From antique violins to vintage cameras, students of Anna Adarsh College for Women put together a few classic timeless pieces of artefacts to remind people of old Madras.
Twenty-year-old Adlin Devkripa, a student of literature, beautifully played a piece on a violin made in 1734 and gifted to her father a few years ago. “After my father passed away, I protect it with my life. Only on very special occasions, I take it out to show people. He was a master in playing violin and this was gifted to him by a pastor,” she said.
This was part of an exhibit put up by students as part of Madras Week celebrations jointly organised by Women’s Voluntary Service of Tamil Nadu, University Women’s Association, Anna Nagar A Block Association, Dignity Foundation of India and Department of English, Anna Adarsh College.
An array of images of old and new Madras showcasing Ripon Buildings, Chennai Central, Mahabalipuram and Mylapore were also put up at the event.
Aaliya Zaiyan, another student, brought a rare 1930s Hawkeye Camera and 1950s Synchro Box Camera that her grandfather had preserved all these years.
“He fondly recollects the time he clicked pictures with these and how difficult and thrilling it would be. He says that using this is much more satisfying than the present-day DSLR,” she said.
During the event, there were talks about three women including Meenambal Sivaraj, the first Dalit president of the South India Scheduled Caste Federation, Ambujammal, a women’s rights activist, and Muthulakshmi Reddy, an eminent medical practitioner.
Yasodha Shanmugasundaram of Women’s Voluntary Service said that apart from these three women, five other women who have contributed to a great extent to society also were honoured, including Padma Venkatraman, Vishaladha, Jaya Harirajan, Mano Bhaktavatsalam and Akhila Ramajayam. “These five women in their own sincere way have done quite a lot of service,” she added.
A. Sabitha, principal secretary, Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation, proudly recollected memories of her grandmother Meenambal Sivaraj.
“She fought against many political leaders without fear and for the uplift of women. Though she lost her eyesight, she did everything she could till her death,” she added.
