What defines Chennai?
As we move toward the day the city was founded and grew to become Madras, now Chennai, I was wondering what defines our city. One can look at this in various ways. First, what visual symbol comes to mind when we think of the city? Delhi has the India Gate, the Red Fort as part of the ancient symbols and the North and South blocks of Government on Raisina Hill, the circular Parliament building or Rashtrapathi Bhavan, the Presidential Palace, that could stand for the city. Mumbai has the Gateway of India and the stock market tower on Dalal Street that can symbolize it. Hyderabad, the Charminar. What would be ours? Fort St George? The High Court buildings? The Marina Beach? A modern day symbol could be Tidel Park. What would your selection be for both the ancient and the modern symbol?
Ahem…Central Station?
The Bridge Over the River Cooum (Iron/Napier Bridge)
Ariel shot of the Gemini Flyover :D
I guess they show the top three in the movies too much.
Kabaleeshwarar Kovil
I don’t think I can come up with a modern landmark…they are all so alike…glass boxes.
What defines Madras?
Bribery, corruption, large posters of ugly politicians, open sewage, shpt & urine almost everywhere, mosquitoes, flies, liquor shops, killer MTC buses, rowdy auto-drivers, stinking coovam, soon to-be-coovam adyar river, stagnant water, overflowing sewage, crowded/stinking trains, disease, obese men/women, stray dogs, poorly fed cows, dirt, dust…and what not.
Sorry, I am a realist. I see the things as they exists today.
Your right, we dont have a single sure shot winner, but there are some pretenders:
Neoclassical landmark: Central Station, the southern railway headquarters, egmore museum
Ancient Landmark: Shore Temple, Mahabs
British Raj Landmark: Ft. St. George, Office of the commisioner of police?
Modern Landmarks: TIDEL/ Govt General Hospital/ IT Highway / MRTS
some people may even say sarvana stores, nallis, GRT and hotel saravana bavan!!
Light Houses at Parry’s Corner
http://www.flickr.com/photos/balu/36389984/
Horse statue near Anna flyover
http://www.flickr.com/photos/balu/35845893/
Chennai means Marina beach…!
(i wonder Vivek is from Mars… or born n brought up in White house, US…??;-) …writing the same negative thoughts in all blogs…i can only laugh at a clear pessimistic saying himself as a realistic…..B +ve dear friend…u ve every right to speak like this if u fight against anyone of things u said… however i can say only all the best for u turning into a optimistic..good bye)
Cheers,
Nams
Eh Vivek, nee Chennai-lle irukkiya? Modhala kalambu, and you won’t have to see all the stuff that you dislike.
I think the Ripon Building & Fort St. George (historical), Marina Beach (natural), Tidel Park & the IT Corridor (modern/progressive) are all symbols of Chennai. I’m sure there’s more – like some of the churches, mosques and temples to represent the religious/cultural aspect of the city, but my lack of knowledge precludes me from judging which would best represent the city.