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Talking about educational institutions there is yet another great educational institution in this area. About 151 years have rolled ever since the school was started. A printing press that was started along with it is still existing there. But the names that these institutions bear are not Tamil names. On the contrary they have very close links with modern Tamil. The educational institution is the Fabricious School. The printing press is the Jeegan Bald Printing Press. The history of Tamil printing commences from Jeegan Bald Viviliam. Copies of Tamil Dictionary, which was published in the 19th century, are available even today. An octogenarian slowly walks into the room of the Principal with the help of a walking stick.
When the Principal looks at the old man with the question 'why' in his face, the visitor answers, "I am an old student of this school". "May I know your name?" "R.K.Narayan." Like a reflex action the Principal rushes from his chair. He could not believe his eyes to see the world famous writer standing in front of him. "Sir, it is indeed a great honor for us. You take your own time to go round the school. I would delighted to take you around the school myself." "Oh! Don't you trouble yourself. I can be on my own."
R.K.Narayan has mentioned in two or three of his works about the days that he had spent in Purswalkam. He had spent his childhood in Vellala Street in Purswalkam area. Let us scan Chennai again… Ashokamitran |
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The M.Ct.M.Muthiah Chettiar Higher Secondary School, which has a long history, is still functioning in the Purswalkam area. If I am not mistaken for talking about caste and community, I would like to put forth a view at this juncture. The Purswalkam area housed a number of
Chettiar and Mudaliar families who did yeomen services to the Tamil community. R.M.Azhagappa Chettiar's residence can be seen even today. The Tamil magazine 'Kumudam' started by him is a major Tamil weekly today. Like any other place the Purswalkam area is a 'Cosmopolitan' locality.
The Principal lifts his head up to find out the reason for the old man's visit to the school. The octogenarian says, "can you please allow me to go round the school for half an hour".
Narayan slowly climbed the flight of steps, reached the classroom and gets lost in his own thoughts. Exactly after half an hour he alights the steps and comes down. Looks at the Principal and says "thank you brother!" and slowly walks away.