‘My heart still beats for the unhurried city that was old Madras’
A personal reflection on the transformation of Chennai, formerly Madras, from a quiet, unhurried city to a bustling modern metropolis. The author contrasts the nostalgia of old landmarks with the current rapid growth in infrastructure and technology.
Why it matters
It captures the cultural tension between rapid urban development and the preservation of local heritage in India's major cities.
Born in Egmore Maternity Hospital, I grew up in the government quarters at Todd Hunter Nagar in Saidapet. It was a sprawling campus with over 500 houses, warm neighbours, and abundant green cover.
Every Pongal, we celebrated ‘Nagar Day’ with fanfare, and there would be competitions, sports activities, and a three-day drama performance. My younger brother Suresh and I, both child artistes, played major roles.
Old Madras was the unhurried city with its own charm, from the friendly provision stores, where the owner knew your family, to the huge Spencer Plaza on Mount Road, which was the precursor to today’s malls.
I yearn for those old theatres — New Elphinstone, Odiyan Mani, Wellington, and New Globe —and eateries — Arya Bhavan, Ambi’s Café, and Udupi Sri Krishna Vilas.
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