Heritage walks, panel discussions, lectures and talks, exhibitions and book readings highlighting various facets of the city will mark the Madras Week celebrations to be held from August 19 to August 26 at various venues.
“Beginning in 2004 with programmes for just half a day, there are now over 105 programmes spread across a week. We want to bring people together to celebrate the city and know more about it,” said V. Sriram, a historian.
A Justice Party heritage tour in North Madras, exhibitions on the Early Tamil Alternate Magazine Movement, social history of Anna Nagar and household heritage in Madras, a presentation on rediscovering the graceful arch bridges of Madras, walks which include a butterfly walk in the Adyar Poonga and tree walk in Besant Nagar are among the slew of events planned for the week.
Releasing the schedule of events to be held, Historian S. Muthaiah said that right from its conception, Madras Week had attracted several organisations, business houses, educational institutions and many people to come together to host programmes. “We’re also in the process of starting a campaign to revive the Rajaji Hall as a space for events of both social and cultural importance,” said Vincent D’Souza, Editor, Mylapore Times .
The Chennai chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage (INTACH) too has a series of programmes lined up, including walks at the Madras High Court and the Theosophical Society.
The heritage quiz for school students was conducted on July 27 and students from the Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram School emerged winners.
Those interested can log on to www.themadrasday.in for more details about the daily events and programme schedule.
