somewhat rudderless. It was (boon-conferring pose) with the pedestal is another Pala into this vacuum that Subhas perhaps the lotus embedded in masterpiece in this museum. Chandra Bose stepped in, com- the palm. Unfortunately, the Buddhism was a thriving ing in from Germany. S C Bose lower left hand which would religion in the Pala times, took over as the new Supreme CHENNAI HERITAGE once have held the sankha, is especially in Bihar and numer- Commander and recreated the broken near the elbow. Flying ous sculptures of various deities so-called ‘Second INA’. Stracey No. 5, Bhattad Tower, 30, Westcott Road, celestials are seen at the top of of this religion have survived till remained in Singapore as INA’s the back slab while two atten- today. The Madras Museum’s Adjutant General (Singapore Royapettah, Chennai 600 014 dant deities, one with a fly- collection in the Pala-Sena was the rear HQ while whisk and another with a musi- section includes a sculpture of Rangoon, where Bose lived, was I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) / I cal instrument flank this deity. Tara, one of the most important the front HQ) and was the per- have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it hereafter. The other sculpture of Vishnu deities in Buddhism. Standing son responsible for the ‘A’ G I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for from the same place is similar absolutely straight, again with a branch. Rs. 100 (Rupees One hundred) payable to CHENNAI but less damaged. The carving back slab, and with two atten- HERITAGE, MADRAS, as subscription to Madras Musings of Vishnu from Bihar is almost dant deities, this image exudes (To be concluded) for the year 2018-19. like the ones from West Bengal, serenity. Thank you, Donors G As token of my support for the causes of heritage, but since the hands are not Incidentally, one of the most environment and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, damaged, the lower right hand important connections between We today, publish donations I send Chennai Heritage an additional with the lotus in it and also the the medieval Tamil country received with thanks for the period Rs...... conch in the lower left hand can and the Bengal area was the upto August 15th. be clearly seen. expedition sent by Rajendra – The Editor (Rupees ...... ) Please Rs. 51: K. Muralidharan keep/put me on your mailing list. In the Pala-Sena collection Chola I in the 11th Century are also to be seen sculptures of C.E.. His army defeated the Rs. 100: B. Umapathy Name : ...... Brahma, Surya and Uma- Pala king and the waters of Rs. 200: Dr. S. Ramachandran Address: ...... Maheshwara. The one of Uma- River Ganga were triumphantly Rs. 400: T.V. Sivakumaran; P.K. Maheshwara is eye-catching as brought to the Chola capital. Rangarajan; S. Sundar; A. All cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. DD/Cheque should be sent such a carving is seldom seen in Along with the sacred Ganga Uthandaraman by Speed Post only. the temples of Tamil Nadu. water also came many a Pala Rs. 500: K.V. Pattabiraman Parvati is seated on Siva’s right sculpture – in bronze and in Rs. 1800: N.S. Parthasarathy 10 MADRAS MUSINGS August 16-31, 2018 Celebrate Chennai, celebrate games

hennai is home to a wide throughout Chennai for over a Crange of traditional games month, visiting schools, or- that have been played for years. phanages, old age homes, of- The temples and monuments fices, apartments and even are home to numerous boards metro stations. Special permis- inscribed on the floors – boards sion was given to conduct the native to Chennai and those games at all the metro stations. that have travelled here This unique event was con- through cultural exchange with ducted and sponsored by neighbouring states and some Kreeda between July 16th and that even seem to indicate an August 22, 2018. exchange with other countries. The team was seen carrying The beaches of Chennai with a set of tables to set up the its wide range of beautiful shells games and give people some in- and the tree-laden with seeds sight into the magical world of and fruit have inspired numer- traditional games of Chennai. It ous games that have kept gen- planned to cover as much of erations entertained. Chennai as possible, thus To celebrate this rich history spreading awareness of the The Kreeda team with their gaming car. of games, Kreeda – an games across the city. organisation dedicated to pro- The event was flagged off Kreeda is an organisation not just to revive the old games materials to sophisticated board moting traditional sports – has from GR Complex Annexe on that has been working for over but also the spirit in which the games focusing on strategy as been conducting a month-long July 16th at 10.30 a.m. in the 15 years in researching, reviv- games were played. well as complex games road show culminating with morning after a morning play ing, developing and retailing Kreeda has a whole range of of dice. For more information Madras Day. A specially deco- session beginning at 9.30 am traditional games of India. The games from short solitaire ones email us at info@kreedagames. rated vehicle will travel with office goers in the building. focus and objective of Kreeda is played with locally available com or call 98417 48309.

pants will use the synthetic forms have facial expression and colours during the workshop. gestures tracing the theatrical el- Traditional Kerala Mural ements in Koodiyattom and painting is done only in five col- Kathakali (at DakshinaChitra). ors (Panchavarna) such as yel- For more information and to low, red, and green, black and register, contact: 98417 77779, white. The human figures are 2446 2435 / 2491 8943. stylised and that of animals and birds are more naturalistic in August 18-19: Workshop on postures and most of the human Kerala Mural painting. Till August 19: DakshinaChitra is Pallassana Social Development DakshinaChitra is organising a celebrating Onam Festival. The Society Kanyarkali Sangam led Kerala mural painting workshop festival commemorates the by Mr. Janardhan from Palakkad either on canvas or terracotta Vamana avatar of Vishnu and district will perform Kanyarkali, tile using acrylic colours. The Till September 30: Godhuli, an ex- Parunthattam and Karun- workshop will be conducted by the subsequent homecoming of hibition inspired by the ancient kaliattam, the ancient and tradi- Mrs. Vasuki Lakshmi the legendary Emperor pichwai tradition of nathdwara Mahabali. tional folk art forms of Kerala (at Narayanan, an expert in tradi- DakshinaChitra). by Kamayani and Saloni (at As part of the celebration, tional Mural form. The partici- Apparao Galleries).

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