Registered with the Reg. No. TN/CH(C)/374/18-20 Registrar of Newspapers Licenced to post without prepayment for under R.N.I. 53640/91 Licence No. TN/PMG(CCR)/WPP-506/18-20 Publication: 1st & 16th of every month Rs. 5 per copy (Annual Subscription: Rs. 100/-) INSIDE  Short ‘N’ Snappy  Resurrecting the Lakes of Madras  The Story of a Wordsmith  Tamil Short Fiction  ’s Quest for Gold

www.madrasmusings.com WE CARE FOR MADRAS THAT IS Vol. XXX No. 13 December 16-31, 2020 Let’s keep the parks and beaches open e are not out of the that time this announcement various phases of the unlock Wwoods as yet as far as made sense, it being in line process, places of worship, Covid 19 is concerned. But it with the closing down of other gymnasiums, clubs, hotels and cannot be denied that numbers places of public congregation restaurants, and cinema the- are falling at present. The State including cinema halls, places atres opened up. Even wedding is reporting around 1,200 cases of worship, gymnasiums and halls were back in business a day, of which about a third clubs. Even then, there was and even though they were is from Chennai. Once again, a section of influencers such officially not supposed to cater the statistics are encouraging to more than 200 people at a in the city as well. It is in the time, reality pointed at much light of this that the continued  by The Editor larger figures, an aspect that locking up of the beach and the authorities chose to turn the parks remained a puzzle, the proverbial blind eye to. It especially when closed-door as doctors that did state that must be pointed out here that venues for entertainment and keeping parks and beaches all of these sectors had associa- relaxation had already been open was not harmful and tions and pressure groups that opened up. It finally required could actually provide people successfully lobbied with the the High Court to intervene – under an enforced and pro- administration. a matter as simple as allowing longed lockdown outlet for rec- Parks and beaches were road behind and the sands were of these open spaces but the us access to our open spaces reation. After all they argued, another matter altogether. off limits. This enforced over- vendors at the Marina began needed legal recourse! these were open air spaces and Despite all the openings up crowding on the walkway while repeatedly requesting the Gov- The Marina and other so had lesser risk of spread of listed above, these lungs of the a perfectly good parallel stretch ernment to open the place up, beaches, as well as parks in the virus. city remained firmly shut. At that could have shared the load citing loss of livelihood. The the city became out of bounds Since then, the actions of the Marina, the police began remained closed. The citizens High Court of Madras asked to people in March, when the the Government were nothing permitting people to walk on did not seem overly concerned lockdown was announced. At short of puzzling. Over the the promenade but the sunken about the continued lockdown (Continued on page 2) ISWD project hits stormy waters in ECR

esidents of ECR are pro- cost of Rs. 300 crores and it is well as the recent Cyclone Biodiversity Areas by the Min- Ravanan Misa, which prevent Rtesting the building of this module that has run into Nivar. Residents are concerned istry of Environment, Forests beach erosion in the area. storm water drains in their trouble with some of ECR’s that the proposed storm water and Climate Change. The ge- The claim is that the work has neighbourhoods, fearing that residents. drains will instead harm the ography’s shore and inter-tidal commenced without an Envi- the move will do more harm A press release issued by water table by diverting water ecosystem nurtures a variety of ronment Impact Assessment than good. The storm water the COASWD (Coalition from natural percolation into plant and animal life, including approval, Coastal Regulation drains under contention come concrete drains that lead to the Olive Ridley turtles which Zone clearance or public con- under the scope of the Rs.  by Our Special the sea. Since the area does famously come to these beach- sultation. 4,034 crore Integrated Storm Correspondent not have sewerage systems, the es to lay their eggs during the A statement issued by the Water Drain (ISWD) project proposed storm water drains nesting season. With outfall Superintending Engineer of which aims at building ad- run the risk of discharging pol- diverted towards the sea, it is the Storm Water Drain depart- equate drainage facilities in Against Storm Water Drains) luted water into the beaches. feared that the storm water ment of the GCC, however, extended areas comprising the asserts that the area does The COASWD points out drains would rob the turtles of reiterates that water stagnation city’s four river basins – Adyar not need storm water drains that such diversion will also a safe space to nest, since the is a problem in the area due to and Cooum, Kovalam and since the soil acts as a ‘natural hurt the coastal ecosystem embryos would be cut off from “urbanisation”, claiming that Kosasthalaiyar. The Kovalam drain’, pointing out that most in the neighbourhood, which oxygen if the sands are too wet. the authorities have had to portion of the ISWD project neighbourhoods remained safe includes areas like Kovalam The project is also expected to use pumping motors to bale is being funded by the German from water-logging during the and Muttukadu, designated as harm local plants such as the development bank KfW at a Chennai floods of 2015 as Important Coastal & Marine Ipomaea, the Spineifex and the (Continued on page 2)

Madras Musings wishes all its readers A Very Happy & Prosperous New Year. 2 December 16-31, 2020 Reopening parks and beaches (Continued from page 1) Fighting Covid in the air raise protests. The memory of the authorities about plans the Jallikattu gatherings may nd so the long-dreaded the near vicinity turned wavy and an overall suggestion that to allow access to the beach. still be fresh in the minds of Amoment arrived. No, it and a bright shade of yellow. people needed to be careful. The Corporation said it had is not what you think it is, or What with the mist forming Nowadays, with better tech- the powers that be. But even at least that is what The Man on MMM’s spectacles with nology in place, these forecasts no objection and that it was up if that were to be the reason, from Madras Musings thinks the mask and the blurred vi- have got a lot better. And to the State Government. The it is unfortunate that the lay you think. He alludes on the sion caused by the face shield, leading the pack are some Additional Advocate Gen- public, chafing for long under other hand to travelling by air MMM just about managed wonderful so-called amateur eral informed the Court that lockdown, economic hardships during this year of pandemic. to feel his way to the aircraft. weathermen who in MMM’s the beaches would remain and fear of infection, apart MMM had put off going any- He completed the journey view do a much better job in closed till November 30. And from loss of near and dear ones where outside Chennai for in a flurry of prayers and by analysing trends than the of- then, finally, it was announced to the pandemic, were denied long but this journey had to keeping his eyes tightly shut. ficial channels. Some of these that the long awaited opening access to spaces where they be made. Mercifully it was a The flight was bumpy as it is, weather bloggers have become short flight, just over an hour, what with it being monsoon celebrities as well, with follow- would be on December 14th. could relax and be rejuvenated. This reluctance to open but while it lasted, it seemed time, by which MMM refers ing on social media running It is not everyone who could a lifetime. to the three-and-a-half days of into several thousands, and up these recreation spots is afford to go to gymnasiums There was firstly the mat- the year when it rains in Chen- deservedly so. mysterious. It is most likely and clubs to be fit. The State ter of the paperwork. In the nai. And so MMM muttered But as in any celebrity- that with an election looming Government has a moral re- old paper-free way of living several prayers as well, apart hood, there are problems, large, the authorities were sponsibility to keep the parks to which we were all advised from furtively checking that his one among these being the extremely cautious about mak- and beaches open. And it us to adapt to, MMM had taken document of self-declaration of fans who expect their idols ing available any space where up to us citizens to ensure they to saving his boarding pass good health was safe. Arriving to come up with answers to people could congregate and remain that way. on his phone and showing it at his destination, MMM first just about any query. MMM, at the security checkpoint on removed the face shield and apart from reading what these entering the airport. Now he having regained normal vision, weathermen write, also derives was advised, he needed to take also attained a degree of com- much joy in scrolling down a printout of the same. He was posure. to see some of the comments ISWD project hits stormy also asked to take a printout Throughout his stay MMM and queries that people type of a letter stating that he was kept checking out the doc- in. “My sister’s wedding is waters in ECR in perfectly good health, this ument of self-declaration of fixed on this date. Do you being needed not for the out- good health. And when it was think it will rain then?” ran ward journey but the return. time to return, waved it at one. Another said that he was (Continued from page 1) water percolate to the water MMM’s destination city was the check in counter. The travelling between one town in out water as well as cut kutcha table. In their view, Sustainable not apparently as bothered as the State to another by car on drains to divert rainwater into Drainage Systems (SUDs) are a to who came in as Chennai a particular date and wanted the sea. The statement also better alternative to concrete was. This done, MMM was SHORT ’N’ to know from the weatherman says that a consultant appoint- storm water drains – SUDs also advised by those who had as to when it would rain, how already travelled by air that he SNAPPY many cm would it be and how ed by the German development not only take into account the quantity of water that would need to be at the airport long it would last. bank KfW has carried out field at least a couple of hours in crew there were most puzzled Some were annoyed that surveys and tests to guide the needs to be managed but also advance, ‘just in case’. As to and wanted to know what it the weatherman was predict- project plan. The GCC main- keeps an eye on water quality what that meant MMM had was. They asked MMM if he ing more rain. “Have we not tains that due priority has been and biodiversity. Countering no clue but it did fill him with was suffering from Covid and had enough? After all the lakes accorded to protect rainwater GCC’s defense of the project a nameless dread. These are whether this was a request for and reservoirs are full. Why harvesting efforts – the plan is as a long-term solution against times of all kinds of nameless travel in that condition. MMM do you keep saying it will rain climate change, the coalition dreads anyway. hastily withdrew the proffered more?” they ranted. MMM to import rain water harvesting document only to be presented blocks from Germany, which maintains that storm water Having arrived at the air- could only sympathise with port all nice and early, MMM with the face shield. Now it was the forecaster. After all he was will be installed at 20 places, so drains are typically planned MMM’s turn to demur. Rather to meet short-term needs and found several people showing only writing about a natural that only “the remaining runoff their boarding passes on their diffidently he asked the man phenomenon and was not in water which is left after har- therefore cannot be a sustain- phones and managing to gain at the counter as to whether a position to control what was vesting will drain to sea with- able solution in the long run. entry. MMM showed his pa- it was compulsory to wear the happening. But that did not out obstructing the routine life The group underlines that the per, and was duly let in. In the mask. Yes it was came the firm seem to be a point that many of general public” (sic). The project is a violation of the process of waving this docu- reply. MMM then said he had could understand. statement also refers to the law under Schedule 1 of the ment MMM nearly dropped vision issues with it. To this But what took the cake, storm water drains constructed Wildlife Protection Act, which the self-declaration of good the man patiently suggested and most sadly at that, was a extends absolute protection to health document which if you to MMM that he peel off the social media attack on per- in the Adyar and Cooum basins layer of plastic that covered the as part of the ISWD project, sea-turtles. COASWD refers recall was more important haps the best-known weather than the air ticket for the re- shield before wearing it. MMM blogger of the State, chiefly on which are claimed to have to a project in the past as did, and presto was able to see a precedent to follow – the turn journey. Having retrieved account of the religion that he greatly reduced water stagna- it MMM tucked it away safely, well. The return to Chennai professed. MMM is not sure as tion in the areas. World Bank had reportedly thereby temporarily calm- was a lot better than the jour- to how the faith of an amateur According to the COAS- funded the planting of casua- ing down his other nameless ney out. But then, it is always weather forecaster matters in WD, experts agree with their rina trees on the shores around dread – of being denied entry nice to come back home. anyway but it apparently did to evaluation that storm water Chennai after the 2004 tsuna- to Chennai on return. a few fringe elements and they drains are not needed for their mi, but dropped the project on The Chennai airport was Forecasting the had a field time for a while neighbourhoods in ECR. It is learning of its danger to animal freezing, the air-conditioning before they went on to attack felt that low-lying areas would species on the shore. The com- settings no doubt being fixed weather others. All of this did cloud be better served with natural munity’s pleas were put forth to at levels meant for an over- he Man from Madras Mus- what was a wonderful column the National Green Tribunal, flowing and not near-empty ings referred to the Chen- on the weather in Tamil Nadu. remedies such as recharge airport. The place was more T But the sun has since then re- wells, which help the rain- which has appointed a com- nai monsoon in his earlier pas- like a vast operation theatre sage. Given that this so-called emerged and all is calm once mittee to review the need for with everyone going around more on the weather and the storm water drains in the area. season lasts around ten days, in masks and PPEs. The last MMM must say that the city weather blogging fronts. According to reports, the NGT named also made it appear devotes an inordinate amount has directed the committee to as though the airport had of time and attention to it. Tailpiece present its findings on or before suddenly been taken over by Time was when predicting the January 11, 2021, failing which a team of people being cast weather was like forecasting his is the Season of Greet- an interim report is to be filed to act in a film on astronauts. your future – you could get Tings and may peace be regarding prima facie violations The passengers were of course away with vague statements upon earth. The Man from Madras Musings wishes ev- if any. in a different class – most had on the possibility of clouds, masks below their chins, or may be some lightning accom- eryone a happy 2021. And he According to COASWD, just covering their mouths, would like to end 2020 with GCC has been proceeding with panied by thunder, some rain, hanging on one ear, or worse, occasionally heavy downpours a benediction that he photo- the project without waiting for dangling from the crook of graphed on a church the committee’s joint report. the arm. wall. Whoever it was The group claims that resi- Just before boarding the who wrote that clearly dents have had to protest and aircraft, MMM was given a was at the bottom in stop work at more than twelve face shield on wearing which spelling. locations at , Pa- he became severely astigmat- –MMM ic. Just about everything in Concrete drain under construc- lavakkam, Akkarai, Pannaiyur, tion with stagnant rainwater. Neelangarai and Uthandi. December 16-31, 2020 MADRAS MUSINGS 3

needs to be highlighted is the continued neglect of the water bodies by the authorities. Karma Veeran “Cre-A” Ram At a time when the need is to preserve the water bodies, he deadly pandemic covid has swallowed many a hapless the Chennai Metropolitan De- Tbeing on its inexorable march and the latest to joint this list is the formidable figure in Tamil and English publishing worlds, velopment Authority (CMDA) famously known as “ ‘Cre-A’ Ramakrishnan”, in Chennai. has been bent upon encourag- What fills us with wonder is that he managed to launch the ing the reclassification of the third, revised edition of Cre-A’s Tamil-Tamil-English dictio- same to other zones such as nary virtually from his hospital bed on Novembering 13, 2020, signals and passing on various residential, commercial, insti- lingering between life and death. The sight filled the viewer Website comment with awe. Ramakrishnan was a dauntless person, seeing the instructions are very difficult tutional etc thereby allowing the water sources to get com- polestar of perfection and creativity with unwavering eye. He Umpire’s Given is Given during a match, especially was a self-made lexicographer with a passion for Tamil and when language is a barrier. The pletely depleted. Emphasizing (Vol. XXIX No. 22, March the need to protect water bod- other languages, European included. The experience of having 1-15, 2020 by G. Ram Mohan) non-striker was asked to watch worked with him and his team for the maiden edition of the the call, instead he was seeing ies so as to ensure availability dictionary was a learning curve for me. His strong intellectu- ut palapatre for person the batsman’s kaal – that is leg of water for the present and ality, his keen eye for the new discerning creations, his nose Bplaying for several sides, – and got run out. future generations, the Na- for the zeitgeist, his fine aesthetic sense, his uncompromising uruttal for a ball rolling on tional Green Tribunal (NGT) insistence on quality, his respect for knowledgeable people, all the wicket, aadichi aadu for has issued directives to the made a difference to the productions from his publishing house. States and Union Territories to big hits etc. were common ex- Calicut Krishnan His publication of the Tamil translation of the English pressions in local cricket. But ­Subramaniam appoint a nodal agency under biography of the legendary dancer by her son- making people understand the [email protected] the stewardship of the Chief in-law Douglas Knight is one instance that comes to my mind. Secretary to monitor such mis- He was a combination of the Renaissance mind marked by steps and take suitable action curiosity and classical perfection. His intellectual acumen to preserve the water bodies. naturally drew many illustrious academics, painters, avant-gar- Reader’s view on different topics While on this, a recent de theatre directors, and writers towards him. He was a report that appeared in The reputed publisher, lexicographer, stringent editor, translator, all rolled in one. He made Tamil truly global by his undying A new reservoir 1-15, 2020) was the very long New Indian Express [Nov 26, 2020], stated that despite the efforts. The sombre scene, after the recent demise of many after 76 years delay in creating new reservoir writers and artists, recalls to mind Shakespeare’s sonnet and the need to create more sanctioning of funds, desilting lxxiii: “Bare, ruin’ed choirs where the late sweet birds sang.” hile the emphasis in the such reservoirs so as to cater of Wnews item ‘A new reser- to the water-needs of Chennai was not taken up by authorities But Ramakrishnan’s indefatigable spirit should voir after 76 years’ (MM, Dec and its surroundings, what over the years, and experts teach any person aspiring for perfection and fulfil- opine this was the main reason ment, the force of positive thinking and resolute action. why water had to be released C.T. Indra from the reservoir, as a measure Formerly Professor and Head of the Department of English of abundant caution, when [email protected] l Pavithra’s Perspective Cyclone Nivar hit the State. It was stated that at least 15 per cent of the lake is filled with The Note silt and that deepening work well/sump water. The residents I’m interested in sourcing any was not carried out at all. The spend hefty amounts to pump material evidence such as old experts state that deepening of out the stagnated water and photos along with its history the lake would have increased also the polluted water from and folks who may have likely the storage capacity of the lake the well/sumps. lived in that home pre and post by over three times. Further, since the electrical independence. Besides creating facilities appliances are installed at the Paul Manoharan for new reservoirs which will ground level, during rainy sea- [email protected] cost the exchequer and will be son, the residents are forced time consuming, the need of to turn off power to avoid Correction the hour is to desilt all lakes electrocution as rain water and deepen the same further gets collected in the premises he article on “Tennis Trio” so that storage level can be due to the elevated road levels. Tby Sri. V.K. Parthasarathy increased. In this manner, the The dysfunctional storm water is quite interesting to read. water scarcity during summer drains further aggravate the However, I would like to bring can be minimised. situation. The residents are to the author’s attention a glar- forced to put up with such a ing omission of record. * * * situation every time it rains, While the other two, Rising road levels and this is entirely due to the achieved career Grand Slams, I must have been eight or nine when I drew my first bank note. inept relaying of the roads by Novak did it in a cycle year be- hat solution does the the GCC. GCC alone is re- ginning from 2015 Wimbledon Peering through the haze of memory I’m able to discern that it was WGreater Chennai Cor- sponsible for this and it should to 2016 French Open. In the a ten rupee note, borrowed from my mother (she had no idea why poration offer to mitigate the offer a solution. open era, that is a great feat I asked for it, though, as I never shopped without her permission). sufferings of the residents of V.S. Jayaraman as the only one other player Hours later, with the help of my trusty school kit of water-colours, the streets where the road 31, Motilal Street namely great Rod Laver did it, I finished an exact replica of the note, cut it out, and returned both ­levels have gone up following Chennai 600 017 that too in a calendar year. original and duplicate to my parents, who barely even glanced at the the re-laying of the roads over Also, there is a mistake in and above the surface over a Beracah House notes at first and put them aside, asking what business I had with Beracah Road, “HEAD to HEAD” record money … upon which I had to convince them to look at them again. period of time? between Novak and Rafal. It They did and were promptly and gratifyingly appreciative, my father For example, most of the res- eaching out to see if your is 29 and 27 after the recent going so far as to show it proudly to his colleagues. They couldn’t idential apartments in T. Nagar, Rteam would be able to as- French Open. As regards to even distinguish between the real note and the fake one, they swore and, I assume so in other areas sist in fleshing out any past info the ­number of weeks as No.1, up and down (a piece of exaggeration I was happy to let slide by). in the City, are decades old. relating to a historic bunga- it should be 312 for Roger When these apartments were low called the Beracah House, They did draw a line, however, when I wanted to display my work and 305 for Novak and not as built, the road level was three which now ceases to exist. stated. in school. My understanding of law was practically non-existent at feet below the apartments. The In the late 60s my grand Barring the above, the write that time, so the whole “replica” explanation flew over my head. So GCC’s relaying of the roads parents lived in that home up is very much enjoyable for there it ended – but my love affair with trying to draw notes never over the period of time, has which I’m told was likely to the tennis buff in me. I greatly quite did. Which is why I shifted from current currency, to those cen- elevated the road level to such have been more than 50+ appreciate the author for his turies past. This specimen, a Rs. 100 note, is a particular favourite as an extent that it has pushed the years at the time. On my most contribution. it not only belongs the period of one of my idols, Sir Thomas Munro, road levels of the streets to a recent visit to this location, I Thanking you and looking but also features his silhouette on top. low level. This naturally results learnt that the old bungalow forward to many such articles in water on roads flowing into was demolished to give way to Description: 3.5” by 5” approximately on various sports. Medium: Black and White Micron Pens: the apartments premises, caus- an ugly concrete religious hall! 0.20mm and 0.35mm. ing inundation during rainy I have fond memories of B. Vatsal season, besides polluting the growing up in that house and [email protected] 4 MADRAS MUSINGS December 16-31, 2020 December 16-31, 2020 MADRAS MUSINGS 5 Resurrecting the The story of a Wordsmith Lakes of Madras

adras is known for its un- of protecting a lake from cur- lated issues for residents living Mpredictable and extreme rent-day modern challenges and adjacent to the lake and loss of monsoons, courtesy cyclones. to revive it through scientific pure drinking water,” reveals The city may flood in the manic means. This includes steps to the E.F.I founder. The duration Lake restoration work in progress. rains, wreaking havoc on its very clean up the water body, recover required to restore varies from foundations. Moreover, being a its habitat characteristics and lake to lake as per the restoration low-lying area on the coast of balance the hydraulics. The goal. Natural healing and cleans- embankments; and a minimum dumping of trash in September Bay of Bengal, the sea may rise general process include cleaning ing is the only fool proof method of three years to restore fifty 2020. to inundate Madras, mercilessly. the lake of trash, clearing the which may take centuries: “We percent of the lake. This involves “The amount of funds de- The scar of the 2015-floods still invasive weeds, deepening the are only aiming at reviving lakes reviving its original holding ca- pends on the state of wetland. runs deep in the memories of water body to increase storage to modern day standards for op- pacity, improving water quality For minimal disturbance, six many locals. There is forever a capacity based on its soil condi- timum conservation possible in and making sure there are no lakhs is enough to restore a wet- need to contain the waters. tion, strengthening the embank- the current context,” he says. It obstructions to the flow of water, land of 10 hectares. But if the This is where lakes come ments and regulating the water’s will take one year for building elaborates Jayashree. condition is problematic, then into play. “With a restored wa- inflow-outflow regions.” E.F.I revived Kannagi Nagar even 50 lakhs won’t make a dif- ter body (lakes), regulating the “It is a time consuming pro- Lake in Thoraipakkam focusing ference,” she clarifies. The Tamil storm water into storage areas is cess, that is not just restricted to on groundwater percolation, Nadu government launched possible. This prevents flooding desilting and making embank- temperature regulation, con- the Kudimamaruthu scheme  by in residential areas. Though ments,” remarks Jayashree Ven- structing new bunds or em- in March 2017 to restore the Padmaja Jayaraman hundred percent inundation catesan, the managing trustee of bankments, deepening the wa- water-bodies in the state with free-zones may not be possible, Care Earth Trust, an NGO based ter-holding area and putting up the help of local community because of the levels at which in which is in the protective fencing to prevent participation. Out of the 499 our city is positioned, the time final leg of restoring the lakes of taken for receding and storage Thazhambur, Pudhuthangal and can be improved,” says Arun . Krishnamurthy, the founder “Dumping solid-liquid waste Ramakrishnan (second from left) at Mozhi. of Environmentalist Founda- and construction debris, along

 by S. Theodore Baskaran

The lake or Thamarai Keni Lake. tion of India (E.F.I), an NGO with encroaching on lake-water Cover of Imayam’s novel Vazhga…Vazhga, Chola bronzes and Tamil verson of Zen Master Thich Nhat based in . E.F.I holding area for construction Hanh’s Being Peace. has restored around 43 lakes in have led to the destruction of and around Madras since 2011, several lake ecosystems in Chen- including Thamaraikeni Lake in nai. This has led to loss of biodi- Sholinganallur, Kannagi Nagar versity, emergence of health-re- Lake in Thoraipakkam and Resurrecting the lakes of Madras Arasankazhani Lake in Perum- Above: Alleri Tank, Located with- in the M.E.P.Z, West , (Continued from Page 4) more than INR 2.7 crores and wetland, one of south India’s last to maintain a neighboring lake bakkam. Chennai. Left: Arasankazhani Lake, Grundfos will contribute INR 1.7 remaining natural marshlands. or pond. “You can make sure Madras has a track record G-Shaped islands, dual bunds, and par- The Nature Conservancy (one crores and up to INR 7.5 lakhs in “The biggest mistake is to pollution from the flat doesn’t of oscillating back and forth allel trenches were carried out during of the world’s largest conser- kind for civil works, wastewater treat all the waterbodies in the enter the water body. Install dual from water crisis in summer to this restoration. vation organisations). Business treatment, and landscaping to same way. They are different plumbing. Reuse and recycle the devastating floods in monsoon. World reported on August 2020 rejuvenate the 100-acre lake in terms of their structure, hy- grey water that comes out of the In 2019, there was no rain for crore rupees estimate for Tamil that, Cognizant will contribute that flows into the drology, functionality, terrain building,” advises Jayashree. around six months, and the Nadu under the scheme, Madras and location. We assess the site Lake restoration not only groundwater receded signifi- got 93 crores for management with the help of a combination helps people to alleviate wa- cantly. The city was parched and restoration of water bodies, of experts before beginning the ter-shortage and flooding, but with major reservoirs of Poondi, according to a GO issued in June restoration process. The difficul- also helps to bring back biodiver- and Red Hills dry- 2019. ty lies with the amount of time, sity. Wetland plants and animals ing up. The city must buck up its Even private organisations efforts and resources that can be are reemerging. Medicinal plants lake-restoration processes to sta- like Cognizant and Grundfos, devoted to understanding the like brahmi and green leafy veg- bilise its groundwater reserves. which provides advanced pump waterbodies,” answers Jayashree etables are seen growing near “If not, we would continue to be solutions and water technology when asked about the hardships the lakes. Habitats have been victims of water shortage,” alerts funded the restoration of water encountered in restoring lakes. created for amphibians, reptiles Krishnamurthy. bodies, joining hands with Care Krishnamurthy urges people and birds like spot-billed pelicans He walks us through the ba- Earth Trust, IIT Madras and to talk about water bodies to and painted storks: “They sit sics of lake restoration: “Lake gain more awareness, and par- there as if they own the place,” restoration refers to the process (Continued on page 5) Uzhavarkeni Thangal ECR, shot after restoration. ticipate in volunteering efforts laughs Jayashree. 6 MADRAS MUSINGS December 16-31, 2020 A gentle introduction to Tamil short fiction

Quizmaster V.V. Ramanan’s first 10 questions are on current nce upon a time, Indian This was Tamil Short Stories about the piece of dried fish affairs and next on traditional Ograndmothers fed fussy 101. The vivacious “course in- that accidentally lands in a Indian culinary preparations. children by telling them stories. structor” begins by telling you cauldron of wedding sambar has “The prince was married, the a little bit about the author. echoes of an old Thi. Ja story. 1. According to a recent decision slandered bride reinstated, and Her enjoyment in sharing an That old plot was set in an eat- by China and Nepal, by how the wicked stepmother thrown old favorite piece of work is ery, and someone dies after, but much has Mt. Everest’s height into the lime kiln, just when obvious, but her laughter will maybe not from, eating tainted increased from the generally-­ the morsel in the sleepy hand not obscure funny passages. sambar. We don’t know what accepted height of 8848 metres? was the very last one,” wrote Her voice doesn’t crack at a sad the cause of death was, nor 2. How did 90-year-old Margaret linguist A.K. Ramanujan, who ending. In short, she never gets does the protagonist, the mess Keenan of the UK make news has documented this ritual of between you and the story. She owner. This tale of a disaster not recently? dinner-cum-bedtime stories in spotlights some non-obvious averted is a tragicomedy that 3. The US Federal Trade Com- his essay “Telling Tales.” aspect of the writing at the end offers interesting insights into a T. Janakiraman. mission and more than 40 States of the session and leaves you man’s conscience. have called for Facebook to break As the world lies in the grasp off which two brands? of an unrelenting pandemic, thinking about the story till she Like any good instructor, brothers, who have drifted apart 4. Which Nobel Laureate has even adults could perhaps use shows up the next week with Ms. Bhaskar has inspired me to as adults, because of a differ- sold his entire song catalogue to the solace of a well-told tale. another eclectic pick. go out of syllabus, and do some ence in income-levels, social Universal Music for more than I had no idea how much I Thanks to this class, I dis- extra reading, or extra listening, standing, and insensitive wives, $300 million? wanted to be read to in my first covered T. Janakiraman. Fans as is the case here. In a few reunite in the face of a crisis. A 5. Name the famous pilot, the language, Tamil, till I heard called him Thi Ja, which is short months, I have become very satisfying weepie. first to break the sound barrier, a familiar voice on YouTube what his Tamil initials short- acquainted with the work of at But Chudamani’s other sto- who passed on recently aged 97. narrate a short story by popular en to. The author, an English least a dozen Tamil writers: the ries were very different. In fact, 6. Fans have launched a crowd- writer “Sujatha” Rangarajan. teacher and later an employee old-time greats, the household the ending of one was so rad- funding campaign to buy and of All India Radio, Madras, names, and contemporary writ- ical, I was not even sure I had convert into a museum the long- I stumbled upon this channel just before my bedtime, as it would have been a 100 years old ers in our midst, who deserve to heard right though it is a good time Oxford home of which this year. His acclaimed novel be better known. English author? happened. 40 years since she had written “Mogamul” (Thorn of Desire) 7. What seven-decade tradition Bharathy Bhaskar, television those lines. It was 11 PM in looked forward to by its cus- personality, had picked a short Boston, but I just had to replay tomers has furniture giant IKEA story whose title translates to the ending. decided to end? An Uncomplicated Romance. It These story sessions have me 8. Why were breakdancing, skate- was about two friends, residents  by Vijaysree Venkatraman hooked. I cannot wait to see boarding, sport climbing and which writer she will present to surfing in the news recently? of a medical college hostel. One of them is a confident, us next. The star debater and 9. Japanese probe Hayabusa2 motivational speaker must be recently delivered the first-ever good-looking woman and the other is a good student, who waiting to get back on stage, subsurface samples from which was made into a movie after One of Ms. Bhaskar’s own fulminate in high-flown Tamil, heavenly body? has not yet developed a sense his death. favorites appears to be R. and listen to the sweet sound of 10. Name the famous footballer, of self-worth. Global air travel might take Chudamani. The pioneering the architect of Italy’s 1982 FIFA live applause. But in the mean- Immediately, I was trans- a while to get back to normal, feminist author’s writing is so time, Ms. Bhaskar has the quiet World Cup triumph with most but in the meanwhile, Thi. Ja’s worldly and sharp, it is hard goals, who passed away recently. ported to the only ladies hostel gratitude of listeners like me then in the IIT Madras campus, writing takes us to small towns to believe she was a recluse * * * who cannot read Tamil books my home during my college along the Cauvery and back because of a medical condition. 11. Name the famous Kashmiri on their own. years. The incredulity of the to a time when most Indians Her work has not been adapted dish comprising seven to 36 traveled by train. for the screen, nor was she com- dishes of mutton or beef, chicken, less sought-after girl when the fruits, and vegetables. watchman announces that she A second-class train com- missioned to write dialogues or Links: 12. With which community would has a visitor, her loneliness partment is, in fact, the setting scripts. https://youtu.be/OiSX- one associate the Dhansak? ­despite being surrounded by for one of Thi. Ja’s most popular The first Chudamani story CGnbt2U?t=17 (An older 13. Name the famous paper-thin classmates, or the fact that stories “Silirpu” (Goosebumps). I heard had all the melodrama Kathai Neram session with BB in dessert made in the Andhra area. she feels like an orphan simply A young domestic worker is on of a Tamil black-and-white which she introduces the work 14. What are the five natural in- because she is away from home her way to Calcutta to care for movie from the 1960s distilled of three writers: Jeymohan, gredients that traditionally make – all of this felt so real. the children of a wealthy judge. into one piece of fiction. Two M.V. Venkataram, and Thi. Ja) up Palani Panchamirtham? Her employers don’t seem to be At one point, the protago- 15. What is one eating in Tripura generous, but most fellow trav- if he/she is served a preparation nist, a budding physician real- elers feel sympathy for this im- made of bamboo shoots, pork and izes she has the training to save poverished girl, barely ten years You can contribute to jackfruit? lives, which is not a trivial skill. of age. Among them, a little boy 16. According to popular folk- With some effort, she can excel offers her an orange as a parting CHENNAI HERITAGE lore, which dish gets its name as it in her field. We leave her at the gift. His father is overjoyed. As As a token of your support for the causes of heritage, was the 65th item in the menu of beginning of a lifelong romance, they alight the train, the father a famous restaurant in Chennai? ­environment and a better city that Madras Musings unmindful of young men who hugs his son tightly. Don’t we 17. According to many food ­espouses, you can subscribe to Madras Musings – the only worship physical beauty. all long to make our parents this experts, which soft melt-in-the- She had found her purpose in ­annual subscription is Rs 100 and we welcome additional mouth delicacy was created for proud of us? donations too to keep us going. You can make your life. Thi. Ja often makes a gen- the gourmand Nawab Asad-ud- ­payments to our bank account as below: Daula? I stumbled into an informal tle push for a more humane 18. What is the fundamental literature appreciation course humanity. The writing can get Chennai Heritage difference between the Gujarati during the lockdown weeks. verbose, but in essence, this is , Branch favourites ‘khaman’ and ‘dhokla’? While we are familiar with the his message: Do not increase CA No. 413158606 IFSC : IDIB000A013 19. Name the traditional sweet names of popular Tamil writ- the misery of the world. The cheesecake from Odisha that is ers who have written stories, world needs decency, common Please make sure you send an email to served as one of the offerings to screenplays, and dialogues for sense, charity, and goodwill. ­[email protected] with transfer details so Lord Jagannath in Puri. the movies, here was a chance This makes Thi. Ja’s creations that we can acknowledge receipt. 20. Name the deep-fried snack to know what made the movie seem ripe for revival. If you are a new subscriber, you need to send us details of made of semolina, banana, yo- industry seek them out in the The beloved stage actor, and ghurt and milk and flavoured your name and address as well. If you are renewing your first place. Knowing the work scriptwriter, Crazy Mohan was a with fennel seeds and cardamom subscription make sure you quote your subscription number of writers who had nothing to Thi. Ja fan. His now legendary that is native to the Kumaoni as reference. This is the number that is on the wrapper of do with movies would be the sketch in the comedy classic region of Uttarakhand. your copy of Madras Musings. (Answers on page 8) bonus. Michael Madana Kamarajan, December 16-31, 2020 MADRAS MUSINGS 7 Tamil Nadu’s quest for Gold

hennai’s love for a good a plethora of information, pro- Cgame is perhaps best de- viding an insight into the origin scribed by way of an anecdote of the sport in focus, its intro- that is well-known in cricketing duction to India and its growth circles. It’s certainly one of my in Tamil Nadu. favourites. It was 1997. India Some of the origin stories was playing a cricket match are quite fascinating to read. against arch-rival Pakistan at Did you know, for instance, Buchi Babu – The Father of Indian the Stadium. As the that snooker traces its origins Cricket. crowd watched Pakistani bats- to 19th Century Ooty? Or that the author’s introduction to man Saeed Anwar expertly fencing came into its own as a bridge, in which he describes demolished the Indian bowling professional sport when duels how integral card games were to line-up, relentlessly putting were banned? Or that is Company culture in the days of away boundaries one after the preceded by a similar strategy the British Raj – ‘Fortunes were other. Racking up a mammoth game of Indian origin, chaturan- made in a few years and lost in 194 runs, he ended up break- The newly invented game of Badminton in the late 1800s. (All pictures are ga, that was supposed to have a night at cards,’ he writes. As ing Viv Richard’s record of reproduced from the book.) been played even during the Muthiah puts it, card games the highest individual score age of the Ramayana? Delightful were so popular in those days in ODIs. It isn’t a knock that Muthiah’s work know exactly by a keen sports enthusiast, and pieces of sports trivia like these that the Bengal and Madras fans of the Indian team fondly what to expect from the volume true enough, the foreword from are peppered throughout the clubs had to build card rooms remember, but Chennai’s au- – a goldmine of information Tamil Nadu Sports Association book. The chapter on cricket for playing members. dience didn’t let such a small backed by solid research and President N. Ramachandran contains one that I particularly The author’s efforts to set thing as losing hold them back passion for his subject of study. contains a surprising nugget of enjoyed – “Cricket came to In- each sport in the context of the from appreciating Saeed An- And that is precisely what they information – “Many people dia in the 18th Century with the history and culture of the day war’s brilliant game that day. get. may not even be aware that British sailors. It is stated that makes for enjoyable reading, When Anwar’s innings came to The blurb on the dust jacket Mr. Muthiah started his life in the game was first played in Ma- not just for the sports aficiona- an end on being caught out by says – “Over 250 black and journalism as a sports journal- dras around 1765 on the Island do but for the lay non-fiction Ganguly, the crowd broke into white pictures and easily com- ist,” he writes. In all, the book Grounds, in the shadow of Fort reader, too. The chapter on a thunderous applause which prehensible text take the reader covers the State’s history of a St. George,” reveals Muthiah. sailing, for instance, traces the lasted until he disappeared out through a 200-year journey of view – a moment that many from the elitist hobbies of the sports commentators still refer early 19th Century British Raj to as an example of the city’s to the present day where men sporting spirit. and women from the State With such an ethos, it is have achieved their fair share little wonder that the city has of national and international produced many legends – mul- glory, and Paralympic Gold, tiple World Chess Champi- too.” If you feel a tad over- on Viswanathan Anand calls whelmed at the vast scope, rest Chennai home, as do tennis assured that you’re not alone. legends & as well as squash stars Dipika Pallikal and Joshna Chinappa. There’s a lot  by to unpack in Chennai’s – and Varsha Venugopal Tamil Nadu’s – sporting legacy, and who better to take up this Herculean task than celebrated I felt rather daunted myself, in writer S. Muthiah? With his the beginning. I soon realized, book Tamil Nadu’s Quest for however, that even though Gold, S. Muthiah aims to give the book itself is huge – at 600 readers a comprehensive over- pages, it certainly isn’t a short view of the history of sports in book – it is neatly structured The Madras team that won the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 1955 captained by R.B. Alaganan. Standing the State. Readers familiar with as a string of chapters that are (l to r): B.S. Alva, J. Ramakrishna, M.K. Balakrishnan, M.K. Murugesh, A.K. Sarangapani, S. Balakrishnan, M.G. stand-alone reads in their own Bhavanarayanan, N. Balasubramaniam. Sitting (l to r): A.G. Kripal Singh, C.D. Gopinath, R.B. Alaganan, V. Patta- right, each one devoted to bhiraman (Manager), B.C. Alwa, D.L. Chakravarthi, M. Suryanarayan. providing informa- tion about a single staggering 43 unique sporting His words popped into my mind history of the sport all the way sport. While read- activities. In most chapters, as I crossed Island Grounds back to the period right after ers can get a fair- Muthiah presents readers with the very next day. I also loved the , when the ly detailed insight English “began moving out into Tamil Nadu’s of the Fort to settle on the history in popular Great Choultry Plain, between sports like cricket, and .” tennis, golf, squash Muthiah describes how the or table-tennis, new residents began sailing they can also enjoy on the city’s watercourses at Muthiah’s splendid , Red Hills, the Adyar narratives on niche and Cooum rivers, eventually sports in the State going on to form the Madras such as ball-bad- Boat Club. The author also minton, fencing or gives a detailed insight into the wushu. The book bodies that govern and promote is such a giant piece each sport in the State, with eye-opening accounts into the Harry Crowe buck and the first generation of of work that one Madras College of Physical Education students in feels that it had to mechanisms by which sports have been written The historical Billiards room at the Ooty Club, the official birthplace of 1920. Snooker. (Continued on page 8) 8 MADRAS MUSINGS December 16-31, 2020 Tamil Nadu’s quest for Gold

(Continued from page 7) Club why the devil no- body ever played Rugger in Madras. ‘Rugger?”’ cried the Man of Gloom who is generally about when such remarks are made. ‘You’ll nev- er again see Rugby in Madras; why, how the heck are you going to raise two teams, not to mention those necessary nuisances, a ball and a Racegoers at the Race Course watch the Pongal Day’s sport in Madras in the 60s. Vishwanathan Anand – India’s Maria Irudayam, the only Arjuna Awardee for Carrom. referee?’ first in 1998. That did it. tics and commentaries in some College. When he returned to Next to me was ‘Beefy H.N.C flourishes in the region. For cracking open a chapter for an cases. his hometown, he won many Campbell, who was in the Bedford the stats followers, the book entertaining read on a rainy day There are also surprising tournaments in Machilipatnam, side just before me. ‘We’re not provides meticulous data on along with a cup of tea. If that anecdotes and stories related Kakinada, Rajahmundry, Vizag- standing for that, Fatty, are we? each sport, with win-loss statis- sounds like it’s up your alley, to little-known sporting heroes patnam and Srikakulam. In I know Frank Orman’s about then ‘Tamil Nadu’s Quest For from the State. To my delight, I 1918, he returned to Madras to somewhere, so…’ was the burden Gold’ must find a place on your learned about the tennis player study for a law degree and then of his song in my ear. bookshelf. Narumanchi Narayanamurthi. began his best period in ten- Where there are O.Bs (Old From the book – “Narumanchi nis… Between 1916 and 1923, Boys) there’s Rugger, is an old Narayanamurthi, born in 1885 he won the MCCC title every maxim. So, in less than a fortnight in Peddaravuru near Tenali, year except in 1921. He took a from the non possumus, we lined was from a poor family and was set off Japanese player Shimuzu out on the Island, a full fifteen a Answers to encouraged by Rev. Wolfe and who was on his way to Wimble- side on a pitch which you could Rev. Penn. He grew into a com- don and played an exhibition hardly see for the puddles.” Quiz plete player at Madras Christian match against him. Dressed in One can’t help but wonder 86 centimetres, 2. She became khadi, he played barefoot most at the amount of research that the first person in the world to be of the time.” As an amateur the author had to have put in to vaccinated against coronavirus out- tennis player, the thought of a dig up these astonishing stories. side of a medical trial, 3. WhatsApp barefoot player plucking a set ‘Tamil Nadu’s Quest For Gold’ and Instagram, 4. Bob Dylan, 5. off a Wimbledon contestant is is a book for the keen sports fan Chuck Yeager, 6. J.R.R. Tolkien, 7. too joyful for words. who will undoubtedly appreci- Stop printing its famed annual cat- I also loved the tale of a ate Muthiah’s trademark story- alogue, 8. They will be featured in telling supported by painstak- the 2024 Summer Olympics in Par- rugby match played in 1890 is, 9. An asteroid, 10. Paolo Rossi. Madras in defiance of an off- ingly-compiled facts – quizzing the-cuff remark scoffing at the enthusiasts will definitely find * * * possibility. Muthiah provides themselves richer after a read. 11. Waazwan, 12. Parsis, 13. a few lines from the autobiog- It isn’t one of those books that Pootharekulu, 14. Banana, jaggery, raphy ‘An Outdoor Wallah’ by one devours in a single sitting cow ghee, honey and cardamom, E.H.D Sewell, describing the – one feels that it wasn’t meant 15. Chakhwi, 16. Chicken 65, 17. to be enjoyed that way, in fact. Galouti Kebab, 18. Dhokla is made event: with rice-chickpeas (chana) batter, The Amritraj brothers – Ashok, Vijay and Anand. Above: Indira Samba- “Somebody wondered one eve- Readers will find themselves khaman is made from chickpeas sivam and Lakshmi Mahadevan, when women played Tennis clad in saris and ning in the long bar of the Madras going back to the book often, only, 19. Chhena poda, 20. Singhal. Salwar Kameezes.

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