Chennai is celebrating its 378th birthday today. It's called Madras Day as a tribute to its rich colonial past.Now an IT, automobile and education major, the Madras most of its citizens reminisce of had its humble beginnings almost 400 years ago.
On this day in 1639, the British bought a small piece of land overlooking the beach from the Nayak rulers to establish their East India Company.It was then called Chennaipatnam. Soon, the old Fort St George came up, around which George town developed which later became Madras.
The city expanded along the River Cooum. The then Madras Presidency included even Andhra Pradesh, with Madras the hub for commerce to culture, education to entertainment, and health to hospitality.In 1996 the Tamil Nadu government renamed the city Chennai, to end the colonial tag. But Chennaites cherish their colonial heritage as Madras Day.
Chennai is perhaps the only Indian city that celebrates its rich colonial culture. Many call it the "ever-changing yet never changing spirit". Over the next week, many Chenaiites will re-discover their heritage in a variety of ways.
A city deserves to celebrate its birthday.
And Madras, that is Chennai certainly deserves it.
Last but not least - A city of great history and heritage. A city that welcomes everyone!
On this day in 1639, the British bought a small piece of land overlooking the beach from the Nayak rulers to establish their East India Company.It was then called Chennaipatnam. Soon, the old Fort St George came up, around which George town developed which later became Madras.
The city expanded along the River Cooum. The then Madras Presidency included even Andhra Pradesh, with Madras the hub for commerce to culture, education to entertainment, and health to hospitality.In 1996 the Tamil Nadu government renamed the city Chennai, to end the colonial tag. But Chennaites cherish their colonial heritage as Madras Day.
Chennai is perhaps the only Indian city that celebrates its rich colonial culture. Many call it the "ever-changing yet never changing spirit". Over the next week, many Chenaiites will re-discover their heritage in a variety of ways.
And Madras, that is Chennai certainly deserves it.
Last but not least - A city of great history and heritage. A city that welcomes everyone!
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