All the schools in the city will receive copies of a film ‘The story of Madras—the first city of Modern India’ free of cost. The film is an attempt to disseminate information on various aspects of the development of science, arts and polity in modern India and the world, with reference to Madras.
Releasing the film at a function organised by INTACH Chennai Chapter at Amir Mahal on Friday, Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali said the government should initiate more measures to preserve the city’s heritage and educate children about its glorious past.
The Prince appealed to Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to take immediate action in arranging to expedite the restoration of the Chepauk Palace Kalas Mahal.
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The Prince also appealed to State government to restore the Government Madrasa-e-Azam School for Boys on Anna Salai which was founded by his ancestors. “This institution at any cost should not be diverted for any other purpose than education,” the Prince of Arcot said.
Historian S. Muthiah said Madras was a significant city in world history. “It was in Madras, founded in 1639, that virtually every single major institution in India — education, railway, medicine, municipal governance and Survey of India — had their beginnings. This is the reason we need to pay close attention to this city of ours, how it developed, how it grew and how it contributed to modern India,” said Mr. Muthiah.
Cinematographer Rajiv Menon stressed the need for innovative methods to attract students to learn the significance of our past. “Children are reading less. Visual media has to educate children,” said Mr. Menon.
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Receiving the first copy of the film, educationist Mrs. Y.G. Parthasarathy said the film was the best way to preserve our past.