Rome was not built in a day. No city was. In fact, my view is that no city was ever built. It is just born and grows.

On August 22, 1639 the grant was signed and given to Francis Day of the East India Company for the piece of no-man's-sand from which the city has grown. On that day 369 years back, none would have imagined that it would grow into a village, a town, a city and a sprawling metro as it is today. It grew around Fort St. George. August 22 is thus the birthday of Chennai. Let's celebrate it and wish her many more happy centuries.



Civilizations have grown on the banks of rivers from time immemorial. Madras grew by the side of the Bay of Bengal. Like any city on the seashore, Madras could grow only in three directions. Its eastern growth is made impossible by the ocean. However, let's not forget, the sea brought elements of civilization along with the cargo.

Along with Madras, a unique culture also grew. A unique language, a way of life came into existence. Even to this day one can see many centuries co-existing in this metro. You can see a bullock cart on the main road and you can see a jet flying overhead. In some parts of the city, the milkman brings along his cow early in the morning. We have also the milk packet in the fridge.

We have the settlements around the Kapaleeswarar Temple, Sri Parthasarathy Swamy temple and several other smaller temples. On Sunday mornings we see the Santhome roads leading to the famous Church. On Fridays especially, thousands attend the namaas in the famous mosques of this city. You can see the Punjabis, the Rajasthanis, the Malayalees, the Telugus, the Kannadigas, the Parsis and foreigners walking shoulder to shoulder with the locals. In fact they too have merged with the locals. That is Chennai.

Through the ages we have seen its culture undergoing unrecognizable transformation. One can seldom see a young girl in Thavani these days. They are in the most modern of attires.

With all the changes, Chennai continues to retain its unique flavour. And that is why Chennai is our dear home.