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www.madrasmusings.com WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS CHENNAI Vol. XXX No. 20 April 1-15, 2021 City gears up for the When a city is ­Assembly Election as it fights to stave off  by The Editor ­careless… ­second wave of pandemic­ t is now quite clear that con- Just around a month ago, While there is much that wards preventive guidelines trary to all claims of victory Tamil Nadu and Chennai ap- can be laid at the door of the he sixteenth legislative I and social distancing – the over Covid, we may be staring peared to have come up trumps administration for this evolv- assembly election of Tamil T practices of wearing masks, down an abyss. The virus has as far handling the pandemic ing crisis, there is a lot that Nadu is to be held on April 6 washing hands and maintain- clearly not gone away. In fact, was concerned. Union Min- could have been done by we, and, according to the Election ing prudent distancing seem during the time we were cel- isters praised us, doctors and the people. The wearing of Commission of India, 62.6 to have largely gone out the ebrating the falling numbers experts predicted that the end masks is the first and perhaps million people are eligible to window. In fact, the new cases it was merely crouching for was in sight and there were most important step. This by vote, of which 40 lakh voters are reported to be workplace a spring so to speak, with re- learned articles as to how there itself seems to be a huge hur- are attributed to Chennai. The and family clusters, with the newed vigour. Unfortunately, was no possibility of a second dle. Most people prefer to go elections come at a time when latter arising out of a failure to the sharp spike has come at a wave in the city and state. And around without this simplest of the city is struggling against a comply with home quarantine time when the administration then the numbers began to rise, protective devices. Of course, new swell of corona virus cases measures. Reports say that is involved with the Assembly and have continued ever since. this is not surprising in a state – for instance, Chennai saw a electioneering efforts from elections, which by itself is At the latest count, as on 27th where the helmet law is still 100% rise in fresh cases over a political parties are adding to a very demanding exercise. March, we in the city appear to considered a punishment. The span of three weeks, according the strain, with party gather- What is unfortunate howev- be well on our way to daily in- heat was given as an excuse to an NDTV report. ings and campaigns adopting er is the carelessness of the creases in four digits. The only then. We presume the fogging One of the reasons for loose enforcement of the covid people. The attitude towards consolation is that at present up of spectacles will be the the new surge is thought to protocols outlined by the Elec- Covid that we now see is com- casualty figures are still low. reason for not wearing masks. be ‘covid fatigue’, which has tion Commission of India. The pletely inexcusable. ­resulted in lax discipline to- (Continued on page 2) city’s medical community is reportedly bracing itself for an exponential rise in fresh covid OLD cases. Given the situation, san- HERITAGE WATCH itary voting arrangements are expected to be a crucial line of The Kapaliswarar Temple Panguni festival defense against a second wave of covid – after all, most things that one takes for granted in The Kapaliswarar Temple is unique in the sense that it has a poem from voting is a red flag in these the 6th century describing its annual calendar of festivals. We allude pandemic days, from crowded to the Poompavai Pathigam of Sambandar. The Panguni festival is polling booths to the voting included in it too and what we see today therefore is a mark of continuity machines. of our city’s traditions. It is therefore a part of our heritage. According to a report in The Hindu, the Election Commis- That said, this year, we sincerely feel that a toning down of the event sion has increased the number would have been advisable. Last year the celebrations were not held of polling booths in the state and to make up for that, there was a closed-door observance of the from 68,324 to 88,937 in a bid same, earlier this year. It may have been best if the 2021 edition too to reduce crowding at the polls. had been celebrated the same way. The crowds that poured in on the (Continued on page 2) key days of the ten-day celebration had to be seen to be believed. In a situation like this, the temple administration and the permitting authorities ought to have thought twice about allowing such an event. NEW NEW True the police kept announcing that people needed to wear masks and even went to the extent of distributing these to those who were without them but even masks prove ineffective when it comes to crowds of this magnitude. We have to wait and watch the next week or so as to what the impact of this event is going to be on Covid statistics.

Our Old is a picture of the ther (car) procession, from the early 1900s, courtesy Vintage Vignettes. Our New is of this year, courtesy Mylapore Times.

Since these are times when an article like this will immediately elicit heated responses that we would have never dared to write this way about Muslim and Christian celebrations, let us assure our readership that we are completely against all religious gatherings of this magnitude during a time when individual safety is paramount. 2 MADRAS MUSINGS April 1-15, 2021 When a city is careless… Putting the dis in disinfect (Continued from page 1) rather than simply encouraging ren’t we still in a pan- for a full five minutes. After a playing lukewarm enthusiasm, them to open up may have Ademic? The Woman from pause, she asked which zone (Wo)MMM is now getting in Avoidance of crowded spac- been advisable. Madras Musings can’t help but the apartment came under. touch with a private sanitiza- es is the next precaution. You Lastly, we come to the hes- wonder at the flagrant flouting (Wo)MMM’s heart sank. This tion company to help – howev- only need to see what is hap- itation in getting vaccinated. of covid norms everywhere she is seldom a good question to er, you can’t help but wonder pening in election meetings to For once our city appears to goes. Mask wearing has disap- hear when trying to get help how folks who cannot afford realise why the numbers are have adopted the good man- peared as has social distancing, from the authorities. True such services will fare. growing. There are practically ners of old Lucknow in allow- but the charming habit of spit- enough, the health official de- ting on the streets is back. So, clared quite cheerfully that this Electioneering in the no masks to be seen anywhere ing others to go ahead in being it came as no big surprise to particular zone wasn’t under and the people are tightly injected. That a city which has learn that the virus has planted her team’s purview and asked time of covid packed together – a perfect a high literacy rate and prides its unwelcome flag on (Wo) (Wo)MMM to get in touch he Woman from Madras breeding ground for the virus. itself on being a rationalist MMM’s territory – a family in with the right health official. TMusings recently came The High Court has recently bastion should be so diffident the pater’s apartment complex This, of course, led (Wo)MMM across a campaign march. A sea suggested (only suggested) when it comes to preventive tested positive for covid-19. to yet another number to call. of flags fluttered in the wind, that the Election Commission steps is puzzling. The only op- (Wo)MMM recalled an ear- The fourth phone number held proudly aloft by party may spread the message about tion left for the administration lier brush with the virus, when was absolutely unreachable. cadre as they marched to the attendees at political meetings is to then make it compulsory. the in-laws fell sick – a cor- (Wo)MMM wouldn’t have tune of the party’s campaign song. The leader was seated wearing masks. But there is no We trust they soon will for we poration official had checked called even the better half so in on the family almost every many times during their court- in a car, smiling and waving at sign as yet from the EC about otherwise do not see much day during the quarantine ship days. She tried the number the public as he passed them this. A rather languorous video hope for Chennai. period, which had been quite all day and well into early eve- by. He wasn’t wearing a mask, on how to vote however does In the midst of all this cha- a relief at that time. Assuming ning, but nobody picked up. presumably because it would advise precaution, maintain- os, we persistently hear ru- that the authorities would But (Wo)MMM was damned have cramped his smile. On ing of distance and wearing of mours that a lockdown may show up to help this time too, if she would give up now – she reflection, (Wo)MMM felt masks. be imposed. Those that spread (Wo)MMM waited for a cou- set an alarm for 9am the next that perhaps this could be We next come to religious this do so with cheer, as though ple of days. No one came. A day and continued her quest. condoned, given that he was events and get-togethers. The it was a long-promised holiday. brief chat with the uncle who On the 17th call or so, a clearly sufficiently distanced from the recently held Kapaliswarar Truth be told, little beyond had been coordinating with annoyed health officer picked rest of the marching troupe, the authorities revealed that up the call, demanding to know isolated as he was in his car; temple festival was a case in idleness is achieved by lock- he was having a hard time get- who (Wo)MMM was and what but she did wonder as to why point (see Heritage Watch). downs. It has been established ting them to commit to a visit she wanted. (Wo)MMM had he didn’t choose to follow pro- The same is true of weddings, that they only postpone and – he was initially informed perfected the response by now tocols and lead by example. cinema screenings and public do not prevent peaks. What is that the team was too busy and told her the whole story. The marchers were another events. These could have been wanted is discipline and rigour to come by, and it was only The health official responded story. Only some wore masks avoided. While we understand in safety protocols even as we after multiple follow-ups that and, with no room for social that the entertainment and go about our daily duties. Can they had reluctantly admitted distancing in an on-road cam- hospitality industries are suffer- Chennai demonstrate its ability that they perhaps had a duty SHORT ’N’ paign, they marched shoulder ing, bailout packages for these to adhere to such norms? to perform in this case, and SNAPPY to shoulder. Some sang along would get the concerned offi- to the music in a manner that cial to drop in. Unfortunately, that unfortunately, she was the would have made any prima- the official didn’t seem to be health official, not the saniti- ry class music teacher proud Gearing up for the Assembly that concerned after all – many zation inspector. (Wo)MMM – they didn’t shy away from promises were made day after didn’t fall for the trick this time opening their mouths wide and Elections day that the visit would take though – she knew that any singing full-throated. place within the hour, to no response would only lead to It has been reported that (Continued from page 1) disabilities. Mr. G. Prakash avail. Uncle was ready to give another phone number to call, parties campaigning for the explained that the process of up when (Wo)MMM decided not constructive action. (Wo) upcoming election have been As for enforcing covid proto- absentee voting involved com- to have a go at the matter. MMM remained silent while issued clear directives to fol- cols, district Election Officer G. plex logistics, where the voting (Wo)MMM made a call to the health official hopefully low covid norms. (Wo)MMM Prakash has been quoted saying machines would be physically the official, explaining the im- waited for her to take the bait. wonders why they haven’t been that citizens without masks taken to voters’ houses based portance of swift action since After a while, it was clear that taken seriously; or indeed, will not be allowed to vote. on prior appointment. It is the apartment housed senior (Wo)MMM was the winner in what is stopping the health It is also reported that voters reported that 1.59 lakh elderly citizens. She was promised this stand-off; the health offi- authorities from enforcing will get their temperatures voters have opted for this route that someone would come by cial sighed and asked her for them. You would think that checked upon arrival with an in the evening; not willing to the address so she would direct any party that wants to lead the and voting is already underway. let the matter drop, she placed the sanitization inspector to state would be aware of the fact infrared thermometer; those Given the scale of the oper- a second call in the afternoon pay the apartment a visit. And that they would be taking over showing signs of infection will ation, it is understandable that to confirm. (Wo)MMM was then, much like a genie from administrative responsibilities be issued a medical certificate the current process cannot be put onto another official who the Arabian Nights, the health during a pandemic. and allowed to vote during a rolled out to a larger voter base; told her that his colleague was official disappeared, never to special schedule. Every voter entirely misinformed and that be seen again. (Wo)MMM however, one cannot help but Moon for a vote will also be provided a hand this team would not be able to made a second phone call to wonder why more effort was he Woman from Madras glove to cast their votes, while help her out in this matter. She the control center, who gave Musings came across an not taken to introduce other T citizens who have tested posi- was given another number to her the phone number of the independent candidate from remote voting options to the tive will be provided PPE kits get in touch with and the call sanitization inspector. Madurai who quite literally general public. For instance, promptly ended. Phone number five led (Wo) to cast their ballot at the voting promises voters the moon – he the recent US presidential After multiple tries, the MMM to the elusive sanitiza- booths. It remains to be seen is offering voters a 100-day elections come to mind, which second phone number di- tion inspector, who picked up how far these efforts will go in trip to the moon if he wins. leveraged the postal network to rected (Wo)MMM to a covid the phone after a few tries. In It doesn’t stop there – he also curbing the spread of infection allow mail-in ballots. Restrict- control center. On hearing Pavlovian reflex, (Wo)MMM promises homemakers a ro- on election day. the issue, the control center automatically launched into ing postal ballots to a small bot to automate housework, One’s thoughts immediately informed her that they were her tale, when the sanitization section of the voter base may a mini-helicopter for every turn to the possibility of e-vot- the control center and not the inspector interrupted her to let not have a significant impact household and a 300-foot artifi- ing, of course. While no such sanitization team, and gave her her know that he had already cial iceberg to keep his constitu- in reducing risks, especially if mechanism exists currently, it the number of a health official. paid the apartment a visit and ency cool, among other things. the younger family members seems to be a large scale project The control center gentle- arranged for sanitization. How- According to the candidate’s of a household or residential man had some advice as well, ever, he quickly added that the that may come to fruition only affidavit, he reportedly has complex are forced to visit a presumably from experience rigorous sanitization efforts during next election season – Rs. 10,000 cash in hand and booth to vote. – please don’t ask the health that were undertaken a few around Rs. 2,000 in the bank. the Election Commission of official too many questions, months earlier had now been It turns out that his mani- ­India is reported to be collab- One feels that Digital India simply make a polite request phased out – the unspoken festo is a campaign to caution orating with IIT-Madras to de- can do much better. After all, for the sanitization, he plead- words hinted that (Wo)MMM voters against falling for tall velop remote voting operations we’ve been living with the pan- ed. (Wo)MMM thanked him, ought to be glad that it was election promises. (Wo)MMM based on blockchain technolo- demic for over a year and knew duly made a note and rolled up done even the one time. (Wo) finds the whole thing rather gy. In the meantime, absentee that we had an election year in her sleeves for the next round. MMM was left rather surprised clever – his campaign turned voting has been rolled out for the offing. With many across In a pleasant surprise, the that the authorities seemed to viral quite quickly. The elec- have relaxed vigilance over the the first time in the state for the city reluctant to brave the third phone number put her tion symbol that he chose is, in touch with a health official pandemic given that cases are of course, a dustbin. a small group of people com- crowds and cast their votes, on the very first try. She heard on a rise in the city. prising senior citizens above it remains to be seen how far (Wo)MMM’s story patiently With the authorities dis- –(Wo)MMM the age of 80 and citizens with voter turnout will be affected. April 1-15, 2021 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

Will the Vax Shield me? e Indians love controversies. These Whatsapp rumor that if you put in a fake co- Wcontroversies help keep us in good morbidity your medical record would be updat- cheer and spirits helping take our minds ed affecting your eligibility for health insurance. off our mundane and often dull existence. The attitude of the Government is baffling. Now the Corona Virus has provided us There are a 130 crore people waiting to get with a controversy of a new variety. The two vaccinated. Even if we leave out the under 18 Maintenance of the concerned authorities take available vaccines, Covaxin and Covishield for now at least 80-100 crore people would corrective action so that we have had their benefits and risks discussed need the vaccine. To date just 4.5 crore people Marina Beach threadbare. Thanks to Whatsapp this topic have received at least one dose of the vaccine. enjoy the facilities provided at is being discussed in almost every household, Why not simply open up vaccination for all? am a senior citizen who has the beach. Ibeen going for walks on the pushing even the elections to the background. One theory why Government is reluctant Marina beach for almost 30 B. Natarajan It was reported that from mid January to do this relates to the large number of Covid when vaccination started, that the response vaccines India has exported. Until last week years now. I read your article 6, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai 4th Street from healthcare workers was poor. There was 5.84 crore doses of mainly the Covishield on Marina Beach in the latest a certain reluctance in taking the vaccine. vaccine had been exported by India to over edition of Madras Musings. In Mylapore Chennai 600 004 This was in large measure due to the fact that 70 countries around the world and if vacci- spite of putting up good facil- the Phase III trial data of Covaxin and that of nation is opened up and there is a shortage of ities, they are not maintained Death is a great leveler the bridging study in India of Covishield was vaccines the Government would be blamed. properly. While the public is never made available in the public domain. The latest issue is the non availability of mainly responsible for littering remember the 1957 Gener- There were reports of vaccines being wasted Covishield vaccines in most hospitals in our the beach, the staff assigned Ial Elections in the Madras as vials that had been opened did not have State. On further inquiry we are told that also do not do their job. I won- South constituency discussed the full number of patients to be given to. the doses of Covishield have been kept in by Karthik Bhatt (Madras Mus- When the vaccine was opened to those reserve to give the 2nd dose for those who der if any official of the Greater above the age of 60 and for those between 45- got that vaccine as their 1st dose. So as of Chennai Corporation ever ings, March 16-31, 2021) in which T.T. Krishnamachari 60 with co morbidities the response improved now only Covaxin is being pushed at almost visits the facilities. About two but here too with a twist. Those between the all centres to persons getting their first dose. years back, they provided First won handsomely, polling with over 80,000 votes. H.D. Rajah ages of 45-60 who went to get vaccines were We Indians are a class conscious soci- Aid Kiosks where a doctor was asked if they had any of the comorbidities listed ety. Now a new class distinction has been supposed to be available to take came a poor third with hardly to make them eligible for the vaccine. Normally added. Are you a Vax or a Shield per- care of any emergency. Now, 25,000 votes. But posthumous- not having a co morbidity would be a good thing son is the question that is often asked. these are kept closed and look ly, I would say, H.D. Rajah but in this case it makes you ineligible for vac- The larger question though is wheth- shabby. They also provided nearly caught up. If there is a cination at the moment. So either the patients er Vax or Shield, will the vac shield me? drinking water facilities which TTK Road in Alwarpet, there spun a yarn about a comorbidity or the hospital simply filled in one of the listed conditions so Prema Raman are abandoned now. The taps is an H.D. Rajah Street in nearby Teynampet (off Eldams as to give them the vaccine. This led to the 88 Harrington Road, Chetput have been removed and the Chennai 600 031 sink is broken. The few avail- Road). Death is indeed a great able toilets are open only after leveler. 6am, whereas many people G. Ram Mohan like me start walking at 5am in Flat 2B, Arihant Sri Narayana Memories are for ever and l order to get a parking spot and 33 & 35, Fourth Main Road Pavithra’s Perspective can be sweet avoid crowds. Let us hope that R.A. Puram, Chennai 600 028 s a person of Indian Origin Aborn in 1941, I left India for good in 1966. Memories COVID19 Vaccination – linger, however, of Chennai, Mylapore and other parts of India in the 60s. Today, I live Public Health Centre Style by two media sites, Live History his is in response to the articles on the vaccination drive, and Madras Musings. Chennai’s Tby the Special Correspondent and by Mr. Rajagopalan cricket scenes from the late Venkataramanan. I faced a lot of pressure from friends and 50s and 60s are vivid – I recall well-wishers to take the vaccine. There were a few stories afloat MCC, MRC, YMCA, BRC, regarding the malfunctioning of the Co-WIN app, but I down- Jolly Rovers, Gandhi Nagar loaded it earnestly. However, the required OTP never arrived. The ArogyaSetu app had a page for vaccination which was much CC and so many others. Who The Moore Market better than the Co-WIN app. I tried to fix an appointment but can forget S.V.S. Mani, V.V. could not get at the date, though I could see the various UPHC Kumar, Kirpal Singh, Milkha I was six years old, when the Moore Market burned down. based on the pin code. Finally, I went to the nearest UPHC to Singh, Venkat Raghavan, the The tragedy didn’t faze me, I must admit, chiefly because I wasn’t get the details, but the staff were ill-informed and directed me to flamboyant P.K. Belliappa and aware of it when it happened (in fact, I wasn’t even in the country). the COVID19 recovering unit which was in the process of be- the evergreen “Indian Bank But relocation to Chennai meant that I found the place mentioned ing closed. I then went to the GCC Zonal office and the health Mani”, without whom no test more than once in random conversations, movies and Thamizh serial section identified Padi Manjakuppam as the vaccination centre. stories as a sort of magic kingdom (rising, with a rather puzzling, match in Chennai was worth I stepped in to find a few patients waiting after the shot and it but nevertheless magnificent Arabian outline against the Madras was totally free. The staff said to come before 2 pm anyway. watching? I also remember the skyline) where you could acquire anything from ceiling fans to Kapaleeswarar temple and tank I learnt that another UPHC near Chennai Public School was second-hand books probably lost in the 15th century. The Arabian surrounded by coconut trees. also good, so the next morning I went there with my wife. Before outline made sense years later, of course, designed at it was in the starting, I decided to try registering through the ArogyaSetu app. In the end, nothing changes Indo-Saracenic style by R E Ellis and finished in 1900. I bemoaned And lo! When I touched the blank window, the dates showed up except change itself. To look the fact that I could never visit this splendid cavern of forgotten and I registered. When I went to the UPHC, there was a sizeable back on these memories is treasures, for no matter how much I read and heard, it was nothing, crowd of around 10 to 15 people. Since it was an online regis- like looking into the lenses of I knew, compared to the real thing. tration, we had a green channel and in a span of 10 minutes, we a frolicking “bioscope” man. And then, years later, I did stumble upon it – or rather, a min- were vaccinated. After a BP check, the staff ascertained that we Mr. Muthiah was indeed that iature model version of it, amidst cars, beedi-chewing pedestrians, had our breakfast and asked us to wait for 30 minutes. In the bioscope man crushed plastic bottles, two-wheelers and aeons of neglect – in the meantime, we informed the admin staff that we got vaccinated parking lot of the Chennai Suburban Railway Terminus. I stared at showing our online ref, which took just 10 minutes. There R. Krishnamoorthy this monument to lost glory, still beautiful, still retaining its charm were no hassles – why can’t people visit the nearest UPHC! [email protected] with its tiny steps, delicate arches and corridors, all inspiring me with As a good Samaritan, I shared my experience with the a deep desire to attain the dimensions of a Lilliputian. parents of my daughter’s friend, who were frantically try- I couldn’t, of course, but I could do something else: record it as a ing to get registered in a private hospital. They followed miniature. Terrified as I was that the model too, might be destroyed, I my advice and were happily vaccinated. Let MM readers raced to finish it while it still stood, crumbling corners notwithstand- know and spread this for the benefit of many Chennaites. ing. It was one of the first miniatures I did and is by far, my favourite. Arumugam PK Description: 3.5” by 5” approximately [email protected] Medium: Black and White Micron Pens; 0.20mm and 0.35mm. 4 MADRAS MUSINGS April 1-15, 2021 April 1-15, 2021 MADRAS MUSINGS 5

for Glenfield-Burn sluice valves for water works purposes jumped out. The page adjoining it had an From Water Works to the article by K.K. Bhattacharyya of Glenfield & Kennedy Limited, Miyawaki forests Calcutta (oh and how many fond memories that brought ­Wayside back, especially the address – Fairlie House, 4 Fairlie Place). to increase­ t has remained by the way- Clearly, I had reached that age The heading of the article – Our Iside for years and passers-by when stooping low and trying Association with Madras Water hardly glance at it. I too have to make out rusted lettering was Works Since 1885 – told me that driven down Cathedral Road so beyond me. I needed help from I had struck gold (at least what many times and yet never no- younger people. This was when people like me think of as gold). green cover in city ticed it earlier. It was only when three young lawyers – Kavita Vi- The company was no strang- the lockdown was imposed and jay, Ashtawadh Balan and Nidhi er to Madras. As early as in walking for exercise became a Bhaiyya came to my rescue. They 1885, it had supplied a 42” worm n November 2019, there was a part of daily routine that I first promised to get back soon and gear-operated sluice valve that I23,000 square feet area in Kot- took the time to investigate as sure enough, they did. The let- controlled the water supply from turpuram, with garbage dumped to what it was. For the record, ters read Glenfield British Patent the shaft (a masonry bowl in to a depth of four feet. Next year, this a solid casting that is firmly 405385. We had got somewhere Kilpauk that stored water from the dumpsite transformed into grouted to the footpath outside though it was clearly not enough. Red Hills) to the city. This was a mini forest with 2,000 native Karunai Kudil, the commercial A casual search for Glen- its first order from the city. “With plants, volunteers’ efforts and complex built by the church just field on the internet did not re- the completion of the water 15 lakhs funded by the Greater next to the Bishop’s House and veal much. This was a company works, the pumping mains and Chennai Corporation. The in- St George’s Cathedral. The top based in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, the distribution system, a series cessant debris was cleared and portions of this object had clearly ­Scotland and in its time an en- of valves has gone in,” continues replaced with topsoil that was been taken away at some time gineering major. It is no longer the article. It lists a bewildering obtained from restoring lakes. but what is left of it is big enough. in operation, at least not in variety – 1-24” spur gear-operat- Thus sprang the first Miyawaki In the dark you may be ex- the business of manufacturing ed sluice valve controlling main forest in Madras. cused for assuming it to be a water valves. Founded in 1865 no 1 to North Madras, 1-36” rising spindle type headstock-op- The success of the first Miy- crouching hound or pig. as Glenfield Iron Co, it was awaki experiment in Kotturpu- I guessed it had something to initially running a foundry and erated sluice valve on an old pumping main now controlling ram sparked off the creation of do with our water supply for it re- making castings, the owner be- other urban forests in the city. sembled fluid valves I had seen in ing a Thomas Kennedy. A sister city mains no 1 and 3, 1-24” or- A view of the mini-forest raised along the Canal Bank Road in Kotturpuram. dinary cap type sluice valve con- Presently, there are 30 Miyawaki industrial establishments. Closer concern, the Kennedys Patent forests with a total of 60,000 sap- inspection revealed some letters trolling main no 3 from the shaft number of trees and plants in that they are just emulations of intends to create 1,000 such … and so on. I was entering some lings in areas including Valasar- inscribed around the gland of the avakkam, Sholinganallur and the city, the Miyawaki method natural forests. “Natural forests small forests in different parts of valve but try as I might, I could The Glenfield valve on unknown territory here. Much of was suggested. take many hundreds of years to the city with the help of open or what was listed in 1964 may have Mugalivakkam. NGOs called not read any of it – no matter LOST LANDMARKS OF CHENNAI ­Cathedral Road. Trees Trust and Thuvakkam Miyawaki forests will im- emerge. Just 30 centimeters of reserved areas in future. whether I went to decipher them now been discarded or may be prove the area’s micro-climate, topsoil takes 200 years to de- The Miyawaki method of af- not. Chennai, and especially its came on board for the comple- in the morning or the evening. – SRIRAM V tion of these Miyawaki projects. but may not impact the climate velop. But Miyawaki forests can forestation was founded by Jap- municipal departments have a of the entire city, says Dr. Ba- come into fruition within 3 to 4 anese botanist Akira Miyawaki tendency to cling on to old stuff In 2019, Care Earth Trust, laji Srinivasagopalan, former years,” he adds. in 1970. He proposed planting Water Meter Co, operated from for long and then dump them an NGO that takes up environ- Principal Chief Conservator The relatively fast growth rate multiple layers of native plants to the same site. This was even just when they need to publicise mental restoration activities in of Forests. The tree roots will of Miyawaki forests can be at- grow a forest – a canopy layer, tree older, founded as it was in 1852. their heritage. the city, conducted a study on also hold the soil together and tributed to the practice of plant- layer, sub-tree layer and shrub The two plants were situated Though I was thrilled that the green cover of Madras for facilitate rainwater seepage. ing native species very close to layer. The mini-forests of Chennai on a site spanning eleven acres Glenfield and Kennedy had been GCC. They found that the tree Additionally, urban forests are each other. For instance, in the follow the same technique. and employed around 80 or 90 associated with Chennai’s water cover had to be increased in the supposed to reduce the heat Kotturpuram Miyawaki forest, Apart from the rapid growth people. In 1899, the two merged supply for 80 years in 1964, I was city. The NGO recommended island effect. “Heat reflected by local species like peepal, jack- of flora, Miyawaki forests have and became Glenfield and Ken- none the wiser about ‘my’ valve, that at least 2 lakh trees hade glass and concrete is common fruit, neem, hibiscus, banana and other advantages which out- nedy Limited. Business then was the one on Cathedral Road. to be planted every year (that in a city like Madras, especially papaya saplings were planted at a weigh the relatively high expen- booming with Thomas Kennedy What variety was it? Could it be is, one million trees in the next due to a lot of IT parks and distance of one metre from each diture and effort they consume Jr, nephew of the founder taking one of the “several other 14”, 30” five years). The Union Ministry other glass buildings. These heat during the first two years – they the company to great heights. and 36” size valves of different of Forests, Environment and waves constitute the heat island each grow into a self-sustaining One of the reasons for the operation” that were used “in Climate Change has also recom- effect,” explains the former for- ecosystem that supports various  success was the opening of the city’s water supply system mended 33 per cent green cover est conservator. by animals, birds and insects. More- branches at several parts of the up to 1914, costing Rs 45,516?” in Madras. Currently, the city While talking about the na- Padmaja Jayaraman over, these forests are not bur- British empire. This was when There were besides others – has 19 percent. To increase the ture of Miyawaki forests, he says dened by weed growth – since most cities in the colonies, and electrically and hydraulically other. “When you plant trees the plants are planted close to even those in Great Britain operated valves, control valves each other there is no space were investing in water works and venturi meters as well that close to each other, they tend to grow taller. If you space them in for unwanted pests to sprout. for piped supply. Glenfield and the company listed in its supply seems closest to the recoil va- and shifts it to the proposed This further strengthens the Kennedy began receiving a num- to Madras. riety. But the patent number, museum of water in the Kilpauk a wider area, then they will start branching out. That is, they will theory of the Miyawaki method: ber of export orders for their It was back to the internet but namely 405385 seemed to be Water Works premises. Leaving ‘Zero management is the best valves. It was evident that one now with more information. This of an earlier vintage for a GB it around on Cathedral Road grow horizontally also,” explains Dr. Balaji. Consequently, the ­management. of those pertained to the supply time I chanced upon Grace’s Patent No 405385A, awarded where it can be knocked by Dr. Balaji shares how Miy- of valves to Madras, and one out Guide to British Industrial His- to the same company for a valve any rogue vehicle or, worse, be green density of Miyawaki forests is typically thirty times greater awaki forests can be created: “A of the lot supplied had made its tory, one of those depressing that eliminated air locks in water uprooted and sold for scrap is mini-forest can even be started way to Cathedral Road where it sites that tell you all about how mains, dated to 1932. Which certainly not advisable. There than usual and the growth ten times faster. Within a year of in 10 to 20 meters width too. still remained, though defunct. glorious British industry was till means 405385 must have been were other pieces of control Accordingly, we have to choose I thought I had reached a dead the Americans, the Germans, older. It was Meenakshisunda- equipment at Kelly’s Junction its inception, the Kotturpuram urban forest has yielded banana native plants for 4 to 5 layers. It end with that. the Japanese, the Taiwanese and ram Natarajan, who is a walking and near the Perambur Un- takes a lot of planning. You plant But there is a God who watch- the Koreans came along, with of encyclopaedia on Madras water derpass, located within their fruits, hibiscus flowers, papaya and drumstick pods, with 70 a dominant tree in the centre es over researchers and sure course the Chinese. One of the works history that filled me in – it masonry structures, all of which which needs sunlight, and plant enough that divine personage photographs featured was of the is an air release valve, in keeping have vanished. Similarly, a huge jackfruit trees, 40 tamarind trees and 50 neem trees competing a tree close by that can survive in had not been idle. Tucked away Glenfield Recoil Valve, for dif- with the patent number. The cast iron pipe used to emerge as the shade. Then shrubs, climbers in a cupboard at home was the ficult reflux conditions (clearly Cathedral waterline he informs and when the tar on the road to for space, reported The Hindu in February 2021. and herbs. The soil has to be Golden Jubilee Souvenir of the reflux was not something exclu- was main no 5. Mandaveli Market weakened. dug up and organic manure and Kilpauk Water Works (1964) sive to digestion, water works The valve on Cathedral Road This too has gone. I sincerely In half a year, locals will be permitted to enter the Kottur- good soil must be added.” The and I happened to be reading it also had them). must be nearing 90 years and hope ‘my’ valve, or to be fair, the Kotturpuram urban forest used Above: The Glenfied-Burn Valve. Picture courtesy: Kilpauk Water Works for my forthcoming book on Ma- From a visual point of view, more if it predates 1932. I hope Kavita-Ashtawadh-Nidhi valve puram Miyawaki forest for walk- souvenir 1964. Right: The Recoil Valve. Picture courtesy: gracesguide.co.uk dras. Suddenly an advertisement the valve on Cathedral Road the CMWSSB takes care of it is cared for. It deserves to be. ing and other activities. GCC (Continued on page 7) 6 MADRAS MUSINGS April 1-15, 2021 The forgotten pages – Vavilla Press

he quaint red building machines, as well as paper and Tat Ramanujam Street in board cutting machines, Vavilla Old Washermanpet is a rari- saw tremendous growth under Quizmaster V.V. Ramanan’s first ty. Hundreds of vehicles pass him. For someone who had 10 questions are on current affairs through the street, paying little lost his father at the young and the next 10 are on the Oscars. attention to the Indo-Sarace- age of seven, Venkateswara 1. Which artiste recently became nic beauty almost clouded by was remarkably industrious, the most-decorated woman in the dust rising from traffic. To hard-working and sincere in Grammy Awards history with her the eyes of a trained heritage carrying forward his father’s 28th win? enthusiast however, the little dream. On completing his 2. Who recently became the first red building is like a bright flag graduation, he plunged into Indian woman cricketer, and the second in the world, to notch up waving for attention, tempting his father’s profession almost 10,000 international runs? one to drop in and explore it’s immediately. A fresher him- 3. Which famous businesswoman mysteries. The plaque outside self, Venkateswara could gauge with Chennai roots, a former head reads “Vavilla Press-1856” and I the growing need to disperse of a global food giant, is publishing can’t help but race in. The little knowledge. He had chosen his her memoir My Life in Full: Work, red building shines within, lit by target audience already – the Alladi Srinivasamurthy with his works on display. Family and Our Future? a couple of tube lights that flick- newly educated society that was books with equal conviction. V.V. Sastrulu also published 4. Bhavani Devi has become the er. Rows of books stacked in an- thirsty to read. He planned to first Indian woman from her sport Interestingly, he also published Balabodhavilakkanam – a con- to make it to the Olympics. Which tique wooden shelves greet me. print grammar texts, literature Vinodamanjari, a book outlining cise grammar text for children, discipline does she represent? A lone man sits at the centre and poetry that would be in a dialogue between the two written by Visakaperumal Iyer 5. The country’s first centralised table reading a newspaper. He continuous demand. sects. In the 1920s, a direct sales in 1928. air-conditioned railway terminal is pauses to welcome me inside, Vavilla printed epics like the outlet for Vavilla books was A great philanthropist of to come up in which south Indian introducing himself as Alladi Mahabharata, Ramayana and established at 292, Esplanade those times, V.V. Sastrulu was city. Srinivasamurthy. Bhagavad Gita, as well as their V.V. Sastrulu was well known a close friend and benefactor 6. Who has shared the National The name Alladi imme- commentaries; it also brought in the freedom fighters’ circle. of V.O. Chidambaranar. VOC Award for Best Actor with Dha- diately strikes a chord. The out a Tamil translation Adi nush (Asuran)? He was a close ally of Tilak, La- helped V.V. Sastrulu in trans- most famed of the Alladis was Shankara’s Soundarya Lahari. 7. Name the book and author that jpat Rai, C.R. Das, Satyamurti, lating and publishing James have been chosen for the Sahitya the former Advocate General Venkateswara also meticulously Prakasam and Rajagopalachari. Allen’s From Poverty to Power, Akademi Puraskar for 2020? Sir Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer. published a variety of ancient In the 1920s, when the Dra- written in 1901. VOC titled 8. French businessman Andre When I ask if he is related to Sangam Tamil grammar texts vidian movement took root in the Tamil translation Valimaikku Abdoune recently paid $62 million the great man, he replies in the Margam. In the preface of the for the painting The Journey of affirmative. “A distant relative”, translation, VOC mentions ­Humanity by British artist Sacha he says. He begins talking about that he has used Tamil words Jafri. What is the claim to fame of the journey of the Alladi and the artwork?  by Nivedita Louis like Ekdhu he had coined in the 9. In the recent UN World Happi- Vavilla families as they made book. He goes on to mention ness Report 2021, India was ranked their way to Chennai from that V.V. Sastrulu, son of Vavilla 139 out of 149 countries. Which Andhra Pradesh. His fascinat- Venkateswara Sastrulu was the Nordic nation topped the list, for ing narration pulls me into a such as the Tholkappiyam with the state and the Justice Party Ilampooranar’s commentary, came to power, he constituted friend of Guru Bal Gangadhar the fourth consecutive year, ahead time warp. Tilak, and that he has often of Iceland and Denmark? Puraporul Venbamalai written a high level committee to in- Vavilla is a tiny hamlet near extended monetary support to 10. Twitter founder Jack Dorsey’s Nellore in erstwhile Madras by Aiyanarithanar, Vetriverkai spect and publish books. This first ever tweet was sold recently poetry and it’s commentary by Committee comprised eminent VOC. He thanks him profusely for the equivalent of $2.9m as an Presidency. Ramaswamy Sas- for the same in the book pub- trulu left Vavilla in search of Adhiveeraramapandiyar, Thiru- people like Rao Sahib Krish- NFT. What is NFT and what was muraithirattu, Thiruthondar Ven- naswamy Iyengar, C.S. Sriniva- lished in 1930. the tweet? greener pastures. He arrived ba poetry and it’s commen- sachari, V.O. Chidambaranar, As he was interested in * * * in Madras and settled in Ton- tary, Asarakovai by Veruvayin T.P. Meenakshisundaram, Mani bringing foreign literary works 11. Though popularly called the diarpet with his family. He first Mulliyar, Abhirami Antadi and Thirunavukkarasu Mudaliar to Tamil, V.V. Sastrulu also Oscars, what is the official name of tried his hand at the business of brought out translations of the award? printing in 1854. By 1856, he it’s commentary by Abhirami and P.T. Sankaranarayana Pillai. Bhatta, Sanmuga Kavirayar’s In the publisher’s note printed Bankim Chandra Chatterjee’s 12. What rare distinction is shared had saved enough to establish Lilavathi and the English novel by It Happened One Night (1934), Bharata Vachanam, Senthan in Vavilla books, it is mentioned his own press in Tondiarpet and Griselda. A paralytic stroke left One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest named it “Vavilla Press”. The Divakaram by Divakaranar, that this “intellectual commit- (1975) and The Silence of the Lambs Tirupadal Thirattu by Thayu- tee would strive to identify best V.V. Sastrulu confined to bed in (1991)? area comprised two and a half 1942. Yet, he continued to run grounds. A striking Indo-Sara- manava Swamigal, Yayathi and books, edit them meticulously 13. Who was the first Indian to re- Thandalaiyar Satakam by Pa- and bring them to print. These the Press from his home. Fol- ceive an Oscar and for which film? cenic building rose in its place, dikkasu Pulavar. Venkateswara books are not for the Tam- lowing his death on 09.02.1956, 14. Winning once is a big achieve- where books were printed in his sister Saradamba’s sons took ment but which global legend is the English, Tamil, Sanskrit and constantly explored old texts ils alone, and the Dravidians and books that he could publish should make use of them. Those over managing the Press. How- record-holder for most awards won Telugu. ever, with cut-throat compe- with 22 Oscars? and republish. He took the help Tamil people well versed in En- Ramaswamy Sastrulu tition in the industry, Vavilla’s 15. Though Charlie Chaplin’s of Thirunavukkarasu Mudali- glish should be aware of world’s sparked a movement in print- Tamil publications began to Limelight was released in 1952, it ing and his son Vavilla Ven- yar, who worked in the 1920s as best fiction, science, politics, got an Oscar 20 years later for ‘Best Tamil professor in Pachaiyappas economics, history, philosophy steadily decline from the 1960s. Original Dramatic Score’. Why? kateswara Sastrulu upped the The Esplanade office was shut ante. With three printing ma- College, to assimilate and com- and must excel in it.” 16. In 2003, which flick won all pile these monumental works. V.V. Sastrulu established the down. Vavilla’s Telugu books the 11 categories for which it was chines, two typecasting ma- Venkateswara was intent in Andhra Chamber of Commerce continued to bring in good nominated? chines, ten hand composing business and a new sale outlet 17. India has sent entries since the publishing any work in 1942. He was also a member that was introduced of Pachaiyappas Trust, Suguna was established in Hyderabad 1950s to compete for Best Interna- in 1990. The Press machinery tional Feature Film honours. How- to him as beneficial Vilasa Sabha, Ranade Library, ever, only three films have been to the society. Tamil Chennai Port Trust, Madras were sold in 1994. Those who nominated. The first was Mother Bhakti literature owes Mahajana Sabha, Film Censor worked for decades in Vavilla India. Name the other two. its growth in 20th Cen- Board, Masonic Lodge and a lost their jobs. 18. Name the two people who have tury to Vavilla. Rama- Senate Member of both Madras The management is still not only won Oscars but also Nobel linga Swamy’s Manu- and Annamalai Universities. in touch with nonagenarian prizes? Madhavaram Subbarayalu, who 19. Katharine Hepburn has the muraikandavasagam, He was also the publisher of Narayana Bharathi’s the English monthly magazine joined Vavilla Press as a binder most Best Actress awards with when he was barely 14 years old. four statuettes. Which artiste won Govinda Satakam, Thi- Federated India, Telugu month- an Oscar for playing Katharine ruvenkata Satakam and ly magazine Trilinga and the Saradamba’s grandson Alladi Hepburn? Gurupada Dasar’s Ku- childrens’ monthly magazine Srinivasamurthy who now man- 20. The 2021 Oscars nominees maresa Satakam were Balavinodini. Balavinodini was ages Vavilla, says that the Press were announced recently. Which is paying a pension of Rs.1,000 Indian was a co-announcer and published by Vavilla edited by Bharathiyar’s close Press. Venkateswara aide and namesake, the former per month to Subbarayalu. The which movie got the most nods? Press is now being managed The exterior of the Vavilla Press. Sastrulu published Swadesamitran editor Varaka- (Answers on page 8) both Saivite and Vaishnavite vi A. Subramaniya Barathi. (Continued on page 8) April 1-15, 2021 MADRAS MUSINGS 7 Leading the Tamil Nadu charge in Indian Cricket

The 2020-21 cricket sea- he seemed to lack a follow worst odds imaginable posed son has augured well for through. On the asset side by Covid-19 protocols and a Tamil Nadu cricket, espe- of the balance sheet, he kept spate of injuries to key players. cially in the matter of con- unfurling a whole new bag of His exploits against England in tributing to India’s success tricks unknown to many of his the recent series have firmly on the world stage. Per- predecessors, and had loads of established him as one of Indian haps for the first time in the confidence and this uncanny cricket’s greats and the number state’s history as many as ability to take wickets. I was one spinner in the world. three TN cricketers spec- intrigued, but not convinced And what a revelation has tacularly propelled India to of the quality of his bowling, Washington Sundar been! If T. series victories in Australia tending to dismiss his unusual Natarajan, the left arm seam and at home. The extraordi- success rate to poor batting, bowler has been living subaltern nary exploits of off spinner spin-friendly wickets; and luck. proof of the spread of cricket to R. Ashwin have for instance And, I, like some of my contem- the farthest corners of Tamil been of exceptional signifi- poraries, waited for the coin to Nadu across social and eco- cance for the state’s knowl- drop and for batsmen to unravel nomic strata, Sundar too has R. Ashwin. Picture courtesy: The Hindu. edgeable sportslovers who his bowling. It never happened. emerged as an unlikely star in (Continued on page 8) have waited patiently for That was aeons ago. Since heroes to celebrate as their then, Ashwin has evidently put own. That he is the second in much thought and effort into Miyawaki forests to increase  by V. Ramnarayan green cover in city

(Continued from page 5) concept of caring for their green that they have compensated by spaces in a continuous manner planting more trees than those fastest in the world to claim his bowling as the considerable 80 tonnes of compost, 18 tonnes in the minds of people,” she in Thiru vi ka park, by planting 400 wickets in Test match improvement in each of the of coir pith, 12 tonnes of cow remarks. She speaks from expe- at the four corners using the history is stuff of which foregoing aspects of his craft dung and two tonnes of straw rience – Nizhal aims at conserv- Miyawaki method. One can fables are made. Add to that shows. Accused of trying too for organic manure, report- ing green cover in Madras and observe the impact [of the the fact that he has five Test many variations, he has, instead ed The Hindu in February 2021. has seen success with setting up Miyawaki method] before and centuries under his belt of cutting down on variety, Though the Miyawaki meth- a tree park in Kotturpuram in after – today, it is just concrete”, batting in the lower middle actually added a couple of new od is a quicker way of creating 2010, next to the area’s MRTS claims Dr. Babu. He feels that order, and he easily quali- deliveries to the carrom ball, forests, it has its own limita- campus, just 1.4 kilometers 100 or 200 trees could have fies as the best achiever of his first invention to take the tions. “It’s not an alternative away from the Miyawaki forest. been planted in the Kotturpu- all time the state’s cricket cricket world by storm. to normal plantations. It can Nizhal’s advisor, Dr. T.D. ram Miyawaki forest instead of has produced. In addition What he has done to con- only be developed where there Babu shares the shortcomings 2,000; that would have brought to his incisive bowling that vert raw talent into a weapon of are space constraints. Under of the Miyawaki method. “In a greater cooling effect. spearheaded India’s Test opposition destruction has been normal circumstances regular an area meant for 100 trees, if Dr. Balaji points out that wins over Australia and En- the large increment in control plantations are the best,” said 1,000 trees are planted, they Miyawaki forestry is just one gland this season, he has and accuracy he has sweated to Alby John Varghese, Greater will reap lesser ecological ben- of the methods to increase the also come of age as a genu- achieve. He studies and analy- Chennai Corporation’s (GCC) efits. The trees are incapable urban tree cover in Madras. He ine all rounder. Only half-fit, ses each and every batsman and Regional Deputy Commissioner of growing to their full natural suggests three other methods he played a never-say-die works out a tailor-made strategy (South) to The News Minute. profile, spreading their branch- to increase the percentage of innings in partnership with for each of them. He sets elab- Further, not all environmen- es. Miyawaki forests cannot ef- greenery in the city. “The first the injured Hanuma Vihari orate traps sometimes, but his tal experts agree with the Mi- fectively absorb carbon dioxide, method is, we can find insti- to save the Sydney Test last more straightforward ones work yawaki approach, particularly because the surface area is lesser tutional lands such as offices, year when all seemed lost. just as well. While he revels in in congested urban locations. in Miyawaki forests when com- schools, factories or wherever Here were two wounded dismissing the best batsmen, he Shobha Menon, founder trustee pared to traditional forests,” he there is enough space, and we soldiers whose heroism re- must be the best polisher-off of of the NGO Nizhal is one of explains. This is a key point - an can plant trees. The second minded old timers of some the tail in the world. them. “Many people want to increase in carbon dioxide leads method is, construction of more of the bravest deeds in Test Ashwin must be the most employ this method to create a to increased temperatures and service roads in the city for history. elegant no. 7, now no, 6, in the forest in double-quick time. But it is through photosynthesis planting trees on the sides with Back home for the En- world, reminiscent sometimes that is not how nature works. that plants help cool down no hindrance. Most of the other gland series, Ashwin made of the iconic V.V.S. Laxman, We cannot undo the harm we the area in their vicinity. The roads have various wiring and history once more by scor- and we came to count on him have done [to the environ- reduced leafy surface area also piping networks underground. ing a match winning 106 be- every time the side needed runs ment] immediately. We actually means lesser transpiration - the While doing repairs, the roads sides capturing eight wick- from him. He however tended cannot create a forest; what is process by which plants re- would be dug, and the roots of ets in the match to complete to throw away his wicket, dis- being done is planting trees and lease excess water vapour - and the nearby trees will be dam- a rare all rounder’s feat. And appointing the team and fans making an area wooded,” she therefore, a weaker impact on aged. The service roads would with 400-plus Test wickets by loose batting. We no longer points out. “It will turn into a rainfall rate. provide an alternate location in his bag, he promises to even despaired of him, instead forest only when all the multi- Interestingly, Dr. Babu feels for trees to grow, without any set bowling records few can resigning ourselves to his cava- various biodiverse interlinkages that the Miyawaki approach underground obstructions. The equal or surpass. lier ways of self destruction. happen in the area. Deciding has only led to greater use of third method is to mandate All that changed in Austra- sensitively what and when to concrete than nurturing more every house in Madras to grow * * * lia. His beautiful, controlled plant, what combination of green cover. “The Miyawaki 4 to 5 trees. Each house can hen I first set my eyes on aggression as a bowler played a trees, shrubs, climbers etc. is a method is shrinking the green grow useful trees like drumstick, WAshwin the off spinner major role in India’s incredible complex business.” canopy of Madras, growing the banana or mango. At least they more than a decade ago, his recovery from their humiliating Shobha also feels that public concrete jungle instead. That can have it in four corners of run-up was awkward, his body defeat in the Adelaide pink awareness of the importance was what happened in Shenoy the house, even if most of the was falling away in his delivery ball Test. And his defiant half of nurturing and caring for Nagar’s Thiru vi Ka park of 8.8 spaces are given to car parking. stride, he did not finish his century to draw the Sydney green spaces is crucial and acres. There was a large area It will improve the green cover action in the classic manner, Test from what seemed certain possibly more important than of green canopy that has been of the city on a micro level,” his left leg did not stand erect, defeat was the icing on the rapid growth techniques. “It converted into a metro station he says. but seemed to buckle, and cake for a team dogged by the is important to inculcate the in 2017. The authorities claim 8 MADRAS MUSINGS April 1-15, 2021 Leading the Tamil Nadu charge in Indian Cricket

(Continued from page 7) to miss his maiden Test centu- indeed a vital link in the Indian ry at Ahmedabad, Washington bowling chain. the cricket firmament from a need not despair. We expect Tamil Nadu can validly take modest background, his first many centuries from him in pride in the role its represen- name a token of gratitude to future. tatives have played in India’s Mr. Washington, a kindly men- We have already sung the entry into the final of the World tor of his father who supported praises of T. Natarajan in these Test Championship. Closer the talented boy’s cricket right columns. His overnight ele- home, will it be too much to through the various stages of vation from net bowler to a expect a Ranji Trophy triumph, age-group cricket, I said ‘un- key role as a swing and seam last accomplished by the state likely’ not because I doubted specialist in all three formats of as far back as 1987-88? ‘Washi’s’ ability but because cricket on the recent Australian of the rapidity of his ascent tour has been the real fairytale to international recognition of Tamil Nadu cricket. He did thanks to his fearless brand of not figure in the Test matches Answers to Quiz cricket. He has already played at Chennai and Ahmedabad 1. Beyonce, 2. Mithali Raj, crucial parts in both saving against England, but was back 3. Indra Nooyi, 4. Fencing, 5. and winning matches for India in the side in the T20 series Bengaluru, 6. Manoj Bajpayee against Australia and England. Washington Sundar. Picture courtesy: The Hindu. which India won after a hard (Bhonsle), 7. ‘Sellaatha Panam’ While his off-spin bowling has fought battle. Natarajan will by Imaiyam, 8. It is the world’s of senior bowler Ashwin’s off and sound defence, all marked served to expose the vulnera- surely find a place in the Indian biggest painting covering nearly bility of even top class batsmen spin, his batting has already by one quality that promises a team for the forthcoming world 17,000 sq ft, 9. Finland, 10. like Steve Smith, Joe Root and taken the cricket world by long and distinguished career T20 championship. Nonfungible token and the tweet Ben Stokes without ever look- storm, with its left handed el- on the strength of his batting Yet another Tamil Nadu ‘just setting up my twttr’ was first ing dangerous in the manner egance, effortless shotmaking skills alone. Terribly unlucky contribution to India’s recent published on March 21, 2006. successes has been the brilliant * * * part played by national bowling coach B. Arun, a former Tamil 11. ‘Academy Award of Mer- it’, 12. The only films to have Vavilla Press – a forgotten one Nadu and India all-rounder, received the ‘Big Five’ awards Though Arun’s specialisation (Continued from page 6) happens to the rare books the old ones and feel the with- (Best Picture, Director, Actor, lies in fast bowling, and he has Actress, and Screenplay), 13. here?”, I ask. “We are planning ered table top as I prepare to largely been acknowledged as Bhanu Athaiya for Gandhi, 14. by Srinivasamurthy and his to assign a small space to estab- take my leave. Srinivasamurthy the man responsible for the re- brother. Walt Disney, 15. It was not re- lish a library in the name of V.V. stands at the door and waves markable consistency, improved leased in Los Angeles County Today, around 2,000 books Sastrulu or his father. The rare goodbye. I thought I could feel pace and rigorous discipline until 1972 and hence was not sit silently in the shelves waiting English book collection will be all those 2,000 books waving to of our pacemen from Ishant eligible for any Academy Awards for buyers. Footfalls barely trick- on display and open to public me through the pink walls of Sharma and Mohammed Shami until that time, 16. The Lord of le in these days, acknowledges use. We would also need help their home as I rev up my car to Bhuvnesh Kumar and Jasprit the Rings: The Return of the King, Srinivasamurthy, a retired Ma- and support from people”, says and speed away. My thoughts Bumrah, and his discovery and 17. Salaam Bombay! and Lagaan, dras High Court Advocate. The Srinivasamurthy. are full of Vavilla – a name that encouragement of talented 18. George Bernard Shaw and brothers are planning to send The Press that supported lives on in this city, carefully youngsters like Mohammed Bob Dylan, 19. Cate Blanchett the Telugu books to Hyderabad freedom fighters like VOC is wrapped in a time capsule, Siraj, the spinners, too, give him (Best Supporting Actress) in The and are considering vacating awaiting a change. I run my tucked away in Old Washer- credit for his valuable insights Aviator, 20. Priyanka Chopra and the sprawling premises. “What fingers over the books, open manpet. and inputs. Bharathi Arun is Mank (10 nominations).

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