Tamil Nadu News Papers

Structures from the Raj

Saturday, 15 August 2009 09:44

The New Indian Express 15.08.2009

Structures from the Raj

Express News Service

Pic: P Jawahar

CHENNAI: For many centuries, the English were busy scrambling nations to form the Great British Empire. Nevertheless, they also gave countries like India a magnificent cityscape. Leaving their rich architectural imprints in Chennai, the British have given the city its most important landmarks today. From the elegant Ripon Building to the mammoth judicial tower, the High Court, Chennai is resplendent with a rich colonial legacy.

Though the architecture in Chennai is a confluence of different styles, the Indo-Saracenic style defines and captures the essence of the city. Developed and pioneered here, it is considered to be a mixture of Hindu, Islamic and the Victorian Gothic revival styles. When the British landed in this port town, little did they know that they had laid the foundation of India’s fifth most populous city at Fort St. George. Built in 1639, the Fort is where the city was born and now, it houses Chennai’s seat of power - the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Secretariat. The colonial legacy is most visible in the vicinity of Chennai port. Dotted with several clubs that date back to the British era and home to the sprawling High Court buildings, it now is a busy commercial centre. From government houses to churches, from colleges to stadiums and from railway stations to business establishments, Chennai is a showcase of the vintage British architectural style.

“Chennai as a city is less than 40 years old. Its landscape is interspersed with a lot of British structures. Take away these structures and you are left with a city without character,” says Suresh, convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

He says that INTACH has documented only hundred odd such structures but there are thousands waiting to be rediscovered. “From the clock towers to the lamp posts, British structures are present in every nook and corner. Chennai can never be disassociated with its British past,” says Suresh.

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 August 2009 09:46

Magnificent cityscape

Saturday, 15 August 2009 09:36

The New Indian Express 15.08.2009

Magnificent cityscape

Express News Service

CHENNAI: For many centuries, the English were busy scrambling nations to form the Great British Empire. Nevertheless, they also gave countries like India a magnificent cityscape. Leaving their rich architectural imprints in Chennai, the British have given the city its most important landmarks today. From the elegant and imposing Ripon Building to the mammoth judicial tower, the High Court, Chennai is resplendent with a rich colonial legacy.

“Chennai as a city is less than 40 years old. The landscape of the city is interspersed with a lot of structures built by the British. Take away these structures and you are left with a city without character,” says _Suresh, convener of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).

He says that INTACH has documented only hundred odd such structures but there are thousands of them waiting to be rediscovered. “From the clock towers to the lamp posts, British structures are present in every nook and corner. Chennai is a city which can never be disassociated with its British past,” says Suresh.

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 August 2009 09:41

Fight corruption: Kalam

Saturday, 15 August 2009 05:43

The Hindu 15.08.2009

Fight corruption: Kalam

Special Correspondent

Youth is the most powerful resource on earth, he says

Photo: M. Sathyamoorthy

Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam releasing a special cover at the Stanes Anglo Indian Higher Secondary School in Coonoor on Friday. –

Udhagamandalam: Corruption can be fought with a strong youth movement, said former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at Coonoor on Friday. Replying to query posed by presspersons, he said that corruption was a serious issue and added that children should fight it. If a child knows that his father is corrupt he should confront him.

Describing youth as, “the most powerful resource on earth, above earth and below earth,” he said that the mind of the youth should be ignited.

He felt that in about 30 per cent of the 200 million houses in the country there would be corrupt persons.

To another question, he said that in about ten years India would not have to depend on other countries for nuclear fuel.

Preserve environment

The role of the youth in preserving the environment was emphasised by former President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam while participating in an interactive session with students of the Providence College for Women in Coonoor on Friday. Adverting to the movement started by Wangari Muta Maathai of Kenya which was responsible for planting about 43 million trees, he said that if the 350 million youth of the country plant four trees each a billion trees can be grown.

The need of the hour was leadership with compassion, he said. Even hardcore prisoners respect leaders with compassion.He underscored the need for such leaders for the voiceless.

Recalling his childhood days and the sacrifices made by his mother, Mr. Kalam said that the youth should have an aim in life and strive to achieve it. Pointing out that female infanticides can be checked if the people are more vigilant, he said that a movement should be started to put an end to it. A young students brigade comprising girls and boys should come into being. Tribal uplift can be ensured if education was provided to them. Use should be made of mobile vans and satellite education. Highlighting the role of teachers in the enrollment of students, Mr. Kalam said that in private or government schools if the teachers are good the students will be attracted.

The Principal, Sister Maria Goretti Martis welcomed the gathering. Among those present was the Vice-Chancellor JSS University B. Suresh.

Mr. Kalam donated a few books to the College library and inaugurated three exhibitions.

Become job providers

Youth should aim to become employment generators and not employment seekers,said the former President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam while bringing the curtain down on the 150th year celebrations of the Stanes Anglo-Indian Higher Secondary School at Coonoor on Friday.

Youth power can create a value system which can make India a developed nation.

Pointing out that the youth of today need not fear about their future if they have an aim,Mr.Kalam said that it was upto teachers to create enlightened human beings.

“Being taught by a great teacher is considered to be a God given gift,” he said and added that teachers should don the role of beacon lights.

Stating that the 21st century needs persons with integrity,he said that people should not allow problems to defeat them. To check the decline of morals in society, moral science classes should be held.

The Principal, Llewallyn Xavier, welcomed the gathering.

Mr.Kalam released a special cover and unveiled a statue of the schools founder Thomas Stanes.

Last Updated on Saturday, 15 August 2009 05:45

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