HERITAGE Citizen Matters, Chennai

From Victoria Public Hall to College of Fine Arts — who will save our heritage buildings?

January 9, 2021 V Sriram

In 2010, a Madras High Court bench had mandated protection and restoration of the city’s heritage structures, suffering years of neglect. Sadly, both state and public will appear to be lacking.

The journey of a brand inseparable from Chennai: Co-optex

October 7, 2020 Aishwarya Ram

Almost everyone in Chennai has a Co-optex experience to share. This is the tale of how the brand reinvented itself in recent times to emerge as the perennial favourite of all generations.

World’s first Indo-Saracenic building, right here in Chennai, set to regain old glory

November 7, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Constructed by Nawab Muhammad Ali Wallajah in 1768, Humayun Mahal is said to be the first construction in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. After years of neglect, this block of the Chepauk Palace is all set to be restored. Here’s more about the ongoing work.

Celebrating the life and times of the man who knew infinity

August 28, 2019 Balakumar M

A peek inside the Ramanujan Museum, which houses intriguing artefacts and memorabilia from the life of one of the world’s most renowned mathematicians.

Why celebrate Chennai?

August 12, 2019 V Sriram

As Madras Week draws closer, historian V Sriram talks of the various reasons to celebrate the city.

What does Ramzan mean to Triplicane?

May 16, 2019 Sri Loganathan

Illuminated roads, varieties of food and a pervasive spirit of hope and unity. A walk on the roads of Triplicane during Ramadan month reflects festive fervour and harmony. Watch our short video to know more about the Big Mosque and its observance of Ramzan.

Farewell, Mr Muthiah!

April 23, 2019 Jayanthi Ramesh

A bibliophile and member of Madras Book Club pays a tribute to its founder S Muthiah who passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a city immensely enriched by his story telling

What happens when Chennai starts dancing in the rain on Holi?

March 22, 2019 Laasya Shekhar

Water levels in the four reservoirs at Red hills, Cholavaram, Chembarambakkam and Poondi are almost six times less than at this time last year. With Chennai among the drought-hit districts in the state, the festival of colours should have been celebrated more responsibly.

Chennaiites! Last few days to take in what the Chennai Photo Biennale has on offer!

March 21, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

The Chennai Photo Biennale comes to a close on March 24. Here’s a roundup of all that you can catch before the curtains come down!

Rare folk art to be showcased at Koothu Kottai

March 9, 2019 News Desk

Koothu Kottai will present Chennaiites a rare opportunity to witness rare folk art forms from various parts of the state over a two day extravaganza.

Rich display of 4000-year-old art form leaves Chennai spellbound

January 30, 2019 Aruna Natarajan

Art, tradition, community and environmental responsibility — this heady mix came alive in Chennai recently, when the first ever India Quilt Festival showcased the practice of quilting and its many forms. Citizen Matters in conversation with one of the organizers of the festival.

Why a visit to Egmore museum fascinates and saddens us at the same time

December 18, 2018 Aruna Natarajan

Visitors to the government museum in Egmore are deeply impressed by the breadth of collections on display, yet rue the lack of maintenance and features that could make the museum experience comparable to the best globally.

Kotturpuram to host celebration of Chola heritage

December 14, 2018 News Desk

The Tamil Heritage Trust is organising a two-day event in Chennai that will celebrate the Cholas and their legacy across art, architecture and literature.

What ails Parry’s Corner — colonial history or civic apathy?

November 13, 2018 Laasya Shekhar

Once a historic town in itself, Parry’s Corner is a text-book example of unplanned development, with poor traffic, dingy and unclean roads, and overall chaos. But does history too have a role to play in the present condition of this central Chennai neighbourhood?

Statues of Chennai: Did you know these facts?

November 9, 2018 Laasya Shekhar and Aruna Natarajan

It is the season of statues. As controversies continue around the tallest statue set up in Gujarat, and a prospective ‘grand statue’ at the gates of UP’s newly renamed town, here’s a quick quiz to test how well you know the ones in your city.