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• Short ‘N’ Snappy

• A winner from Chennai MADRAS • The greening of Chennai • The Sisters as neighbours MUSINGS • Cheetahs, rugby champs Rs. 5 per copy Vol. XVI No. 13 October 16-31, 2006 (Annual Subscription: Rs. 100/-) THE ADYAR CREEK – OVER THE YEARS 985 – WWF-India’s Tamil Nadu State Office asks the State Adyar Creek and Estuary. Directed by the High Court, on 1 Government of Tamil Nadu to declare the Adyar Creek 2.4.1998, the State Department of Environment issues specific and Estuary a “Protected Area”. The State Government feels a directions to different agencies to expedite the declaration of the “ban on hunting” would suffice. area as “protected” under the Wildlife Protection Act. 1993 – The Government of Tamil Nadu decides to construct 2001 – The High Court dismisses the appeal filed by the State an auditorium and memorial for Dr. Ambedkar on five acres in Government, and the Division Bench upholds the directions to the Adyar Creek. Environmental groups in Madras challenge the the State Government to “ remove the sands spread on the west- decision in Court. In a landmark judgement, Justice Kanakaraj ern side of the said five acre plot and restore the said area to its allows construction of the memorial to an extent of only 1.5 acres original position The entire lowlying wetland shall be main- at one end of the identified site. Even though restrained from tained and preserved as low-lying wetlands.” “constructing an auditorium or any other type of building” in the 2004 – The Commissioner, Corporation of Chennai, confirms Isn’t my Grandpa really cute? area, the State Government appeals to the Division Bench and goes ahead with the construction of the Dr. Ambedkar Memorial to CAG, on request, that an ‘eco-park’ was being developed in New Age anyone? on 0.75 acre, utilising the remaining 0.75 acre for provision of the area in conformity with the order. On lawns and landscaping. September 13th, representatives of some NGOs and public-spir- 1994 – The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority ited individuals met the Commissioner and sought more details. Newpapers recently carried The group, after a detailed analysis, presented a proposal to the reports about a certain (CMDA) comes up with a proposal to develop the Creek into a “Wooded Area”. It budgets Rs.7.50 crore for ‘developmental Corporation on how the sensitive Adyar Creek and wetland area former “Ruler of the Free could be restored to its original position. The Commissioner World” (Who comes up works’ consisting of various concrete constructions and artificial ponds for boating, etc. On the Consumer and civic Action sought a proposal from an Auroville environmentalist, a with these titles, anyway?!) foreigner, who held discussions with the local group and has now celebrating his 60th birthday. Group’s (CAG’s) suggestion, the CMDA withdraws the “Wooded Area” proposal in April 1997 and confirms that it is taking steps prepared a proposal. Very nice – except that, appar- to hand over the land to the Forest Department. 2006 – The Commissioner tells the Press “ecological restora- ently, in these unsettled 1997 – Noticing further construction activity, over 3000 tion of the Adyar Creek” is being taken up with an enhanced times, ‘60’ is the new ‘40’. Chennai residents from various environmental groups embark on outlay provided. This is a definite shock. a signature campaign against the repeated destruction of the – S.M. There you were, all set to greet the now-definite signs of ageing with a welcoming whoop, looking forward to The Adyar Creek: What’s its flab, endless TV, and the sheer fun of offering un- wanted opinions and then taking refuge behind the age future? factor (you can still get away with that in these parts). (by Shobha Menon) And now you’re being told he Chennai Corporation ning. Thereafter, there was si- it ain’t over yet. Trecently announced that it lence on all sides except for an There is too much pressure on is “taking up the ecological res- Auroville environmentalist metro-zens to earn the “You toration of the Adyar Creek drawing up plans for the by- don’t look it at all”accolade, with inputs from conservation- then ‘protected’ (with a wall) when their age is revealed. ists based in Auroville near Creek, after discussions with You can no longer sink gently Pondicherry.” Stating that the the citizens’ group. into distinct non-achieve- original outlay of Rs.50 crore for The Corporation is now talk- ment, refuse to ‘dress’ for an the project has been increased ing of developing the ‘wall-pro- occasion, or let midriffs cre- ate their own identities. to Rs.100 crore, the Corpora- tected’ Creek area into a recre- tion spoke of developing a ational space. Various ecolo- Incidentally, with answers be- world-class aquarium, a park gists and citizens of Chennai coming so layered, all those nosy official documents and a host of additional facili- who had earlier been consulted need to be informed that ties, including boating. by the Corporation have, since more space is required next All this is at variance with (Continued on page 2) Business as usual inside the market. to the column marked ‘Age’. what the Corporation discussed The next time you inadvert- with a group of eco-citizens in Another Luz landmark endangered ently wander into a restau- 2004. The subsequent proposal rant clearly inappropriate submitted to the Corporation nother land- (by A Staff Reporter) this property is and what proof for your age and natural by the citizens’ group for eco- A mark is likely to be soon time ago is trying to get the he has. It may, however, safely hair-colour, just stare right restoration of the entire Creek wiped out. Thaneerthurai Mar- hawkers at the market to va- be assumed that the hawkers back at the beardless young- area was significant for two rea- ket in Luz, a neighbour of the cate. Though half of them have staying on will also move out if ster giving you the censori- sons – it attempted to imple- they can negotiate a ‘decent’ ous eye, and snap: “Don’t Sri Anjaneyar Temple on vacated their business space ment the orders of the Madras High Road, is living after being paid some compen- compensation. Which is pos- you give me attitude. Ac- High Court in letter and in sible as the buzz is that a huge cording to Those Who its last days. The bulldozers are sation, about 40 others have Know, I’m just a few years spirit, and to present a localised just waiting for the signal to raze taken the issue to court. A law- commercial complex is to come older than you. Which plan developed by citizens that what has been the most yer for the hawkers says that he up here. places you somewhere be- would breathe life into the 74th favoured market for three gen- got a court injuction that the Thaneerthurai Market grew tween the crib and a high Constitutional Amendment erations of Mylaporeans. hawkers should not be dis- out of the ‘landing’ trade that chair”. that focusses on decentralised A person claiming to have turbed. He says that it is still not took place in this area some 150 and participatory urban plan- Ranjitha Ashok purchased this property some clear who the rightful owner of (Continued on page 7)

CMYK 2 October 16-31, 2006 ADYAR CREEK’S Campaigns that care FUTURE? (Continued from Page 1) floods and tidal waves (storm surges). Suffice it to say that the not for the citizen the announcement, been ex- area is a highly sensitive ecosys- pressing their concern. tem justifying classification un- hey have emerged sud- This involves convoys of MMM is delighted to hear T. Murugavel, Co-ordinator der CRZ-I and warranting ur- Tdenly and are now visible autorickshaws blaring out mu- this and only hopes that the – Projects , Environment Moni- gent protection, as an endan- all over the State. Reports of sic, with party flags stuck at all rest of the city too would gear toring and Action Initiating gered metropolitan wetland.” their presence are coming in odd angles and giant cutouts of up to become truly interna- (EMAI), says, “It’s good to learn Naturalist S. Theodore Bas- from such far off locations as the candidates and their sym- tional by way of civic ameni- that the Government has plans karan urges “the entire ecosys- Tirumalarayasamudram and bols. This motley collection ties. to develop a ‘Nature Park’ at tem to be left alone.” “Natural Narthamalai. They lurk in takes to the streets and blocks Mosquito menace the Adyar Creek. However, it is geographical features should street corners in groups and all other traffic. The rest of the not clear what they mean. not be meddled with. Estuaries rise together as soon as they roadusers are forced to follow hikungunya, which has Adyar Creek and Estuary are and waterfalls have evolved sight an unwary passerby. Dur- the convoys which take their Cbeen taking a heavy toll ing the day they collect in gangs own time in moving. Public unique ecosystems. The Gov- over millions of years. Deepen- in the city and the rest of the ernment should treat them as ing for boating facilities will and target specific neigh- meetings are held at street cor- State, appears to be a hot elec- bourhoods where they go from ners where, to the complete tion issue. There are charges fragile ecosystems and not as definitely drive away the waders house to house. No district in detriment of smooth traffic, and countercharges and, wastelands that need to be ‘de- who feed on shallow water spe- the State is free of them. Come platforms are erected which in- short of accusing each other veloped’. cies. And even if the area is 10.00 p.m. and they retire only volve digging holes in the road of actually breeding the mos- “As a first step, Government deepened, it will be filled again to emerge at 6.00 a.m. the next and drawing electricity from quitoes, parties have accused should stop all industrial efflu- because of the natural course of day. the local junction box. All of it each other of everything else. ent or sewage being let into the the river. The estuary at Adyar No, The Man from Madras with police turning a blind eye Except for ways and means to river at any point. This action, Musings is not talking about to the happenings, of course. provides a precious open space combat the illness. complemented with the tidal for Chennai. Restoration efforts the Chikungunya mosquitoes. 4. Create the maximum nui- Recently, however, there He is referring to the cam- sance: MMM does not wish to dynamics, will clean the river in in the Mahim Creek in Mumbai has been a half-hearted at- due course. It is this dynamics paigners for the just-concluded elaborate. But a candidate’s tempt to tackle the problem. and Panaji Bird Sanctuary are local body elections who left no supporters use any available The Man from Madras at the river mouth that reduces good examples to follow.” stone unturned to ensure that corner or compound wall to Musings was alarmed one the pollution, makes it habit- Ornithologist V. Santharam their candidates beat the others morning when a huge column able, and inspires hundreds of says, “The loss of natural eco- to the winning post. Consider- of smoke emanated from his migratory birds to visit the estu- systems is a great loss for the ing that those in the fray would, SHORT garden. On rushing out, ary. A five-year study we carried city. The restoration of the if elected, will be responsible MMM was informed that a out shows that the numbers of Adyar Creek is a unique oppor- for the well-being of our roads, ’N’ man from the Corporation bird species have come down tunity to preserve a natural the control of various forms of had visited his home and had pollution, the collection of SNAPPY drastically. Even the once-com- habitat which could serve as a fumigated the garden to put mon Brahminy Kite, Haliastur green lung, an open area that taxes and protection of our an end to the mosquito men- properties, and the passage of ace. MMM went back inside Indus, is rarely seen. The open could help recharge groundwa- various rules for the public relieve themselves. Their only to discover that the mos- pasture on the northern bank is ter for this part of the city, an weal, MMM was intrigued at refreshments are taken care of quitoes had taken refuge in- now a place for highrises and, as area of recreation for nearby their campaigning methods. in plastic boxes and sachets side the house in order to a result, the resident birds are people, an open-air laboratory Some of which were: which, when empty, are avoid the fumes. Later, they not to be seen. Government for school and college students 1. Defacing all public and pri- thrown all around the returned to their natural habi- needs to have a several-pronged to learn more about our vate property: The first act in neighbourhood. And like the tat, but not before expressing approach and seek experts’ and any campaign is the pasting of biodiversity and natural heri- villain in Disney’s Beauty and their gratitude to MMM by naturalists’ advice, respect tage, an eco-tourist spot and so posters all over private and the Beast, they are ‘particularly biting him in every conceiv- public compound walls. MMM Coastal Zone Regulations and on. The estuary serves several good at expectorating’. What a able spot. ensure that the original ecosys- has written extensively on this combination! A friend from Delhi was other purposes as well – such as during the last assembly elec- It was also amusing to note recently here and was most tem, consisting of grasslands, flood control, buffer against cy- tions and would like to reiter- not one candidate addressed lo- condescending about the epi- swamps, mangroves and sand- clonic storms, livelihood oppor- ate here that any rule that ex- cal issues. Each one talked of demic in Chennai and ex- bars, is part of the Park. It tunities for fisherfolk, and stop- pects a house-owner to com- his party’s achievements at the tolled the government in should then declare it a bird over point for thousands of mi- plain about violations before Central and State levels. Per- Delhi for the steps it had sanctuary, as envisaged by the grant birds during October-No- taking action is not practically haps all of them view the local taken in combating the mos- great Salim Ali. This would not vember and March-April. If useful. There has to be a blan- body elections as mere stepping quito menace there. But his only guarantee a vibrant ecosys- Authority feels that ‘develop- ket ban on posters on private stones to higher things. happiness was short-lived. For and public property. Specific tem, but also encourage visitors, ment’ is more essential than Dengue appears to have taken who can view the fauna and ecology, let them learn their billboards can be allotted for Friendly reception over the city. ‘Dengue for the purpose. Delhi’ appears to be the slo- flora from a distance, without own lessons.” Unfortunately, it 2. Making the maximum friend, recently returned gan just as it’s been ‘Chikun- disturbing the system.” is the environment and the citi- noise: All the campaigners use Afrom the United States, in- gunya for Chennai’. A wag Dr. P.J. Sanjeeva Raj, con- zens of Chennai who will pay vehicles that are fitted with forms The Man from Madras also commented that Dengue sultant-ecologist, says, “The the price! speakers that are in clear viola- Musings that the immigration is afflicting people irrespec- benchmark directory on the Bharath Jairaj, Director, tion of permissible noise limits. authorities in Madras that is tive of sex, class or creed and Adyar Creek, by Panickar and CAG, points out, “Legally, the Through these you hear songs Chennai are the most courte- is a great leveler. Apparently Aiyar in 1938, records 146 spe- Adyar Creek area is protected extolling the virtues of the can- ous and friendly and take care in view of its socialistic prin- didates and the parties backing cies of fauna, including 54 spe- by an order of the Madras High of the arrivals in a matter of ciples, there is a move to re- cies of fish. 175-200 species of them. The vehicles used for the minutes. This, he states, con- Court and some of the activities name it “Comrade Dengue,” birds used to visit during the campaigns are mostly autorick- trasts completely with the according to him. proposed (going by the newspa- shaws which boast of a music behaviour in the US where It is an ill-wind that blows winter season. The estuary is per reports) may not be allowed of their own. The combination, most arrivals are looked at with none any good and MMM was now dominated by tilapia, an in the area in terms of the or- especially when the autos ca- visible hostility and it is deemed intrigued to know that indicator of the foulest water. der. It is unfortunate that Gov- reen through the thoroughfares a favour to be allowed to pass Chikungunya had resulted in The rare Adyar gecko is now a ernment has dragged its feet on of the city in groups, makes for the entry point into the coun- attendance going up in of- myth, and the original man- implementing the Court order deafening noise. As for the eve- try. fices. Apparently the mos- groves have been taken over by since 2001. All they have to do nings when public meetings are There are, apparently, sepa- quito causing it is of the day- exotic proscopis. This natural held at various street corners, is remove the sand dumped in rate counters for the physically time variety, but offices, habitat should be preserved as the less said the better. If the challenged, the foreign pass- the area and restore the Creek thanks to airconditioning, ap- an education-oriented space to its original wetland state.” sound levels are low, crackers port-holders and Indians at the pear to be immune to it; it is are burst at regular intervals as Chennai airport, which, ac- those who stay at home who rather than as an amusement/ Whatever plans that are be- though to provide the neces- cording to MMM’s friend, are most affected. recreation-oriented area. We ing drawn up for Adyar Creek, sary sound. The paper from the makes for smooth passage for Sadly, this will make no should preserve and cherish the they will be truly beneficial to crackers adds to the rubbish on all those waiting in the queues. difference to government es- original ecosystem for aquatic Madras that is Chennai, only if the streets. The friend also noted that the tablishments. Most of these birds and Government should the eco-system of the area is re- 3. Disregarding all traffic queue of foreigners was far offices are ideal breeding promote it as a Bird Sanctuary. stored to ensure a natural haven rules: Every once in a while longer than that of others and grounds for mosquitoes, what Also, it is precarious to plan for for the forgotten flora and fauna during the day, the candidate indicates that Chennai is well with their dripping taps and and his aides go “ride about” in a Park near the lower reaches of Adyar. This calls for interac- on its way to becoming an in- mountains of files. (estuary) of a river because it their respective constituencies. ternational destination. tion with the citizenry and local – MMM will be inundated by monsoon ecologists. October 16-31, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 3 Winning awards with handcrafted books n a climate of declining independent publish selves working on a book for the international Iing, Chennai’s Tara Publishing has been mak- museum market.” The challenge for Mr. A’s ing an international name for itself by using lo- team was mixing colours by hand to replicate cally available skills and resources to make the tones of Greek pottery. The second book in books entirely by hand. And it has all largely this series, Sophocles’ Oedipus the King, was like been possible due to the nothing-is-impossible its predecessor an award-winning book. In terms motto of Tara’s Production Manger C. of sheer labour and delicacy of skill, Tara’s book Arumugam, popularly known as Mr. A. on Indian folk and tribal art, Beasts of India From his small village near Ulundurpettai in proved the most demanding. It featured over 30 South Arcot District, this son of a subsistence beasts, each depicted in a different art form, with Arumugam and Manikandan at Tara’s Bookcraft stall at the farmer came to Chennai after he finished sometimes as many as seven colours on a page. Frankfurt Book Fair. school. He joined the Music College in the early Innovation and creativity are never in short 1990s, but soon decided it wasn’t his thing. An supply at AMM Screens. Initially, Mr. A. farmed assortment of odd jobs later, he joined an artist out portions of jobs, like the binding, but as A small Chennai as an apprentice, and was drawn into the world quality often was a casualty, he taught his team of street theatre, travelling, staging plays and every aspect of bookmaking from creating telling stories. screens to binding. For a particularly large print team captures Arumugam picked up silkscreen printing run, the team mixed ink in a massive vat with a skills along the way and began to print business cricket bat to get the shades just right. For The cards in the tiny one-room apartment he shared Tree Girl, they stained paper by hand with tea Frankfurt’s attention with six others. All his equipment was in one leaves to give it that special bark-like tone. They (by A Special Correspondent) tin trunk, stored under his bed. often experiment to develop processes for future In 1994, he met Gita Wolf who was looking use, and these provide each individual the op- hennai’s Tara Publishing, Tara also launched its new for a way to bring out the energy of the Warli portunity to explore and express his creative Cparticularly its master- One and Only stationery line at art Indrapramit Roy had used to illustrate Tara’s skills. “So far, we’ve produced over 120,000 hand- printers who demonstrated the Fair. Its notebooks and gift first book, The Very Hungry Lion. She was im- pressed by the quality of Arumugam’s work, and made books. Each page of every book is screen- bookmaking entirely by hand, cards are individually hand- he agreed to what was clearly an experimental printed by hand, making each sheet an original was the highlight of India’s year crafted and feature beautiful effort – silkscreening an entire children’s book print. Each colour has to be pulled onto the pa- as Guest of Honour at the 5-day and eclectic designs, making by hand. per individually -- an average 32-page three- annual Frankfurt Book Fair, the each a unique art object for ev- With a few pages of the book – in three vivid colour page book requires about 100 pulls. biggest book fair in the world. eryday use. colours screened onto handsmade paper – Gita That’s half a million pulls for a print run of 5000 In an increasingly mecha- Apart from this, original art- went to the Frankfurt Book Fair for the first books. Some books involve tipping-in (hand nised world, Tara Publishing’s work from Avinash Veera- time in 1996. She managed to sell the rights to sticking) of pictures, tying beaded strings, and unique initiative of making raghavan’s book I Love My India the book to Annick Press, a Canadian pub- making special boxes or cases. The greatest chal- books by hand, returning the was shown as part of the Guest lisher, who wanted 8,000 copies, made entirely lenge is to maintain accuracy and high produc- tion quality despite the number of times the feel, smell and beauty of ink on of Honour Programme. The ex- by hand. Realising he would need a few more square book is handled at various stages: printing each paper, demonstrated how tradi- hibition, titled ‘Watching Me feet and some elbow room for such a large print of the colours, drying, stacking, folding, stitch- tional skills combined with fine Watching India’, featured sev- run, Arumugam set off to find a place for a print ing, and pasting the cover, endsheet and slip contemporary bookmaking to eral contemporary Indian pho- shop. A small house in the then distant suburb case... The latest effort is our new stationery create prize-winning books. tographers and its scheduled to of seemed just right and AMM line, One and Only, notebooks and cards made Master-printers C. Arumu- run until the end of November. Screens, which would grow into Tara’s bustling entirely by hand.” gam and T.S. Manikandan daily Artist and designer Avinash’s Bookcraft unit, was born. Over the last decade, Mr. A. and his team demonstrated to visitors the unusual fusion of photography More people were obviously needed, and have created books by hand for the J. Paul Getty skill and precision that goes into and other media made an im- AMM Screens soon became a place of employ- Museum, USA; Seuil of France; Thule Ediciones of Spain; Corraini, Italy; and Mets & making every page of a Tara pression on Celina Lunsford, ment for young men from the drought-prone South Arcot District. They are trained in the Schilt of Holland. Mr. A. also oversees the pro- book. Using images from Tara’s co-curator of the exhibition, at art of printing and binding, and live and work duction of books for which Tara has sold rights One, Two, Tree!, the German Tara’s stand in Frankfurt last together as a family, sharing all household tasks. internationality – for UK’s Dewi Lewis, Adelphi, translation of which was year. Apart from their work as printers, they are also Gallimard, Japan’s Artone and Daekyo Publish- launched at the Fair, they A young graphic designer active in street theatre groups and some con- ing and Sigongsa of Korea. screenprinted and bound from Bangalore, Avinash tinue their studies through correspondence Shalini Umachandran flipbooks by hand. Demonstra- Veeraraghavan runs the design courses. tions took place every two studio BEETROOT. I Love My T.S. Manikandan joined AMM Screens 11 Tara’s handmade books have won the hours, and visitors got to take India is his first book and his years ago as an apprentice and has grown in skill following awards: away souvenirs of handprinted, fresh take on the Indian street. and stature to become its master-printer. An 1996 The Alcuin Citation for Excellence in handbound books. His work reflects a sharp inter- expert at blending colours and inks to suit the texture of handmade paper, Manikandan was Book Design, Canada, First in the They showed how each page est in popular culture while ex- instrumental in perfecting the printing and tex- Children’s Book Category – The Very Hun- of every book created in Tara’s ploring an edgy mix of visual ture of the award-winning Sophocles’ Antigone. gry Lion print shop – by a commune of media. Images from I Love My He is in charge of the print shop and constantly 1997 Star from the French Union of Culture artisans from local villages – is India were exhibited in Ireland innovates to perfect Tara’s handmade book- and Libraries for Excellence in the Genre – screenprinted on handmade pa- and Denmark on large bill- making process. Tiger On a Tree per and bound by hand, making boards and in other public sites The Very Hungry Lion went on to become an 1999 The Biennale of Illustrations Bratislava – every page an original print. in an effort to begin breaking international success, and an award-winner. Tiger on a Tree These are not esoteric artists’ stereotypes about Asian visual This was followed by HenSparrow Turns Purple, 1999 The Biennale of Illustrations Bratislava – HenSparrow Turns Purple volumes: Tara works hard to cultures. I Love My India was a book designed on the model of storytelling scrolls from rural India. Its accordion construc- 2002 Independent Publishers Award, USA: make these books accessible to also part of the exhibition ‘In- tion unfolds into a wall picture, standing over Outstanding Book of the Year (Best the average reader. Though in- dian Summer’ at the Ecole five feet tall when it is completely opened. Bookcraftsmanship) – Sophocles’ Antigone dividually made, they match the Nationale Superieure des Further innovation followed with In the 2002 Museum Publication Design Competition: price and consistency of mass- Beaux-Arts in Paris in 2005, Dark, a Sufi fable turned into a handmade book Honourable Mention – Sophocles’ Antigone produced, machine-made which featured several of India’s that combines screenprinting with letterpress 2002 Western Book Exhibition Award – books, but surpass them in qual- young rising stars. technology. It was printed on an old Heidelberg Sophocles’ Antigone ity. Tara has created 120,000 Anushka Ravishankar, machine, thereby reviving another printing 2002 Special mention, White Raven’s Cata- such books in its 10-year his- Sirish Rao and Durga Bai (a technology originally from Germany that had logue of world’s best children’s books – In tory, many of them going on to good artist), the authors and il- been pronounced dead and commercially the Dark 2005 New York Book Show Award – Tiger on a win international awards. lustrator of Tara picture-rhyme unviable. Mr. A. has been learning new technologies, Tree book One, Two, Tree! were also adapting old ones, teaching himself the use of 2005 Notable Book Award, American Library at the Fair. Hanser Verlag, a every conceivable software that the business re- Association – Tiger on a Tree leading German publisher who quires and working with the rest of Tara team 2005 Winner: Association of American Univer- has just released the German to find solutions to the many issues that con- sity Presses Competition – Sophocles’ Oedi- translation Eins, zwei, drei, has front a small independent publisher in India. pus invited them to talk about the With Sophocles’ Antigone (published by Tara 2006 Honourable Mention: Independent Pub- Page 7 for the J. Paul Getty Museum), “We found our- lishers Awards – The Legend of the Fish (Continued on page 6) 4 MADRAS MUSINGS October 16-31, 2006 October 16-31, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

party of the then Duke of In order to work out a suitable There are as many as 30 spe- GHOSTS OF EMPIRE Edinburgh when it toured the Nizhal celebrates its first year methodology, pilot projects were cies of trees, the largest number A series of occasional articles by JASPAR UTLEY, North-West in 1870 and again undertaken in Valmiki Nagar, being Gulmohar (30). This is fol- former head of British Council in South India. during the visit of the Prince of Tiruvanmiyur and Gandhi lowed by Neem (22), Rain Tree Wales in 1875-76. By this time 2004, distributed vegetable seeds Nagar. Ford Business Services, a (19) and Copper Pod (13). The Bradford had been knighted to families and women of some corporate group in Chennai, vol- other species include Pungam, From Madras Cavalryand at one stage was a special Greening of local communities and helped unteered to assist Nizhal in this Silk Cotton, Indian Cork Tree equerry to the Prince of Wales. green the local primary school. work. The first survey was initi- (Maramalli). There are also a He was also made Colonel of These initiatives generated ated at the end of June 2006. few other species, such as Per- to Scotland YardMayne’s Horse and then, in much interest and enthusiasm The Ford Business Services vol- sian Lilac, Powder Puff, Tennis 1878, Agent Governor General Kaattupalli and encouraged our further posi- unteers, besides conducting the Ball, Tree Jasmine, Yanai in Rajputana, Secretary of the survey, also provided the data in Gundumani, and Cassia Siamia, t was a life that could have He was heavily involved in the tive intervention.” Nizhal is also Secret Police and Commissioner collaborating with local NGOs a suitable form for further pro- indicating the diversity of trees Icome straight out of a copy of battle of Betwa against Tantia for Dacoity and Thugee, all of cessing. that can be planted on roadsides izhal, an NGO promoting working in the area, like the The Boy’s Own Paper at the be- Topi and was mentioned in des- which no doubt served him well The Satyam Foundation, an- of Chennai. Ntree planting in urban areas, - Environmental ginning of the last century. Here patches. when he finally retired from ac- other corporate organisation, It was also noted that more specifically Chennai, was re- Protection Forum (EPEPF) and was a man with a distinguished Then life began to get really tive service in India and became took part in a survey of another than half the trees (292) are cently granted Rs.2.5 lakh for the the Tamil Nadu Women’s Col- military and political career in interesting. Metropolitan Commissioner of area in the city. A number of young (less than 10 years old). It ‘Bio-shield Development and lective, to sustain this effort. India and encounters along the In 1863, Bradford was return- Police in London and a baronet. young students too have shown is evident that tree planting has Greening of the Coastal Village The project has been possible way with a tiger, a shipwreck, ing to his headquarters after a ti- There was, however, one more keen interest in participating in been active on these roads only of Kaattupalli Kuppam on due to the Small Grants Facility, the Metropolitan Police, and the ger shoot when a village head- adventure before settling down these surveys. in recent times. Due to lack of Kaattupalli Island (North of a very important part of the British Royal Family. He would, man asked for help in killing a in England. The preliminary report on the continued care, as many as 40 Ennore).’ The project, to be com- Green Coast Project, that fi- in his day, have been held as the tigress that was menacing his On the way home, Bradford Pilot Tree Survey conducted in trees are sick and 113 are only in pleted by March 2006, is being nances micro-projects, gives very model of a Man of Empire, people. and the remnants of his family Valmiki Nagar with the assis- fair condition. This means that funded as part of the ongoing small grants and funds larger yet today he is all but forgotten. Bradford and his companions were off the coast of Corsica tance of Ford Business Services approximately 40 per cent of the ‘Green Coast Project in India’. projects to facilitate participation I first came upon him when had climbed trees. The huge ti- when their P & O ship, Tasma- brought out the following facts: trees in Valmiki Nagar require The Green Coast Project in of local communities in restora- visiting the small church of Saint gress approached Bradford, who nia, hit a sandbank. Thirty-six Valmiki Nagar is a compara- special care. India works for nature and people tion of coastal ecosystems and Nicholas in the village of fired and presumably missed. His people died and all the baggage tively new residential suburb of of the tsunami-affected areas by ecologically sustainable recon- It was also found that Chawton, in Hampshire. His second gun misfired and the ti- was lost. Chawton, when they Chennai that has six main roads ensuring that livelihood develop- struction efforts. name is on a plaque on a wall gress, unusually for her species, finally settled there, must have l 112 trees were virtually ment of the affected communi- inside the church and his link seemed a haven of peace. – Shobha Menon strangled by pavement con- ties is not at the expense of the The author explains how the pilot tree survey in Valmiki Nagar should be carried out. with India immediately caught Originally, Bradford was to struction my eye. It is surprising how much environment. It is implemented come home to an important post l by three project partners: WWF- 104 trees exhibited severe history can be gleaned from such in the India Office as clerk to the Tree survey reveals signs of stress India, Wetlands International memorials. I resolved to follow Viceroy. He was soon offered South Asia and Both ENDS, and l 125 trees had been abused by up my visit by doing some more other posts, including that of the Green Coast. nailing commercial advertise- research on Bradford and dis- High Commissioner in South Wetlands International, an ment boards covered what an eventful life he Africa. However, the post he fi- led and, to my surprise, one extra independent, not-for-profit, glo- A coconut sapling for the family. more tree-care needed l 99 trees were affected by road nally accepted was as Chief bal organisation, currently man- connection with the reason that Commissioner of the Metropoli- digging and had external in- had led me to the church in the ages the Green Coast project and training in vermicomposting. juries tan Police. Kitchen gardens for vegetables he quality of living in ur- tree cover in the city may, in the areas where new planting can be and is well covered by trees. The first place. works through 16 offices in all l Here he proved to be an able Tban areas is enhanced next few years, decrease consid- done. Since this is the basic in- survey also covered three other 79 trees suffered from con- Edward Ridley Colborn five continents with its head of- and greens will be developed. A administrator and innovator and through the development of erably. To create awareness of formation needed to plan for nearby streets (Rajagopalan struction debris dumped Bradford was born in 1836, the fice in Wageningen, the Nether- community nursery is proposed an excellent leader of men, trees and greenery, and this problem among citizens/civil good tree cover in the future, Streets – I, II, and III). Residents around them second son of a clergyman in lands. so that saplings of economic and Sir Edward Bradford. bringing in many reforms, in- Chennai’s considerable green society organisations and govern- Nizhal initiated the concept of themselves had planted many of l 147 trees needed extra care. Hambledon, also in Hampshire, The Kaattupalli Project will indigenous trees can be offered cluding the introduction of fin- cover is of older trees, planted ment / private institutions and to Tree Surveys to be conducted in the trees here, since, till about the birthplace of cricket. After climbed the tree after Bradford. address (1) degradation of the for planting in neighbouring vil- gerprinting which, of course, had over the last many years. These ten years ago, the area was out- It is clear from the above Tree very moderate academic results He dropped into a river below, environment, and (2) limited lages. been in practice in India for some have been providing a good en- side Corporation limits and there Surgery that the need for insti- at Marlborough, which had origi- the tigress followed, grabbed his livelihood opportunities. The Says a Nizhal spokesperson, time. He stayed in the post for vironment for its citizens. How- by G. Dattatri was no strong local body. tuting proper planning in the nally been established for the arm in her jaws and crunched 60+ families of the Kaattupalli “Deprivation of their traditional thirteen years during which pe- ever, it is necessary to plant new The survey covered about planting and care along road- sons of clergymen, he followed them shut like a vice. Bradford Kuppam will be involved in com- livelihoods dependent on casua- (and Ford Business Services) riod the crime figures fell to their trees to continue to sustain tree ½ sq. km. comprising nine streets, sides has never been more im- the traditional path of second constantly wriggled to ensure munity greening and the women rina and cashew has lowest ever in 1899. It was, how- cover in Chennai. with a total length of approxi- perative than now. Otherwise all sons and joined the army of the she couldn’t bite his neck. Even- in these families constituted into marginalised the Dalits and ever, on his watch that Jack the No doubt there has been a lot promote systematic tree plant- various parts of the city. Since mately 5 km. efforts taken in planting will go East India Company. He was tually, a companion hit her with Self Help Groups (SHGs). Rows tribals in this area. Naturally, Ripper operated and was never of interest in planting of tree sap- ing, Nizhal was set up in 2005. sensitisation and awareness- The maximum number of to waste, and the quality of the seventeen years old. three more shells and, wounded, of coconut palms will be raised on they have become hostile to caught. lings by the Corporation, the For- An important step that has to building among citizens are also trees are on Balakrishnan Road neighbourhood will deteriorate In 1854 he joined the Madras she left Bradford. She was fin- the coast to give a bioshield ef- their own environment by re- His wife, Elizabeth, died in est Department as well as NGOs be taken to organise systematic another objective of Nizhal, it (121) and IV Seaward Street and affect the health of the resi- Light Cavalry and, the following ished off by a gun bearer. A doc- fect. Each household is to be sorting, for sheer survival, to cut- 1896 but in 1898 he married and citizens. Unfortunately, due and sustained planting and car- felt that such Tree Surveys (119), followed by Second Sea- dents. year, was transferred to the 6th tor was called and met the helped to raise at least two coco- ting of trees, killing wildlife and again. to lack of continued care, many ing of trees is a survey of the ex- should be carried out through ward Road (83), III Seaward Nizhal plans to extend this Madras Light Cavalry. stretcher party (the ‘stretcher’ nut palms per family. It will also quarrying sand from the protec- When Bradford retired from of these saplings do not survive isting situation, taking into ac- voluntary efforts involving the Road (65), I Seaward Road (36), tree survey to other areas of the Until the momentous events being a charpoy) on the road. be given fruit and moringa sap- tive sand dunes. The tsunami Scotland Yard he became ADC and translate into useful trees. count the species available, their youth and other interested citi- K.K. Road (29) and Rajagopalan city, based on the experience of of 1857, Bradford was involved Surgery was performed on the lings. Men and women of the vil- has also affected the psyche of to the new King Edward VII un- Unless the situation is improved, current condition, and stretches/ zens. Streets – I, II, III (50). this pilot study. in those messy little wars that spot, without anaesthetic and, lage would all be given practical the fishermen. Nizhal had, in amazingly, Bradford recovered til 1910. Just a year later he died seemed to have been constantly suddenly, just after returning on the go in the 19th Century. without any infection. For the next forty years, Bradford per- from a walk. He was 74 and was In 1856, as a 19-year-old lieu- buried in Chawton next to his Tree walks to discover tenant, Bradford took part in formed his duties with one arm and, rather like the Rani of first wife. what is known as ‘The Persian There is a notable postscript War’ but which seems to have Jhansi, rode with the reins in his trees teeth, including the times when to all this. been a bloody skirmish in the izhal is now organising regular tree walks for people who want to hunting boar. The original reason for visit- Persian Gulf and which was part ing the church of Saint Nicholas Nbecome familiar with trees, their names and their role in the envi- of the wider struggle between He returned to his regiment, ronment in an enjoyable manner. was promoted to Captain, men- was to see two other graves: Britain and Russia for domi- those of Cassandra Austen and The walks being conducted at present are at nance in Asia. Between 1858 tioned in despatches and was – Besant Nagar (see picture alongside), married in England to his first her daughter Cassandra Eliza- – Theosophical Society, and 1867, Bradford saw action beth Austen, the mother and sis- in the Afghan Wars and on the wife, Elizabeth Adela Knight of and Chawton. On returning to In- ter, respectively, of Jane Austen. – National Park. North-West Frontier during For Chawton is the home of Jane Pushpa Gardens, , is to be included soon. which he accumulated honours dia, they lived in Jaipur and then Goona. Bradford was now a Po- Austen and her house, where There are plans to include the IIT Campus and other green college and promotions. campuses (such as MCC, , and YMCA, ). Areas in litical Agent. Two sons were she wrote Mansfield Park, Persua- In 1857, however, he was on sion and Emma, can still be seen other parts of the city are to be identified shortly. active service in Central India, born here and a third after they Young volunteers wishing to be trained to lead such walks are also moved to Ajmer. and visited. The link between in Malwa, right in the heart of Bradford and the Austen family being sought. One of Bradford’s functions For more information contact: the uprising, during which he is even stronger, for his first wife, was transferred to Mayne’s was to assist with the planning of Ph: 42045137, 42300034. Email: shobhamenon@airtel Royal visits and he was in the Elizabeth, was a great-niece of broadband.in / hariharan72 @ yahoo.com Horse from the Madras Cavalry. the immortal Jane. The nursery to be developed at Kaattupalli.

CMYK 6 MADRAS MUSINGS October 16-31, 2006 Recalling the Sisters as neighbours

admini, the second of the Diligently, the young girls learnt Pthree famous the intricacies of classical Sisters, is no more. When the dance, and before long they end came it was sudden, taking were in Tamil movies particu- all her fans and admirers by larly in roles that required them shock and surprise. To me the to dance. They soon became as news was very upsetting as I had the . would be crowds of star crazy held a grand reception in Ma- gam in beauty of her famous known her for years as we all Along with their acting ca- onlookers waiting to have a dras which we attended. A rare aunts. lived in the same colony off Ed- reer, the Travancore Sisters glimpse of these beauties. appearance by Rajaji at When I was in Pondicherry, ward Elliot’s Road, now re- mesmerised audiences with The Sisters’ family had a few Padmini’s wedding reception where my husband was posted named Dr. Radhakrishnan their dance performances on houses in the colony and each was the highlight of the event. as Collector and District Magis- Salai. stage. Known as “Oriental was named after one member or He blessed the couple and made trate, Padmini came there to When my family moved Dances”, they charmed with the other. Their own bungalow a brief reference to Padmini es- stage her dance ballet Dasava- from Trivandrum to settle in their Peacock, fisherman, snake was called Parvathi after their saying the role of Sita in the film tharam. She came home with Madras, my father built Burma and gypsy numbers. Equally mother’s sister and then there Sampoorna Ramayanam, per- Srividya (MLV’s daughter) be- House, our home, in this colony. popular were their dance bal- was Saraswathi Vilas, Lalitha haps one of the few films seen fore the programme. Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini’s lets. In the dance ballet Bhavan, Padmini House and by Rajaji. In 1996, on our visit to the house was at the entrance to Dasavatharam, Padmini ap- Ragini Nivas. In Padmini Nivas, The colony lost some of its US, my husband and I went to this colony. Opposite their peared in the first scene as opposite our house, lived their celebrity status when Lalitha, New Jersey to visit Ambika. house was the famous Carnatic Maha Vishnu. Her magnificent cousin Ambika. I had known Padmini and Ragini left after The next day, Padmini and musician M.L. Vasantha- presence left the audience spell- Ambika in Trivandrum, as we their marriages. But Saraswathi Ambika’s family came to the kumari’s residence. When we bound. went to the same school. Then Amma continued to live there. Waldorf Hotel in New York to came to live in the colony, Our colony witnessed the in Madras, we continued our When Padmini’s husband see us and we all had lunch to- Lalitha and Padmini were al- dancing and film careers of the friendship. On Ambika’s birth- Ramachandran left for higher gether. Padmini invited us to ready established actresses in studies abroad, Padmini de- her house in New Jersey and we cinema and Vasanthakumari cided to stay on in Madras. She all drove there. Over an early l by LAKSHMI SUNDARAM had become a renowned had her little son Anand. She dinner and coffee we talked of Carnatic musician who also also did a few films after mar- the past, especially the good sang for films. Her duet Ellam Sisters at their peak and, need- day every year we all had lunch riage, the most notable being times we had in our colony. I Inba Mayam sung with P. Leela less to say, we were proud of together. Lalitha, Padmini, Thillanna Mohanambal, which realised what an impact this for the movie Manamagal and them. Yet the girls had no airs. Ragini and other relatives also gave her ample scope for danc- colony had made on our young picturised with Lalitha and As good neighbours, they par- joined us at Ambika’s place. ing and acting. minds that years later, and Padmini, caught the attention ticipated in functions in other Ambika’s mother and When I got married, Vasan- thousands of miles from India, of the cinegoers. Needless to people’s houses when invited Saraswathi Amma were sisters thakumari's concert was ar- it still remained green in our say, the Sisters and MLV were and they never failed to turn up and Ambika’s father Rama ranged for the evening recep- memory. very good friends and MLV’s for Navarathri Kolu at our resi- Varma was the uncle (maama) tion. Padmini and her husband Padmini kept coming to In- young daughter Srividya spent a dence. When asked to sing by of the Travancore Maharaja attended the reception and, dia periodically. She converted lot of time in their neighbours’ my mother, Ragini would ren- Chithra Thirunal. needless to say, my friend her bungalow into a 4-storey house. Exposure to them in- der the song Sundari, Soundari Saraswathi Amma was a Ambika and her parents were commercial building, retaining spired Srividya to learn Bharata from the Tamil film Thooku friendly person who would drop there throughout all the func- an apartment for herself on the Natyam and, later, enter the Thooki, much to our amuse- in Burma House to chat with my tions. top floor. This is the only home film industry. ment. Ragini was lively, jovial mother. Vasanthakumari was A few years later, Padmini of the family in the colony and Lalitha-Padmini-Ragini and impish. Lalitha was also another friendly person. She too left to settle in the US. Ambika was probably kept for sentimen- lived in Trivandrum in their friendly. Padmini, a little re- would attend Navarathri Kolu also settled in the US after her tal reasons. We met her a few early years. Their mother, served and reticent, took time in our house if she was in town. marriage. I too left after my times. This time when she came Saraswathi Amma, had great to become familiar, but always Lalitha’s marriage was settled marriage - for Gujarat. But it was for good. She wanted to ambitions for her good-looking had a lovely smile for all of us. when she was at the peak of her whenever I came down to Ma- spend her remaining years in daughters and she shifted to The colony acquired celeb- career. She married a lawyer, a dras and if Lalitha, Padmini or India. She was quite fond of her Madras as she felt that the city, rity status with the presence of nephew of Sardar K.M.Panik- Ragini were there in the main nieces, Lalitha’s daughters culturally more alive, offered the Travancore Sisters and kar. Saraswathi Amma person- bungalow on a visit, I would Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Parvathi her daughters the opportunity MLV. We could often hear the ally came home to invite us and drop in. By then, several of their and Ragini’s daughters Maha- to learn dancing. The three girls jingling of dance bells and sing- we attended a very grand wed- houses in the colony had been lakshmi and Priya and, of trained under many gurus, but ing as the Sisters practised their ding at Abbotsbury. A few years sold. Only a couple of houses course, very proud of the the guru who taught them most dance and MLV her music. We later, Padmini’s marriage to a remained with them. Saras- achievement of actress was Master Gopinath. Kumari had no problems of entry or exit doctor, K.T.Ramachandran, wathi Amma lived in one house (her brother Chandrakumar’s Kamala, the then young re- because of living so close to took place in Guruvayoor. and her son Chandrakumar daughter). She filled the void of nowned Bharata Natyam such celebrities. But at the gate Saraswathi Amma came home lived in another house with his a mother in the lives of Lalitha dancer, was their inspiration. of the Sisters’ house, there to invite us for this also. She daughter Shobana – an amal- and Ragini’s daughters, as their mothers had died early. But barely a month after her CHENNAI TEAM CAPTURES FRANKFURT’S ATTENTION arrival, Padmini’s end came (Continued from page 3) a Tree, and Excuse Me, Is This lustrated by renowned Gond ries from Gond mythology, The suddenly. She had not even book’s creation, and meet the India? She has authored 15 tribal artist Bhajju Shyam, and Night Life of Trees is a tribute to opened her boxes. Crowds col- public and international media. books for Tara, changing the has already caught the interest the majesty of trees and to al- lected at the gate of her resi- Anushaka remained in Ger- perception of the children’s of Biritan’s Tate Modern. ternative ways of relating the dence on 9th Street, Dr. Radha- many for two weeks after the book in India with her bril- After the Frankfurt Book natural world. krishnan Salai, to have a last Fair as part of a team of Indian liantly simple, nonsense verse. Fair, the Tara team headed to Tara Publishing has been glimpse of her, but were told authors conducting a reading Sirish, whose repertoire in- London for the launch of its lat- called India’s most innovative that the body would be taken tour across the country. She was cludes children’s books, fiction, est book, The Night Life of Trees, publisher – apart from hand- straight from the hospital to her promoting three of her Tara and commentaries on pop and which reproduces art from the made books, its list ranges from niece Shobana’s house in Vela- titles, One, Two, Tree!, Tiger on street art, met leading European magnificent Gond tribal tradi- children’s books to visual arts, cherry. When I saw Padmini’s publishers to promote his forth- tion of Madhya Pradesh. The fiction and non-fiction. Tara’s body I could not control my coming book, That’s How I See book, specially created on black books have been published in emotions. Her apartment looks l Quiz master V.V. Ramanan is on Things. A humorous and pro- handmade paper, features art by 17 countries, with rights to over desolate and the few old resi- vacation. His column will resume found tale about the power of Bhajju Shyam, Durga Bai and 75% of its titles sold in the in- dents who are still there feel a after his return. art and the imagination, it is il- Ram Singh Urveti. Relating sto- ternational market. personal loss. October 16-31, 2006 MADRAS MUSINGS 7

from Madras Musings in Short unsightly. And yet many of ‘N’ Snappy on September 1st is these companies hold them- actually the words of Kallil selves up as paragons of civic Subscriptions and contributions Gibran. JFK had only quoted virtue, social responsibility and l Since Volume XIV, No.1 (April 16, 2003), Madras Musings has been Gracious apology him. environmental consciousness! priced at Rs.5 a copy, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: Rs.100/-. Please e. my letter published in A wicked thought – it would make out your cheque only to CHENNAI HERITAGE and send it, Dr. S.S. Rajagopalan RMM, September 16th, I be interesting to examine together with the COUPON BELOW, to CHENNAI HERITAGE, 260-A, learn from reader Gulam Moha- 17, Kamarajar Street TTK ROAD, CHENNAI 600 018 or C/O LOKAVANI-HALL MARK Gandhi Nagar, Chennai 600 093. whether any of the companies mmed that D.K. Oza is a true that support Madras Musings as PRESS PVT. LTD., 122, GREAMES ROAD, CHENNAI 600 006. Gandhian, living up to Gan- The hoarding users ‘a public service’ are conscious An ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION of just Rs.100 covers only a part of dhiji’s ideals and principles in doing a public disservice with our costs. Corporate support and YOUR support will continue to be his life. I am sorry for not verify- oarding owners and the their hoardings. essential for Chennai Heritage and Madras Musings to play a greater ing the facts. I sincerely apo- HMunicipal Corporation role in creating awareness about the city, its heritage and its envi- Dhritiman Chaterji logise for my error. may well have helped to give ronment. We therefore look forward to your sending us your contri- our city ‘the dubious distinction ‘VelpamPoo’ butions IN ADDITION TO your subscriptions. I am also sorry if the other 2/123A Cholamandal If in the coming year Chennai Heritage receives repeated sup- individuals mentioned in my of being The City of Hoardings’, Artists’ Village letter are also offended, as I do as you have pointed out in MM, , Chennai 600 041 port from those of you who have already made contributions, and if not know them except through September 16th. It is curious, Editor’s Note: As long as many more supporters join the bandwagon, we will not only be able their letters to the Editor. though, that in this whole affair hoardings are legal, and prop- to keep Madras Musings going, but also be able to continue aware- ness-building exercises on on-going projects as well as undertake no finger has ever been pointed erly licensed hoardings are K. Balasubrahmanyan one or two more such exercises. 308, Gharonda Seshasai Flats at those who are surely the real used, no one can find fault with Therefore, please keep your contributions coming IN ADDITION Vijayapuri culprits – the companies who the users. But on the grounds of TO YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS. If, say, you send in a cheque for Rs.500, Secunderabad 500 017. use these hoardings to advertise unsightliness, Madras Musings is we will treat Rs.100 of it towards subscription to Madras Musings for their wares and their advertis- all for a TOTAL BAN on Correct attribution ing agencies. Surely they cannot 2005-06 and the remaining Rs.400 as contribution towards the hoardings, just as it favours a causes Chennai Heritage espouses. he quotation attributed to be unaware that many of these total ban on posters and wall TJohn Kennedy by The Man hoardings are illegal, or at least We look forward to all readers of Madras Musings, and those grafitti. newcomers who want to receive copies, sending in their subscrip- October 25-30: Globalisation(s) : ing several states to give interna- tions. We are indeed sorry we can no longer remain a free mailer. Documentary films that reflect tional law more legitimacy. — The Editor the state of current public debate Chronicle of an imminent catastro- on such issues as the economy, phe, P. Brooks: Why, when faced CHENNAI HERITAGE health, social concerns, culture, companies make profit and still with this planetary disaster, development and international be principled? A critical question AIDS, are governments, institu- 260-A T.T.K. ROAD, , CHENNAI 600 018. law.(At Alliance Francaise, daily when Nokia outsources its pro- tions and key individuals not 6.30 p.m.) duction to China and cheap taking action? I am already on your mailing list (Mailing List No...... ) / I Wednesday 25th: Island of labour. Doctors from North and Sunday, 29th: Darwin’s have just seen Madras Musings and would like to receive it here- Flowers, J. Furtado : The film fol- South, G. Capelle: The brain Nightmare, H. Sauper: Fisher- after. lows the journey of a tomato till drain from South to North is de- men, politicians, pilots, prosti- it ends up in a garbage dump. priving poor countries of doctors tutes and manufacturers all l I/We enclose cheque/demand draft/money order for Rs. 100 (Ru- Globalisation, violence or dialogue, and nurses. caught up in globalisation’s worst pees One hundred) payable to CHENNAI HERITAGE, MADRAS, as P. Barrat: The war between cul- Friday 27th: Our Friends nightmare on the shores of the subscription to Madras Musings for the year 2005-06. tures and the clash of religions. from the Bank, P. Chappell: Is the world’s largest tropical lake. For a Fair Trade, M. Bouquin, debt of the Southern countries in Monday, 30th: Mondovino, l As token of my support for the causes of heritage, environment J.Lefaux: A people-friendly the hands of a few Washington J. Nossiter: Wine, a symbol of and a better city that Madras Musings espouses, I send Chennai direction for the global economy. decision-makers in the World Western civilisation, is now a eritage an additional Rs...... (Rupees Thursday, 26th: Women Bank? The banker of humble pawn in a fight for its soul, a fight ...... ) workers from the World, M.F. Col- people, A.Arham: A portrait of for power, money and glory. lard: Women in Belgian and remarkable Muhammed Yunus, October 21-30: Private Collec- Please keep / put me on your mailing list. French factories work their last creator of Bangladesh’s Grameen tions: An exhibition of paintings Name : ...... months while others in Turkey, Bank, that’s changed millions of and sculptures by various Indian Philippines and Indonesia deal lives. artisits (at Vinnyasa). Address: ...... them a fatal competitive blow Saturday, 28th: Judges Fight, October 27-November 5: Paint- without gaining anything from it. Y. Billy: International Criminal ings of Bhavna Sonawane (at ...... A decenty factory, T. Balmes: Can Court has succeeded in convinc- Apparao Galleries)......

Another Luz landmark endangered Note: Overseas postage Rs. 550/year extra. Cheques for overseas postage alone payable to M/s. Lokavani Hall-Mark Press Pvt. Ltd.. All (Continued from page 1) rean residing in Mandaveli used landmarks in the Luz Corner other cheques to ‘Chennai Heritage’. to receive the rent from the area have disappeared or may be years ago when boats used to hawkers, but some months ago razed soon. For an earlier gen- transport goods on the Buckin- stopped doing so. It then be- eration, the Shanti Vihar res- gham Canal (which originates came clear that the property taurant complex was the place in Andhra Pradesh and ends in Senate House Conservation Fund had changed hands. to refresh themselves or visit for the Marakkanam Lake, which l The market may not boast of evening ‘tiffin’. This property The Senate House Restoration and Management Trust appeals to you sight off the ECR on your unique architecture for it to be has been razed to the ground all alumni of the and heritage lovers every- way to Puducherry). Perishable conserved, but it has been an and a towering complex is where to contribute to the Senate House Conservation Fund which goods were off-loaded in the Luz integral part of the Mylapore life planned. There is always some the Trust is managing for the purpose of restoring Senate House to area and old-timers recall times its old glory and maintaining it thereafter in the same condition. for over a century. Heritage ac- buzz going about the fate of when these goods were then Cheques should be made out to the Senate House Conservation tivists would argue that even Kamadhenu Theatre. Its man- transported in carts to neigh- Account and sent to the Registrar, University of Madras, Chennai places like markets and parks agers, though, get agitated bourhoods like Mylapore. 600 005. Contributions are eligible for benefits under Section 80-G and bus stations which have when they are asked if the prop- Senior hawkers at the mar- of the Income Tax Act. been an integral part of a erty has been sold. Movies are ket say that the well-known neighbourhood need to be still screened here. Murudi’s Dear Registrar, lawyer Bashyam Iyengar, who given a second look before they Cafe, another destination for I am pleased to enclose a cheque for Rs...... owned properties in these parts, are pulled down or wiped out. snacks and traditional food, got as my contribution to the restoration and maintenance of oversaw the construction of the Meanwhile, many other subsumed some years ago. Senate House. Kindly acknowledge receipt. market as the number of shop- pers began to grow. A big ‘Thank You’ to 22 of you Name: ...... Till the other day, the sale of Address: ...... greens on the fringe and inside We publish below the list of donors who have, between 1.9.06 and 15.10.06, added to the support Chennai Heritage and its voice, Madras Musings, have already received. We thank ...... this market went on at a fever- all of them for their support for the causes Chennai Heritage espouses. ish pace early in the mornings. — Chennai Heritage Rs. 50: M. Sri Ramachandran; S.John Gnanasundaram ...... Many Mylaporeans would com- Rs. 110: R.K.Ramakrishnan. Rs. 100: C.Rajan; M.P. Ponnuswamy; N.N. Neelakantan; bine their visit to the local Mrs.R.Vilasini; Mrs.Madhu Sankhyayan; N.Ramamoorthy; Bharath Natarajan; ...... temples here with shopping at A.Doraikkannu I am an alumnus/alumna/heritage lover and wish the project all this market and hence business Rs. 116: R.Sheshadri Rs. 150: R.Narasimhan; S.Harikrishnan. success. My college was ...... flourished even after dusk. Law- Rs. 400: T.Narayanan; K.S. Murthy; Mrs.G.Satpoorani; M.K. Chubby Raj; Sri Sankara Date: ...... Signature: ...... yers for the hawkers who are Vidyashramam Matriculation Higher Secondary School Principal; K.R.Raghavan; holding out say that a Mylapo- Suchi Ebrahim Rs. 411: C.K.Ramachandran 8 MADRAS MUSINGS October 16-31, 2006 Chennai Cheetahs national champs

hennai Cheetahs recently Terchoonian broke through the were the first Cwon the Hutch All India & line to score a try in the corner. ones in 43 South Asia Rugby Union Tour- Emil converted a difficult kick years that a nament which was played in to bring the score to 19-10. The First Division monsoon conditions in Kolkata game continued with possession Sri Lankan at the CC&FC grounds. This is going back and forth in the team has play- the second time in three years muddy conditions until in the ed in Chennai that Chennai has won the cup. last minute of regulation time that was Ma- They lost to the visiting British when the Army broke through dras. BARA team in 2005. for a try under the posts which Meantime, Twelve teams pre-qualified was converted. The final score as India looks The Champions with the All-India trophy. for the tournament this year, by at the whistle was 19-17 in ahead in rugby, favour of the Chennai Chee- the meteoric development of Bombay Gymkhana, the sponsored World Cup Qualify- their performance either in last Calcutta Cricket and Football ing tournaments in both the 15- year’s tournament or in the pre- tahs, who owed much to Emil the sport in the Indian Army Vartazarian's kicking (14 bodes well for the game’s devel- Club, and the Madras a-side and 7-a-side formats of qualifying Callaghan Cup Tour- Gymkhana Club. Madras, in the game. India is currently nament. This year’s teams were: points). opment in India overall. The In the preliminary rounds, Indian Army has been playing fact, has played rugby continu- ranked 88th in the world out of Chennai Cheetahs, Bombay ously from 1884 to 1963 when the 95 ranked countries. Gymkhana, Calcutta Cricket & the Cheetahs trounced the rugby only for the last three Kolkata Police 52-9 and beat years and to reach the finals in the sport died out with the de- The pre-eminent rugby Football Club (CC&FC), Fu- parture of many expatriates. tournament held in India is the ture Hope, Bangalore, Maha- Future Hope 36-0. The Army the manner that they did this beat promising Bangalore 17-12 year is outstanding. The Army Rugby in Chennai was revived All India & South Asia Rugby rashtra State Police, Tamil Tournament which is the old- Nadu Police, Indian Army, est running rugby tournament Delhi Lions, Delhi Hurricanes, l by PATRICK DAVENPORT outside Europe, having been La Martinere Old Boys’ Club played since 1924. The sterling (Kolkata) and Kolkata Police. silver All-India Cup was a gift The muddy ground took a toll and brushed aside the Tamil now has 2000 players pursuing in 1997 with the founding of the from the English Home Union on the lighter or less fit teams. Nadu Police 50-0 before getting the sport and it plans to take the Chennai Cheetahs Rugby Club to reciprocate the gift of the The two fittest teams were the better of Bombay game to each of its major cen- by a few expatriate and Indian Calcutta Cup played to this day Chennai Cheetahs and Indian Gymkhana 17-5. The Tamil tres. If that happens and IT executives. between the English and Scot- Army, and it was no surprise Nadu Police beat the Delhi Li- Chennai and other teams make Rugby has been enjoying a tish national sides and which that they contested the finals. ons 28-5 before running into further progress, India could revival recently with many new was created out of the Club's The final kicked off after the Anny XV. well have a promising team by States picking up the game as melted down silver when the another day of heavy rains Chennai’s win was helped 2010. well as the development of the Calcutta Football Club, which saw the cancellation of by sponsors Puma and Few people realise that the sport in the Indian Army and in founded in 1872, was disbanded the Loser’s Plate competition Microsoft whose support al- physical game of rugby has been many State police forces. The in 1876. between Bangalore and lowed it to prepare for the All- played in India continuously game is now played in Chennai, If there is one complaint CC&FC. Army scored first with India by playing two tough since 1872. The first game was Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, about the direction rugby is a penalty kick to lead 3-0. matches against a First Division played when the visiting ship Manipur, Pune, Pondicherry, moving in the country it is the Chennai quickly went into the Sri Lankan side, Havelocks H.M.S. Galatea called at Ma- Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gujarat, lack of a national focus on lead, 6-3, with two penalties. In Sports Club. The Havelocks dras and Calcutta. In Madras, a Jammu and Kashmir, and youth development. The gov- the 39th minute, the Army won the first match easily, 31-3, match was arranged by the Orissa. There is even a tiny club erning body seems to focus most scored a brilliant try led by their against a depleted Chennai founder of the M.C.C., that has started in the of its energies on adult rugby. strong pack to end the half, team, but in the second match Alexander Arbuthnot, a prod- Sunderbans. The focus of devel- The demands of international leading 10-6. The second half the Cheetahs led 13-11 till the uct of famed Rugby School. opment has been adult rugby to participation and running the opened with two quick penal- last five minutes of the game The sport was mainly date, but youth programmes are All-India are great, but it is ties, allowing Chennai’s Emil when the fitter visitors added 14 patronised by the British till the in various stages of develop- common sense that without a Vartazarian the chance to bring points. It is hoped that such Co- early 1960s, especially amongst ment, with notable success in cohesive focussed national the Cheetahs back into the lombo-Chennai matches will the planting community. Post- Tamil Nadu and Bengal. youth development program- lead, 12-10. After 10 minutes of become an annual feature. The independence, the sport sur- India actively participates in me, India’s true potential in the hard play, Chennai’s Henrik games against the Havelocks vived in select clubs, such as the the International Rugby Board- sport will not be reached.

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Published by S. Muthiah for ‘Chennai Heritage’, 260-A, TTK Road, Chennai 600 018 and printed byby TT JJ GeorgeGeorge atat Lokavani-HallLokavani-Hallmark Mark PressPress Pvt.Pvt. Ltd.,Ltd., 122,122, GreamsGreams Road,Road, ChennaiChennai 600600 006.006. EditedEdited byby S.S. MUTHIAH.