“In the lord’s name …”
Well. Perhaps that’s not exactly how they inaugurated it in 1896 – but Chennai’s Connemara’s Library certainly owes it’s name to Lord Connemara. Today, December 5, marks its 110th anniversary.
What scenes it must have witnessed! How many scholars, seekers of knowledge wandered in, I wonder, hoping to quench their thirst for knowledge in the tomes it held? How many idled around, content to simply amble about? If Connemara had a voice, she would relate, perhaps, tales of the British who brought her into being; of the Madrasis who later took over, and made sure she was maintained state (and sometimes not) … and though she’s seen her very fair share of ups and downs, I’m sure she’ll agree that there’s no other place she’d rather be.
To the Connemara, then. May her shelves be filled with nothing but books – and may there be no betel juice spitting in the corners. Ever.
PS: Here‘s a related post by Chandrachoodan about Connemara on its renovation.
May there be no betel juice spitting in the corners! Indeed!
Well, well, well, Princess! I sort of ambled my way in here and was overwhelmed to see you writing here. Oh, how I thank the *Lord* for small mercies! ;)