All for a greater good
The Man from Madras Musings is aware that he has to put up with some inconvenience today in order that he enjoys a better tomorrow. He alludes here to the spate of road digs that are taking place all around him for the laying of the Chennai Metro network. There are entire sections blocked and there are chasms to be negotiated via metal bridges that clang and bang each time a vehicle goes over them. But MMM does not like to complain as he believes that CMRL is doing its best. There are employees at every corner, warning you on how to go, their numbers increasing at night. There are road signs and wonder of wonders, these are shifted each time the tunnelling shifts. No sir, MMM has no complaint. As they sang rather too often in 2015/16 (check Wikipedia for why), Kurai Onrum Illai. In fact, MMM rather prefers commuting across Metro digs.
Now what on the other hand is unpardonable is the condition of other roads, not being dug by Metro Rail. Why should they be like battle zones? There are giant pits in some and hillocks in others. And those that have been re-laid resemble patchwork quilts, with none of the comfort that the latter provide. Shocking would be a complimentary attribute for many of these thoroughfares.
The roads, so MMM is given to understand, are the responsibility of the Corporation. The sewers and manholes on the other hand belong to MMM’s old friend CMWSSB (water supply has not been restored despite what MMM wrote a month earlier and this is despite what is euphemistically termed shower of flowers of gold on the grounds men). The CMWSSB probably indulges in a game of one-upmanship with its parent, namely the Greater Chennai Corporation and so its sewer inspection holes always have to be a tad higher than the surrounding road surface. That is until the GCC decides to assert itself and relay the patch surrounding the manhole whereupon it (the manhole) goes into a depression. If you are driving along regularly on a route and your muscle memory tells you to brace for a sudden uplift, you get a sudden push into the netherworld so to speak. Never a dull moment.
And it is MMM’s guess that the GCC and the CMWSSB and also for that matter that other great shrine of efficiency, namely TANGEDCO must be hating the new kid around the block viz CMRL. Why else then would they take up extended digs (these cannot be emergencies judging by the speed of execution) on sole extant stretches of road near CMRL work? MMM can name several such instances all around the city. These create enormous traffic jams when none would have happened had flow of traffic been unimpeded.
Lastly, we must thank Chennai Police, for opening up so many forgotten streets and bestowing on them the status of highways where buses, trucks and even if necessary, six-lane traffic can squeeze into. And this works! People zig a little here, zag somewhere else and get going on their way. For after all what other choice do they have?
Fan Mail
Madras Musings you will be happy to know, continues to have its successful run in China. The latest missive that The Man from Madras Musings receives is from Jerry Liu and he warns us that a rival group is wanting to register the domain madrasmusings in that country. What an honour. And in case you think MMM is joking, read this email –
(If you aren’t the CEO, kindly please send this email to your CEO since this is urgent. In case you believe this has been sent to you wrongly, please disregard it. Thanks.)
Dear CEO,
We are a Network Service Company which is the domain name registration center in Shanghai, China. On June 17, 2025, Baotong Ltd submitted a request to register “madrasmusings” as their internet keyword and Chinese domains (madrasmusings.cn, madrasmusings.com.cn, madrasmusings.net.cn, madrasmusings.org.cn). But after reviewing it, we notice this name conflicts with your company name or brand name. To deal with this issue properly, it’s necessary to send a message to you and ascertain whether this firm is your distributor or business partner in China?
Best regards
Jerry Liu
Thank you Jerry, what would MMM do without you?
But that is not all. MMM is glad to inform that the old magazine is now read in the UK and the USA too. From Ol’ Blighty writes Andy Nagle and he says the message is for immediate release. The broad content is that the Beatles vs Stones show is returning to Tower Theatre. Now if Andy did not think this magazine has a high circulation in the UK, would he be sending us this message at all?
Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown Returns to Tower Theatre July 29
(June 17, 2025) — The two biggest names in rock ‘n’ roll history will once again battle it out in a high-octane tribute show when Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to the Tower Theatre on Tuesday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Presented as a theatrical concert experience, the show pits Abbey Road (portraying The Beatles) against Jumping Jack Flash (portraying The Rolling Stones) in a face-off packed with legendary hits, witty banter, and undeniable nostalgia. The audience gets to decide once and for all: Who really ruled the ’60s?
More than just a tribute – it’s a time machine.
We too, dear Andy are like that – a time machine.
Now we proceed to the USA. Evelyn has sent a message to MMM asking him if he is planning to be in Phoenix:
Just checking in to confirm if you are on the attendee list for Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025, happening 06 – 08 Jun 2025, at Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, USA.
Alas dear Evelyn, no. For how then will this magazine continue to be published?
– MMM