A city
deserves to celebrate its birthday.
And Madras, that is Chennai certainly deserves it.
So a small group of people who love this city launched a unique celebration in 2004.
The 2007 Madras Day celebrations are on . . .
The founding day of Madras is considered 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 villages 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 celebrates the city.
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.Today, they have been joined by three others - senior journalist
and editor Sushila Ravindranath, entrepreneur and writer-historian V. Sriram
and journalist and web site entrepreneur, Revathi R.
Madras Day focuses on the city, its history,
its past and its present and the core team motivates communities, groups, companies
and campuses in the city to host events that celebrate the city.
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.
In order to enlarge participation,
the Madras Day has been expanded to create the Madras Week.
In 2008, MADRAS WEEK will be celebrated from August 17 to 24. MADRAS DAY, as always, is August 22
If you wish to organise, collaborate or host an event for MADRAS WEEK and need guidance / info, please send an email to -
madrasday@yahoo.com
FUNDERS
SUPPORT / HOST ORGANISATIONS
All India Radio
Alps Academy
Ambitions 4 Photography Academy
Asan Memorial School
Aseema Trust
Ashok Leyland Ltd
Avvai Kalai Kazhagam
Chennai Heritage
Dr. MGR Janaki College
East West Book Publishers
Ethiraj College for Women
Forum Art Gallery
Gallery Sri Parvati
Hippocampus
Hotel Green Park
Hotel Rain Tree
Kalaimagal Vidyalaya
Mad Bulls
Madras Book Club
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Madras Musings
MOP Vaishnav College for Women
Namma Mylapore
N-Dear Foundation
Nizhal
P.S. Institute of Music, Arts and Culture
Palaniappa Brothers
Prism PR
PRSI (Chennai Chapter)
Roja Muthiah Research Library
Sir Thyagaraya College
Spring Into Reading
The Accord Metropolitan)
The C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation
The Chamiers - Anokhee
The Goethe Institute
The Park Sheraton
Vintage Heritage
Vintage Vignettes
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