Delhi example

I do not know why Chennai, instead of following the bad example of Bengaluru, does not follow New Delhi where the Metro stations do not hide the numerous heritage buildings (MM, September 1st) and are also done beautifully in the same sandstone blending with the surroundings – in fact, it is difficult to identify them as Metro Stations in Delhi. Perhaps, the indefatigable Delhi Metro Chief, Sridharan, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation, the Urban Arts Commission and others are responsible for this. Even the flyovers are better done in Delhi than in Chennai. The roadside eateries too can be pushed into pre-fabricated kiosk’s as in Delhi. Chennai Heritage should sensitise the Administration on such matters during ‘Madras Week/Month’.

Dr. G. Sundaram, ias (rtd)
A-601, Dugar Apartments
Keshav Perumalpuram
Greenways Road
Chennai 600 028

'Most original man'

A landmark called Havilland Arch once existed at Srirangapatna (Karnataka). This was the spot from where de Havilland wanted to build a bridge across River Cauvery. The proposal was received with much incredulity and, hence, was not followed up. However, he is said to have built an experimental arch in his garden at Srirangapatna. de Havilland played a significant role in the British defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799.

de Havilland got married in 1808. His wife Elizabeth died in 1816 at the early age of 35 and is buried in the St. George’s Cathedral Cemetery, Madras, which was actually developed by Havilland himself. Her memorial eptipah poignantly states: “... the afflicted husband who was forming it for public use submitted with pious reverence to the inscrutable ways of Providence which thus made him her protector in death as in life” (italics mine).

Maj. T. Fiott de Havilland is said to have lived in the building which existed on the site of what became the Madras Record Office. He called his house Egmore Retreat. ‘Retreat’ indeed it was, because the Railways had not till then come into existence in this neighbourhood. After his wife’s death, he advertised offering its sale in the Madras Courier in 1819.

He has been described as the “most original man of his time.” Only Rev. Westcott’s observation should actually be called the testimony of “spite.”

Philip Mulley
mugila2000@yahoo.co.in

Adyar Poonga

I refer to your article on the Adyar Poonga (MM, August 1st). School students along with teachers are regularly visiting the Poonga and guided by our officials. Tidal influx from estuary has facilitated and influx being recorded (sic). Day to day maintenance work is carried out. Progress of restoration is being monitored. Your report was biased.

Dr. V. Kalaiarasan
Project Officer
Adyar Poonga
Chennai 600 028

Editor’s Note: Our story stated what you confirm, namely that only groups of school children are allowed. Our question, ‘Why not the public?’ remains unanswered.

We talked of stories circulating about suppliers’ bills being unpaid. Have these all been paid? There is no mention of this in your letter.

We are glad to have your assurance that “day-to-day maintenance work” is being carried out, but we have seen little of that. We hope the eagle has got its wings back. And we are not told by you what is happening to the Rs.60 crore unspent.

Waste of time

I totally agree with the opinion expressed by Reader A. Raman (MM, August 1st). Recently, I was employed as an English language trainer and resource person at an NGO in Chromepet. English language skills are viewed by the majority of local students as necessary only for job-oriented purposes. Though they know that English is a world language, they prefer to think in the vernacular Tamil. Hence, endeavouring to teach students to ‘think in English’ is almost impossible.

There exist in Chennai innumerable small or big ‘Spoken English’ institutes. They impart only ‘functional’ language skills, with emphasis on grammar and writing – with absolutely no appreciation of the vast literature in English – and on learning for learning’s sake. This is due to the reason that, daily, the students think and talk in their mother tongues, often with crudity. Teaching them to think in English is an utter waste of time.

K. Karunanidhi
‘Cuddalore Illam’
Bibliophila Inc
Old No.8, New No.3
Link Street
Chennai 600 085

Missing building

Many are the buildings of Chennai that have found mention in Madras Musings as warranting conservation. But I find it surprising that the building that houses P.S. Higher Secondary School, at 215, R.K. Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai – 600 004, which is nearly 90 years old and exuding old-world charm, has not found a place in the list. I would request you to bestow consideration on this.

G.S. Subramanian
68/2, Alamelu Aparts
T.S.V. Koil Street
Mylapore
Chennai 600 004