August 15 - Independence Day.
August 22 - Madras Day.
Will this become reality? Some of us think it will. And if people of this city lend a hand, it will be sooner.
Though it is a holiday, there is work to be done.
Badri Seshadri confirms he will give a talk at any venue in the city - he would have loved to talk on the history and growth of Tamil publishing in Chennai.
But we guess the other topic - on cricket - may pull in more people to the Shanmughasundaram Hall in Luz.
Our friend K. J. Suryanarayanan, who is active in the sabha circuit, makes contact with former IAS officer A. M. Swaminathan and Hemanth Kumar, who manage the affairs of the Sastri Hall and Shanmughasundaram hall in Luz, and though we do not get the ever-booked Sastri Hall, one of the best venues for a kutcheri, we have the other.
Badri wants to focus on the last 5 Test matches played at Chepauk and this talk should be a treat for all cricket enthusiasts (Well, there is another cricket talk happening at the Taj Coromandel hotel on Aug.22 evening - by former national cricketer, writer and communication consultant, V. Ramnarayan).
Badri Seshadri is currently the Publisher and Managing Director of New Horizon Media Private Limited (NHM), a company publishing print books, audio books and CDROMs in Tamil and English from Chennai.
Prior to founding Badri co-founded Cricinfo.com, and as part of the job went around the world watching cricket matches in England, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India etc. When he couldn't watch the matches in person, he watched the matches on TV. When even that was not possible, he got the scores delivered to him through his mobile phone.
He now watches less cricket in person, or on TV, but continues to follow every wicket that falls anywhere in the world through his mobile phone.
Badri has a B.Tech from IIT-Madras and a Ph.D from Cornell University,
USA in Mechanical Engineering. He lives in Gopalapuram and works in Alwarpet, and co-owns a bookshop in Mylapore.
I am late for the annual Landmark Quiz. Most of those who are at this event will hopefully turn up for the Madras Quiz (at P. S. School, Mylapore, Aug.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
He used his power for the common good
K. Venkataswami Naidu belonged to an ancient family of Naicks. His ancestor Beri Thimmappa had built two temples, one of Vishnu and the other of Shiva, in Devaraja Mudali Street in George Town – the Chennakesavaperumal and Chennamalleswara temples. Thimmappa held a seat in the Council and a salute of five guns was fired whenever he paid a visit to the Agent or Governor of Madras on Pongal days. He was presented with six yards of superfine scarlet on that occasion.
Venkataswami’s father K.T. Bashyam Naidu was known for his piety and generosity. Mother Srimathi Andalammal, who died when Venkataswami was young, belonged to the famous Bandla family. Their uncle K. Narayanappah Naidu and aunt Srimathi Narasammal looked after Venkataswami and his brothers. The uncle and his nephews built Appah & Company, which has a history of 60-plus years.
Venkataswami had his education in the institutions connected with the Pachaiyappa’s Charities. The Students’ Club there laid the foundation for his public work. It enabled him to get rid of his shyness and take part in meetings and excursions. Venkataswami studied law and became an apprentice under T. Ethiraja Mudaliyar and P. Venkataramana Rao. The early religious training he had under his father and some Vaishnavite bhaktas made him a great enthusiast for religious study and propaganda. Years later, in 1952, when Rajaji became the Chief Minister of Madras State, he included Venkataswami Naidu in his cabinet and gave him the portfolio of Hindu Religious Endowments. As President of the Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam Committee he initiated a number of useful and popular schemes.
Venkataswami was a trustee of the Pachaiyappa’s Charities for two and a half decades. In 1927, he, along with S. Duraiswami Iyer and N. Krishnamachari, filed a suit in the High Court of Madras and secured admission for Harijans in the educational institutions managed by the Charities. He was responsible for the foundation of the new Pachaiyappa’s College buildings at Chetput.
Like Thimmappa, Venkataswami took a great interest in civic matters. In 1928, he became a Councillor of the Corporation of Madras and continued in that post till 1952. He was the leader of the Congress Municipal party for 15 years. Venkataswami joined the Indian National Congress in November 1936. He contested the general elections the following year and topped the polls in the Madras City Constituency. He was elected Deputy President of the Madras Legislative Council. He became Mayor of the Corporation during 1938-39. He preached against war and was sentenced to the Trichy Jail for six months imprisonment.
Venkataswami was also connected with the Corporation Boy Scouts’ Association and was responsible for bringing about the merger of several scout organisations.
A genial host, he loved entertaining people. His devoted wife Srimathi Varalakshmiammal, who also belonged to the Bandla family, served him till the end.
Venkataswami’s father K.T. Bashyam Naidu was known for his piety and generosity. Mother Srimathi Andalammal, who died when Venkataswami was young, belonged to the famous Bandla family. Their uncle K. Narayanappah Naidu and aunt Srimathi Narasammal looked after Venkataswami and his brothers. The uncle and his nephews built Appah & Company, which has a history of 60-plus years.
Venkataswami had his education in the institutions connected with the Pachaiyappa’s Charities. The Students’ Club there laid the foundation for his public work. It enabled him to get rid of his shyness and take part in meetings and excursions. Venkataswami studied law and became an apprentice under T. Ethiraja Mudaliyar and P. Venkataramana Rao. The early religious training he had under his father and some Vaishnavite bhaktas made him a great enthusiast for religious study and propaganda. Years later, in 1952, when Rajaji became the Chief Minister of Madras State, he included Venkataswami Naidu in his cabinet and gave him the portfolio of Hindu Religious Endowments. As President of the Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam Committee he initiated a number of useful and popular schemes.
Venkataswami was a trustee of the Pachaiyappa’s Charities for two and a half decades. In 1927, he, along with S. Duraiswami Iyer and N. Krishnamachari, filed a suit in the High Court of Madras and secured admission for Harijans in the educational institutions managed by the Charities. He was responsible for the foundation of the new Pachaiyappa’s College buildings at Chetput.
Like Thimmappa, Venkataswami took a great interest in civic matters. In 1928, he became a Councillor of the Corporation of Madras and continued in that post till 1952. He was the leader of the Congress Municipal party for 15 years. Venkataswami joined the Indian National Congress in November 1936. He contested the general elections the following year and topped the polls in the Madras City Constituency. He was elected Deputy President of the Madras Legislative Council. He became Mayor of the Corporation during 1938-39. He preached against war and was sentenced to the Trichy Jail for six months imprisonment.
Venkataswami was also connected with the Corporation Boy Scouts’ Association and was responsible for bringing about the merger of several scout organisations.
A genial host, he loved entertaining people. His devoted wife Srimathi Varalakshmiammal, who also belonged to the Bandla family, served him till the end.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
A builder, a blogger and students
The calls we receive, to know about the Madras Day are from all corners of the city.
We were surprised to receive a bunch of T.shirt, a cap and a bag all bearing a design on Chennai theme from a leading builder of the city. Lancor Holdings Ltd sent us the packet. The moment they read about the 'Design the Chennai T.shirt contest' in the nespaper, they remembered their design on the city theme and sent it as an entry for the contest!
When we called the company to explain the spirits of the Madras Day and the host of contests to participate in, Lalit C. Shah, the DGM, Corporate Communication of the company was ready to know what he can do for the day that celebrates the city.
Here is another company looking for ways to be part of the celebrations!
Chandrachoodan Gopalakrishnan preferred to visit our office and handed over his card. This copywriter is an avid blogger too. One of the contributors of Chennai metblogs, Chandrachoodan is eager to know what he could do for the day.
Well, he could blog about it, he will be a volunteer at the events venue, may be he could join the heritage walks.
A set of students from the electronic media department of Anna University were trying to contact me on the cell during their lunch time! After all they have a few minutes in their hands to talk over cell phones as they are not permitted to take them to the college. Later they sent an SMS that they want to take part in the Short film contest and wanted to know the details, rules, etc.,
There was also a request. The deadline August 10 is too near for them to submit the entries.
Yes! We have extended the date by another week. The last date for submission of entries for the Short Film on the city contest is now August 17.
They talk about their film for the Madras Day during their lunch on Friendship Day!
We were surprised to receive a bunch of T.shirt, a cap and a bag all bearing a design on Chennai theme from a leading builder of the city. Lancor Holdings Ltd sent us the packet. The moment they read about the 'Design the Chennai T.shirt contest' in the nespaper, they remembered their design on the city theme and sent it as an entry for the contest!
When we called the company to explain the spirits of the Madras Day and the host of contests to participate in, Lalit C. Shah, the DGM, Corporate Communication of the company was ready to know what he can do for the day that celebrates the city.
Here is another company looking for ways to be part of the celebrations!
Chandrachoodan Gopalakrishnan preferred to visit our office and handed over his card. This copywriter is an avid blogger too. One of the contributors of Chennai metblogs, Chandrachoodan is eager to know what he could do for the day.
Well, he could blog about it, he will be a volunteer at the events venue, may be he could join the heritage walks.
A set of students from the electronic media department of Anna University were trying to contact me on the cell during their lunch time! After all they have a few minutes in their hands to talk over cell phones as they are not permitted to take them to the college. Later they sent an SMS that they want to take part in the Short film contest and wanted to know the details, rules, etc.,
There was also a request. The deadline August 10 is too near for them to submit the entries.
Yes! We have extended the date by another week. The last date for submission of entries for the Short Film on the city contest is now August 17.
They talk about their film for the Madras Day during their lunch on Friendship Day!
Saturday, August 05, 2006
With FLO and KK
I am at this 11am meeting at the Hotel Accord in T. Nagar. It is not very new but many people aren’t aware of it. Posh.
FLO ( which is the FICCI Ladies Organisation) and IWA (International Womens Association) are hosting a joint meeting.
Nandini Alva and Padmini Ravi who direct the popular Bangalore Hubba are to make a presentation on this unique fest.
Presenting them is Shobana Reddy, chairperson of FLO.
Some 90 women listen closely and when it it interaction time, one woman stands up and talks about Madras Day!
Wow! I tell myself. The Madras Day idea has indeed sunk in, some where, some place.
Which is what our team set out to do three years ago.
First, get the Madras Day legend sink in. Then, get it to be August 22. And finally, believe that it is a day for the city!
FLO’s top team wishes they had known of the Day earlier so that they could have marked a special event on their calendar.
But they will compensate – they will invite me over in September to talk to them about what the concept is all about and what they can do too.
Charukesi, the writer brings negative news. The writers’ group that he visits wont be able to dedicate its monthly meet to Madras. We aren’t giving up. Perhaps we could get a short story writers group to do something. Reading sessions are engaging.
And we are hoping KK ( Krishna Kumar ) of Masquerade who shuns the base and the lowly whacky for hugely serious theatre, will band his actors for a reading session at some city venues.
A year ago, we shared the book by C. S. Lakshmi. A Penguin book that Lakshmi edited with a nice collection of essays, stories, poems, illustrations and more – all on the city.
KK assures me that he will be ‘in’ this year.
We wonder if we can have the session at the Nageswara Rao Park, Luz.
Everybody of Mylapore and thereabouts walks in this green oasis now maintained by Sundaram Finance. On weekends, some 2000 people swarm the park in the mornings.
SF sponsors a kutcheri every first Sunday of the month.
The walkers’ group host yoga classes and another group has tried a speaker’s post.
KK’s readings of poems, story and essay may well give a different dimension to the Madras Day to which everyone is invited.
FLO ( which is the FICCI Ladies Organisation) and IWA (International Womens Association) are hosting a joint meeting.
Nandini Alva and Padmini Ravi who direct the popular Bangalore Hubba are to make a presentation on this unique fest.
Presenting them is Shobana Reddy, chairperson of FLO.
Some 90 women listen closely and when it it interaction time, one woman stands up and talks about Madras Day!
Wow! I tell myself. The Madras Day idea has indeed sunk in, some where, some place.
Which is what our team set out to do three years ago.
First, get the Madras Day legend sink in. Then, get it to be August 22. And finally, believe that it is a day for the city!
FLO’s top team wishes they had known of the Day earlier so that they could have marked a special event on their calendar.
But they will compensate – they will invite me over in September to talk to them about what the concept is all about and what they can do too.
Charukesi, the writer brings negative news. The writers’ group that he visits wont be able to dedicate its monthly meet to Madras. We aren’t giving up. Perhaps we could get a short story writers group to do something. Reading sessions are engaging.
And we are hoping KK ( Krishna Kumar ) of Masquerade who shuns the base and the lowly whacky for hugely serious theatre, will band his actors for a reading session at some city venues.
A year ago, we shared the book by C. S. Lakshmi. A Penguin book that Lakshmi edited with a nice collection of essays, stories, poems, illustrations and more – all on the city.
KK assures me that he will be ‘in’ this year.
We wonder if we can have the session at the Nageswara Rao Park, Luz.
Everybody of Mylapore and thereabouts walks in this green oasis now maintained by Sundaram Finance. On weekends, some 2000 people swarm the park in the mornings.
SF sponsors a kutcheri every first Sunday of the month.
The walkers’ group host yoga classes and another group has tried a speaker’s post.
KK’s readings of poems, story and essay may well give a different dimension to the Madras Day to which everyone is invited.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Cam phones and Carnatic music to celebrate Chennai
As the Madras Day is nearing, more and more people and many organisations find their own way to celebrate the city.
In the days when every third person owns a camera phone, why not a contest to capture the moods of the city as people walk with their cell phones down the road?
When this idea was expressed to Sathish Babu of Univercell, one of the leading retailers of Cell phones in the city, he was excited. He has details of number of cam phone users in the city, what do they shoot and how do they preserve the pics! He and his marketing team are brainstorming on this idea. The people of Chennai are going to be thrilled about an unusual but a simple and easy contest they can partake.
Soon we may see cell phone users shooting a flower seller at the Mada streets of Mylapore, fisherfolks at the kuppams or the expression of a musician at a classical music concert.
And yes, what is Chennai, without Carnatic music? Come December, people from all over the world throng the city to listen to music. They don’t mind hopping across the sabhas in various corners of the city after every two hours to listen to their favourite musicians.
As the city celebrates Carnatic music every year, Carnatic music decides to celebrate the city in turn for the Madras Day!
Carnatica, an institution run by two young musicians K. N. Sashikiran and S. Sowmya is up with a thematic programme for Madras Day.
When we met Sashikiran yesterday, he told us that he is already on the job along with the musicologist Dr. V. V. Srivatsa researching the Madras composers and compositions on the deities of temples in Chennai. This tech-savvy team will do a multimedia presentation on music in the city over the years. They will also jam up with their friends in an interactive concert on August 27 (Sunday) evening at the P. S High School auditorium.
The spirit of the city surprises us. If you and your institution are wondering how to be part of the celebrations, do mail us for ideas and guidance. E-mail:madrasday@yahoo.com
In the days when every third person owns a camera phone, why not a contest to capture the moods of the city as people walk with their cell phones down the road?
When this idea was expressed to Sathish Babu of Univercell, one of the leading retailers of Cell phones in the city, he was excited. He has details of number of cam phone users in the city, what do they shoot and how do they preserve the pics! He and his marketing team are brainstorming on this idea. The people of Chennai are going to be thrilled about an unusual but a simple and easy contest they can partake.
Soon we may see cell phone users shooting a flower seller at the Mada streets of Mylapore, fisherfolks at the kuppams or the expression of a musician at a classical music concert.
And yes, what is Chennai, without Carnatic music? Come December, people from all over the world throng the city to listen to music. They don’t mind hopping across the sabhas in various corners of the city after every two hours to listen to their favourite musicians.
As the city celebrates Carnatic music every year, Carnatic music decides to celebrate the city in turn for the Madras Day!
Carnatica, an institution run by two young musicians K. N. Sashikiran and S. Sowmya is up with a thematic programme for Madras Day.
When we met Sashikiran yesterday, he told us that he is already on the job along with the musicologist Dr. V. V. Srivatsa researching the Madras composers and compositions on the deities of temples in Chennai. This tech-savvy team will do a multimedia presentation on music in the city over the years. They will also jam up with their friends in an interactive concert on August 27 (Sunday) evening at the P. S High School auditorium.
The spirit of the city surprises us. If you and your institution are wondering how to be part of the celebrations, do mail us for ideas and guidance. E-mail:madrasday@yahoo.com
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