There goes a Tamil proverb Adyar Adaiyaadaar Udaiyaar Adaiyaar . It means one who does not come to Adyar will not reach the abode of God.
Adyar was verdant, pollution-free and the sanctum-sanctorum of cleanliness and this proverb about Adyar rung true — the neighbourhood had the qualities one would associate with the abode of God. No wonder the founders of Theosophical Society chose this area to have their international headquarters.
From the old historical bridge, one could see wonders on the banks of Adyar river, the two majestic monumental mansions — The Chettinaadu Palace and Theosophical Society — and a small island serving as a sanctuary for birds. Watching an early sunrise from this spot would guarantee an ‘aha’ moment.
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After crossing the Adyar bridge — which is associated with a war between Portuguese and French army — was a tinny paved road leading to the sea, which used to be an avenue with a canopy that would not allow the sun rays to touch the ground.
The exciting moments for us children were the film shooting where heroes and heroines could be seen cycling and going round and round the cashew tree.
Gemini Ganesan, Sarojadevi and the Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini sisters would occasionally wave at the onlookers or students of Kalakshetra peeping through the cottages on the Kalakshetra campus.
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Film actors would congregate at the Besant School ground to play cricket, which was yet another attraction in Adyar during the Fifties. Thank God there were no digital cameras and cellphones those days to bother those artistes, who would be walking freely and unassumingly.
Next, Theosophical Society and Adyar were synonymous. The famous banyan tree inside the society has been a witness to so many revolutions that took place in our country including our own Independence.
Also, a revolution in art took place there. The Adyar Aalmaram — when thousands came to offer flowers at her feet and declare her as the Goddess of Bharatanaatyam. Thus Adyar gave rebirth to art and culture. With the establishment of Kalakshetra and Besant High School, Adyar, became the cynosure of Chennai.
The annual Kalakshetra art festival coincides with the international convention at Theosophical Society in December. People from far and wide used to make a beeline to the thatched Adyar Theatre.
With the shifting of Kalakshetra from Adyar to Thiruvanmiyur, Adyar lost half of its vibrancy. Adyar Kadaloram (beach), now Besant Nagar, used to be a haunted place and a cremation ground for all and sundry.
With the advent of skyscrapers, Adyar (‘God’s own land’) lost its old-world charm. Where is the green velvety paddy field extended far beyond sight? It is building everywhere. Building, building everywhere. God save his own land.
(Bharatanatyam exponent V.P.Dhananjayanis a resident of Adyar since 1953. He is founder and president of Bharatakalanjali, Adyar.)