This is the story of
Chitra alias Madhurambal,
born and brought up
in the heritage city of Madras!
My father was truly Middle Class
in those days - but
I was raised as
a Princess of Mylapore!
My grandma adorned Karpagambal
with a nine yards saree
to celebrate my birth - so precious!
We roamed the streets of Mylapore
with our jimikis and kunjalams tangling
and silver anklets tingling.
Our toys and trinkets came from Mada Veedhi shops
Our pattu pavadais from Nalli and Rasi
My first geometry box from Vijaya Stores
Books from Higgin Bothoms;
Science and fiction both interested me even then...
How we enjoyed the movies
at Kapali and Kamadhenu!
Pity we saw only Sivaji films,
MGR films with dreams duets, not allowed!
Bama Vijayam at Midland was a rare treat.
We were groomed with Kalki and Vikatan weeklies,
writers Kalki, Manian and Savi added different perspectives,
I read Washingtonil Thirumanam to my grandma,
translating the English verses for her!
We peeped at the Kapali car festival,
holding on to our father’s hands;
We thought it reached the clouds then,
now it seems so small!
How I relished the Sunday bajjis
with hot filter coffee to follow,
Evening outings to Marina beach,
with sundal to follow,
and shells to collect.
Dinner outings at Gupta’s,
the first roof garden restaurant in Madras!
The milky taste of Rita ice cream,
gave way to ‘Joy’ with chocobar!
With the monsoon rains
came the cyclones,
flooding the coconut grooves
enroute to school.
How we enjoyed wading through!
School days are still vivid in my memories,
I was the Bharatha Mata, shackled with a cycle-chain,
with my long hair billowing out in curls!
And Lord Indira in Thanushkoti drama,
prompting everyone’s lines throughout!
And the Kush of the Lava-Kush twins dance drama,
I wonder where is my twin brother now, rather sister?
‘King Maker’ Kamaraj inaugurated
the Mandaveli New Bus Stand,
So proud to see a humble politician!
Route No. 21 was our favourite,
to go to Luz, Tank or a doc’s visit.
Enjoyed the long rides in 5B buses,
to Guindy and T’Nagar.
Over the last five decades,
Madras, nay, its Chennai now,
has grown more beautiful, very elegant,
and all powerful!
It has stood the testimony of time!
Chennai is now home to (abode of)
chirpy young IT professionals,
middle-aged business magnets, and
elderly NRI parents.
Change is the rule of nature,
Chennai is now riding high.
No stopping you, my dearest Chennai,
celebrations are coming (y)our way!
Chitra Sundar
A 57 year old, homemaker, caregiver, social worker, lover of arts & crafts, science and cinema.
1-B, Kgeyes Magnolia Flats
M-10, Lattice Bridge Road
Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600 041
chitrasundar18@gmail.com
