Heritage Walks attract people, both young and old, who are interested in understanding local history, traditions, culture, architecture, and life in general. This awareness helps foster empathy and tolerance toward people, places, and the environment.

Madras Day, which began in 2004 was the brainchild of two journalist-activists, Vincent D’Souza and Sashi Nair.  They desired the past to come alive for the people, and invited S. Muthiah, a renowned historian, to reveal the city’s history through heritage walks.  The walks covered colonial landmarks such as Fort St. George, the Indo-Saracenic Senate House, and other architectural gems that are the pride of Madras - Chennai, as Madras is known today.   What began as a small local event has grown into a month-long heritage festival throughout August, a month already rich with holidays and other religious festivities.

Undoubtedly, heritage walks serve as a valuable tool for education, community building, and cultural preservation. In recent years, the celebration has grown considerably, with more events and happenings. Several events are now organized, including photo exhibitions, cultural talks, poetry readings, food festivals, and music programs. These programs bring people from diverse backgrounds together and foster a sense of community.. By educating people about these traditions and legacies, the festival helps build a better community that understands the importance of preserving them for future generations.

This year, my spouse and I had the opportunity to participate in two such heritage tours- one, conducted by the Heritage Centre of the illustrious Indian Institute of Technology (IITM), and the other, by the MS Swaminathan Institute of Scientific Research (MSSRF).

In the entrance hall of MSSRF

The MSSRF walk, led by architect-planner Ms. Thirupurasundari Sevvel, focused on the heritage buildings adjoining the MSSRF campus. These included the Dharmambal Polytechnic for Women, the Central Polytechnic for Men, and the Tamil Language University of Taramani.  A key point highlighted by the tour guide was that satellite towns often develop around academic institutions.

Thirupurasundari Sevvel giving an introductory talk

She provided several examples from the city's growth to illustrate this concept. ‘Poochi’ Venkat, a well-known naturalist and insect photographer, joined the tour and shared some interesting points about the foundation's undisturbed ecosystem. He explained that this environment is particularly beneficial for a wide variety of insects and other tiny creatures.

An interesting fact is that the IIT Campus is bordered by Taramani on one side and Velachery on the other. Established in 1959, with technical assistance from West Germany, it grew into one of the premier institutes in the country, known not only for its academic excellence and cutting-edge research but also for its green environs in an urban landscape.

The sprawling campus, spanning about six hundred acres, was carved out of the Guindy National Park and is a protected forest area. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including blackbucks and spotted deer, providing a unique environment for students.  

Help Desk, Heritage Centre, IIT M

As an individual whose childhood was spent on the IIT campus, the mention of  ‘Gajendra Circle’ and the ‘Open Air Theatre’ fills me with nostalgia.. The leisurely ride in the battery-operated cars with guide Mr. Kumaran Sathasivam and his team members revealed several insights.  The guide mentioned that generous contributions from IITM alumni  (most IITians have carved a niche for themselves on the international stage!) have helped fund various projects, including new indoor sports complexes, innovative buildings, and  a significant facelift for the stadium.

A common spectacle on the IIT campus

At the Manohar Watsa stadium, the pair of albino black bucks was a fascinating sight; they, along with other bucks and some spotted deer,  were making the best use of the stadium as people were away. We enjoyed watching them, the spotted deer and the ubiquitous monkeys, all over the campus.  

I must add that at the end of the tour, the participants were treated to delicious beverages and vadas.  A tiny arboreal ancestor, attracted by the smell,  was trying to enter the centre. It certainly amused us and prompted us to take pictures. The assistants, however, had a tough time keeping it away.

Both heritage tours offered an enriching and immersive experience…  and left us asking for more…
For me, IIT was and will be ‘heaven on earth.’

All images (c) N. Ravi