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Has
there ever been
a birthday party for the city of Madras, now Chennai?
Probably no.
That does not mean we should ignore this city of ours.
When the city marked its tercentenary, a rather impressive
volume on the city, its people and its landmark institutions,
was published.
And
then, the city forgot its founding day - said to be August
22, 1639.
It was on that day, in that year, that a sliver of land, where
Fort. St. George stands today, was transacted by the East
India Company.
The deal was struck by Francis Day, his 'dubash' Beri Thimmappa,
and their
superior, Andrew Cogan, with the local Nayak rulers.
It is believed that this deal was made on August 22, 1639.
Out
of the fort, grew settlements. Then the villagea around it,
were brought together. And then, the old and new townes linked
up. And then we had the city.
Today,
Chennai stands tall for a variety of reasons. Education, healthcare,
IT, history, tourism, auto industries, movies, etc. And yes,
it also has its warts.
Madras
Day was an idea that three people put together - the city's
famed historian, S. Muthiah, journalist Sashi Nair and publisher
Vincent D' Souza.
The
trio felt that Madras Day would focus on the city, its history,
its past and its present. The effort was to motivate communities
in the city to host events that would celebrate the city.
And the start was made in 2004.
Heritage
walks, school exchange programmes, talks and contests, poetry
and music and quiz, food fests and rallies, photo exhibitions
and bike tours . . . . these and more are the ways in which
the city is celebrated.
Radio
stations and hotels, schools and colleges, residents' associations
and clubs, tourist bodies and state agencies . . . these and
more join hands to celebrate the city.
Corporates
and stores and individuals, media companies and state agencies,
fund some of these events.
In
2006, events were held from August 20 to 27. The sections
on events, the blog and the pictures in the gallery provides
all the coverage.
If you wish to email the co-ordinators, mail to -
madrasday@yahoo.com
FUNDERS
SUPPORT / HOST ORGANISATIONS
 Hi-Tours
Univercell
Carnatica
Chamiers boutique
The Park hotel
Satyam Cinemas
Unwind Centre
Quiz Foundation of India (Chennai)
PRSI (Chennai Chapter)
Vintage Heritage
INTACH
Madras Book Club
Madras Musings
Avvai Kalai Kazhagam
P. S. Educational Society
Archaelogical Survey of India
Army Postal Services
Nizhal
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Focus Art Gallery
Vintage Vignettes
Namma Mylapore
Hash Club
Mad Bulls
Prism PR
Sri Krishna Sweets
PSBB School (K. K. Nagar)
Guru Nanak School (Velachery)
Sankara Vidyashram (Thiruvanmiyur)
P. S. School (Mylapore)
Asan Memorial school (Greams Road area)
All India Radio
Doordarshan
Radio City
Fountainhead
TTK Healthcare Ltd., - Publication Division
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Events
, Hosts and Sponsors listing of Madras Day 2005
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