Victory War Memorial

Victory War Memorial is erected in the memory of those soldiers who gave their life for the country. The Victory War Memorial is also known as ‘Cupid Bow’ is located near the Fort St. George on the Beach Road on the starting point of Marina beach. This War Memorial was constructed to commemorate the victory of the Allied Armies during World War I (1914–1918) and later became the victory war memorial for World War II (1939–1945), erected in the memory of those from the Madras presidency who lost their lives in the wars. Later addition includes inscriptions of 1948 Kashmir Aggression, 1962 War with China and the Indo-Pakistan War.

http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/history-and-culture/cupids-bow-chennai/article6295482.ece

Periyar.

◼️Periyar– The name literally translates to “great one/ a wise elder” and he indeed was one. He was conferred that title by women in the Tamilnadu Women conference held at Madras in 1938.

Erode Venkatappa Ramasamy was born in 1879 in the Madras Presidency to a wealthy family but he soon began to realise his true calling. In 1919, Periyar joined the Indian National Congress but resigned in 1925.In 1939, he became the head of the Justice Party which paved way for Dravidian politics in tamilnadu.

Periyar started the Self Respect Movement in 1925, which aimed at removing social injustice and inequality. He also voiced out this views about Freeing women from the shackles of family and culture. Periyar was one of the first voices to oppose the Hindi Imposition and that spirit still remains intact in Tamil Nadu even when all the other states gave in to the accepting Hindi.

Periyar’s contribution to Tamil Nadu politics drastically changed the face of politics in South India with regional parties gaining a stronghold over national parties. He shaped Tamil Nadu politics as we see it today.

In his ideologies, thoughts and actions, he was hell bent on thrashing everything that was wrong with our social system. A staunch believer of social justice and eradication of the caste system.. Like every great visionary he was also misunderstood by many. Swear words, Cow dung and slippers are what he got for his path breaking ideals. He took it all in a positive stride and exclaimed

“One who comes to public service should be void of any pride or dignity. If one feels ashamed or embarrassed he can’t serve the society”

பொதுத் தொண்டுக்கு வந்தவன், மானம் – அவமானம் பார்க்க முடியாது; மானம் பார்த்தால் தொண்டு செய்ய முடியாது!’

Periyar is too big to be contained in one post, essay or even a book. His ideals and thoughts are life lessons upon which we must build our lives. Tamil Nadu and its people should be eternally grateful to this great man for changing the political and social landscape of our state.

Peraringar C. N. Annadurai

 Perarignar C.N. Annadurai was much more than just a politician or a chief minister to Tamil Nadu. His life and political career was a legacy that still remains untouched. He is regarded as one of the charismatic and forceful political leaders of modern India. Besides, he gained fame as an acclaimed orator, Tamil and English litterateur, and a stage actor.

Anna was born on 15th September 1909 to Nataraj – Bangaru Ammal in Kancheepuram. He was fostered by his foster mother Rajamani Ammal. His wife is Rani Ammaiyar. He was born in a family with a simple background. He was a good student, Eloguent Orator, Best Writer, Editor, Honest Leader, Uncomparable Guide, Chief Minister praised by the entire Country, Scholar of intellectual world filled with efficiency in various departments.

He created a knowledge revolution among the poor and simple by his sparkling speech. “Kadamai, Kanniyam, Kattupadu” – The politico – philosophical magical words were coined by him. He inculculated a sense of family relationship in politics. He was a teacher who educated us to respect others Great democratic leader.

We remember him with great pride on the occasion of his 109th birth anniversary. Tamilnadu owes its progress and development as a state to the yesteryear chief minister.

GeorgeTown

Black town – As racist as it sounds was one of the most important places for the early British administration. Madras was founded 378 years ago 🎂 for trade and those beginnings in Fort St. George were dependent on what could be supplied by the first ‘Black Town’, where the High Court-Law College campus now is. After the French occupation and siege of Fort St. George, between 1746 and 1759 in two separate periods, this Black Town was razed and a new Black Town was developed north of Esplanade Road, now called N.S.C. Bose Road. This New Black Town continued to be the main supplier of goods to the merchants of the Fort, ‘White Town’, and, after being renamed George Town in 1911, a major importer of goods apart from prospering on exports. Till well after Independence, George Town remained the heart of business activities in South India.

This bustling business district soon became the headquarters for chaos, congestion and traffic 🚷. Despite the historical significance of this locality, it continues to be ignored by every government. George Town could very well be called as the financial hub 🏭 of the entire city and yet it remains in a dingy state. With the right infrastructure and regulations it could transform into a successful yet hassle free Commercial Street for both vendors and customers.

Source:The Hindu | S.Muthiah

Screw Pile Pier, 1860’s

Ports and harbours are signs of thriving economic activity in any civilisation. The ever bustling madras port was first suggested by warren Hastings in 1770 when he was posted here, who later became the first Governor General of India. However, it was not until the 1850s that work began on a pier to berth vessels following suggestions from the Madras Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Till 1815, it was an open roadstead and exposed sandy coast, swept by occasional storms and monsoons🌊. At that time, the natural harbour was so shallow that ships had to anchor over 1 km offshore, and cargo was delivered to and from the shore in masula boats and  catamarans. Cargo losses were high so the government decided to build a pier. 

Governor Charles Trevelyan screwed down the first pile in 1859 ⚓ and the 1,000 feet long, 40 feet broad pier with a ‘T’-head 160 feet by 40 feet was built perpendicular to the shore, inaugurated for use on December 16, 1861.

A cyclone🌪️ on June 6, 1868 damaged this pier and another cyclone on May 2, 1872 wrecked it. The pier was out of operation for 15 months and by 1874, the pier was made operational again. 

Source: The Hindu | S.Muthiah | British Library.