An evening to remember!

It was the 65^th Anniversary of Adclub ,Madras, at Grand Chola,  which was to witness 12 Past Presidents being honoured, each  with a special memento. Only seven were present. I was one of  them. 84 yrs old K.A Srinivasan, oldest among the Past Presidents  came with his wife. He is staying at a senior citizen home in Vandalur. There was  Prof. A. Srivatsa , who came from Bangalore. Others who received the mementos  included S.K.Swamy,  Vijay Xavier, Jagannath Ramaswamy, U. Jayraj Rao. Others who were not present included R.Seshadri, , C.D.Harish, Mrs V.Saxena and Ranju Kumar  Mohan. V.Kalidas was honored posthumously.

Mr N.Murali , the director of the The Hindu group and a great friend and well wisher of the Adclub, Madras was the chief guest. It was good to meet old friends after a long time and going down memory lane.

 I was a member of the Adclub Madras from 1974, the year I moved to Chennai. I was actively involved  with the Club only from 1988 to 2006 . I was the President of the Club in 1993-95. During my year as the President of the Club  I established a Permanent  secretariat at Club`s Own premises in Carex Centre which I had helped the club acquire the previous year. I also started a PG Diploma  Course in  Advertising, the only  ad club to run such a course in the country. Though I was actively with  the course in the initial years, the credit for taking  on the responsibility as the Director of the course for the next 25 years goes to PP Jagannath Ramaswamy.  I understand that the Course which was suspended during the Pandemic is going to be revived with a new syllabus  in keeping with the changing  times.

In 2006, as the Chairman of the Golden Jubliee Committee, apart from organizing  some memorable events  including the Grand Finale night where 10 veteran advertising professionals from South India were honored with Distinguished Service Awards, I also took on the onerous task  of bringing out the Golden Jubilee Commemoration volume, a Coffee Table book  providing the history of the Club. It was a tough job in the absence of any old files and records. An old member S.Krishna came to my rescue not only running from pillar to post trying to get whatever information and old photos that he could get but also writing the main history of the club. I consider the GJ Coffee Table Book professionally designed and printed by Brand Portrait as one of my important achievements in life.

Though the Club missed celebrating the Diamond Jubilee I am happy that the current Executive Committee of the Club  with Paul Antony as the President decided to celebrate the 65^th Anniversary providing an opportunity for many Past Presidents like me to meet and share their experiences with the younger generation. It was certainly an evening to remember!

For 54 years he was the voice of industry in South India

 A Tribute to S.Viswanathan

Can someone without specific academic qualifications or experience in journalism, and no financial resources but just a dream, launch an industrial magazine and run it successfully for 54 years? S. Viswanathan (SV), Founder Editor and Publisher of ‘Industrial Economist’ (IE), dared to do this.

SV  celebrated  two landmark events in his life in 2018; his 80^th birthday in January and the Golden Jubilee of IE on March 15th. I had the pleasure of attending this grand event at ITC Grand Chola in Chennai  and  witness for myself the tremendous respect he commanded from both the corporate bigwigs of the time and Bureaucrats of both state and central governments.

SV`s story as a successful economic journalist is worth recounting to provide inspiration to many aspiring  young  journalists.

SV’s first brush with writing and printing happened when, after graduation,  he was teaching  mathematics in some well known institutions in Chennai. His association with the Social Service Centre, Mambalam, provided him an opportunity to work on social issues like hygiene and nutrition and also to bring out a souvenir for the Centre. It was a good experience in editing, advertising and marketing.

 This  brought him in touch with Krishna Srinivas (KSri) who was publishing two magazines, ‘Indian Industries’ and ‘Poet’—both printed at his printing press. Impressed by SV’s work, KSri invited him to help him run the magazines and the press. Armed with the knowledge gained working with KSri, Viswanathan decided to turn entrepreneur. He was only 24 when he launched the monthly magazine ‘Mobile’, in 1962, devoted to the transport industry  with  guidance from S.N.Ramasami of the TVS group. Less than two years later, he started another trade magazine, ‘Trade Wheel’, devoted to the two-wheeler industry.

An important breakthrough came when he traded advertising space for a round-trip ticket to Europe with Pan-Am. He used his connections with the Press Bureau of German Industry in India, to get the opportunity to visit  six renowned German companies . The trip opened  SV`s  eyes to the immense opportunities and scope for industry-focused journalism.

SV decided to phase out  `Mobile `magazine and  bring out an industry based-magazine focused on South India as  there was an opening up of a window of opportunity because economic journals from Kolkata (‘Capital’), Delhi (‘Eastern Economist’), and Bombay(‘Commerce’), all industry-owned publications, had folded up. And so, ‘Industrial Economist’ (IE) was born in 1968.

The first issue of IE was released as a fortnightly on March 15, 1968. It had 36 pages, a cover price of 75 paise (annual subscription Rs. 15), and a print order of 2,000 copies.

According to SV, the concept of the ‘Advertorial Supplement’ on a particular topic/event introduced by IE, was the first of its kind in business journalism. The supplements had anywhere from 24 to 80 pages. The first supplement was on the inauguration of Madras Refineries Ltd. in September 1969. It was a part of the regular issue of the magazine and carried special features on the prestigious plant built with multinational involvement. MRL ordered 5,000 copies of the supplement for distribution. It was a good business idea and IE over the years produced over 100 such supplements.

The growing business necessitated shifting the office from his home in T. Nagar to a rented premises. With the move, came the idea of expanding the press. Unfortunately by the time  SV imported  printing machines  from Germany  and installed them technology had changed. Letter-press became obsolete and computers took over. SV struggled for a decade before deciding to quit the printing business!

Even while SV was fighting a battle on the business front, burdened with term loans, he was fast gaining recognition as an economic editor. He started getting invited to the annual Economic Editors’ Conferences hosted by the Union Government in Delhi which provided for interactions with Central ministers and senior civil servants. From 1973, for 45 years, SV was the sole representative to focus on southern economic issues  at  these conferences.

In 1985, SV switched to electronic/computer typesetting and desk top publishing/digitisation. Eight years later, IE celebrated its Silver Jubilee. To commemorate the 1993 Silver Jubilee, IE instituted the first ever ‘Business Excellence Award’ for corporates in South India. SV  formed an independent awards committee to make the decision. The Awards were discontinued in 2001 when SV found the mushrooming TV channels in Delhi presenting a plethora of awards.

In 1994, SV decided to go public. His company IE became a unit of the new company, Economist Communications Ltd. In the early 1980s, SV had moved to a  rented property in Guindy Industrial Estate. When new sheds were built there, he got allotted a 2,500 sq. ft. shed, and in 2001, 5,600 sq. ft. land. Foreseeing the transformation of Guindy into a large commercial hub, he raised a sophisticated commercial building designed by C.R. Narayan Rao architects and constructed by L&T.  In a record seven months, Economist House was built.

With steady rent coming from lessees, SV was  able to bring out IE regularly, modestly supported by advertising. Importantly, he was able to be independent. SV fought a long legal battle to win the right of journalists to be critical of corporates.

SV groomed many young journalists in economic journalism. His enthusiasm and energy displayed in  bringing out IE for 54 long years without compromising on  the quality of the contents or production is truly praiseworthy. In spite of a setback in his health due to Covid, he bounced back  to think of new ideas to keep the magazine going.  Keeping with the times in recent months the magazine had also started coming out in digital format.

In his passing away on 22^nd October, at the age of 84,  the world of economic journalism has lost a veteran.

He was a good friend and a well wisher. I will miss him. May his soul attain Satgathi!

An unforgettable Diwali gift!

The ninety year old Tamil literary monthly  Kalaimagal has carried my short story titled `Ilamai Thudippu` ( Pulse of the youth) in its Diwali issue this year.  It is appearing  along side the stories of many eminent writers in Tamil. I am thrilled at this special Diwali gift from Kizhambur, the editor of Kalaimagal . I wrote this unpublished story  in Tamil 60 years ago when I was still in college, when I was a Tamil fanatic  writing essays, stories and plays in Tamil. While  a couple of my plays were staged by a group of my friends in  which I also acted, the stories were only  circulated among friends and relatives.

 Kalaimagal has published a couple of my short stories and travelogues in the past in its regular issues  and Diwali issues. But they were all Tamil translations of my original articles in English. This is the first time that my story which I wrote in Tamil has been published. I can`t believe that I wrote this story . Because today  I can`t even compose a simple  sentence in Tamil without struggle as I am out of touch writing in Tamil for over 55 years.  Judging by the response I am getting from  some friends to  `Ilamai Thudippu` it is time that I get out of my mental block and start writing more stories in Tamil. To do that I must first learn to type in Tamil. That is the next Challenge I will take up seriously.

Since I don`t know how to send a link to the article in the Diwali issue, I am attaching the scanned copy of the story which has appeared in Kalaimagal. If my friends on FB who know Tamil find it difficult to read  & want a clearer copy  I can send the article as a word document. Please connect with me on rvrajan42@gmail.com.

I have two more good news to share this Diwali. More about it in my next posting.

Wishing all my friends on FB  a very happy Diwali!

A memorable 3 in 1 function

A reunion of ex emloyees  of Anugrah Madison (Team Anugrah)to felicitate me on my 80^th birthday  where my latest book was also released was held yesterday at  Sastri Nagar Ladies Club, close to my home. About 23 team members  had turned up . I was surprised to see Vivek  &  Koshy who had come all the way from Amsterdam & Dubai  only to attend the event. So also Murugan from Bangalore. The programme meticulously planned by Shobha Murthy  gave enough opportunities for members to go down memory lane. The screening of the seven  minute film on me by Rajeshwari Anand,  a long time associate,  as her personal tribute was followed by a quiz that she conducted  based on the film. A film titled `Naalu Parukkaikaha`  based on a short story by my late wife Prabha  and produced by Shobha`s daughter Shruthy sponsored by Prabha Rajan  Talent Foundation was also screened. The four senior managers of Anugrah were felicitated with special Cardamom garlands. The icing on the cake was a special `RVR-80` ceramic mug  gifted  to  all members who attended the event. I was happy to learn that many of the members had turned entrepreneurs and were doing very well. It was also heartening to know that they all harbored very pleasant memories of their association with Anugrah and were grateful to the management for empowering them and teaching them good values which has stood them in good stead in their respective careers. The meeting was followed by a typical south Indian lunch. The fact that even after lunch members were hanging around  until they were forced out of the hall by the next event organizer reflected the success of the event.

Personally I was happy that I was in the company of my old colleagues who were like my family who also ensured that all the copies of my new book which I had taken to the venue were sold out. Thanks Shobha & Team for organizing a memorable event.

 

A memorable trip to Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu

I had visited Karaikudi 35 years ago to attend the wedding of a cousin. It was not that crowded then  nor did I see that many shops. Traffic was bearable. It was a different experience when a group of walking friends decided to visit the town  recently on a  two - in- one trip; to attend the Sadhabhishekam (80^th birthday celebration) of  one of the members and also visit places of touristy  interest in and around Karaikudi.  The programme was masterminded by the wife of one of the members whose families  belong  to Karaikudi also known as capital of Chettinad, land of Chettiars. Traditionally Chettiars are well known as private bankers and money lenders  who also believed in philanthrophy . They built temples and educational institutions wherever they settled.

Eight of us decided to travel by two cars, leaving Chennai at 6 am on a Sunday morning. On the way we had breakfast  at  Murugan Idli, a new branch of the well known chain of restaurants located immediately after crossing Thindivanam on NH 4.While the restaurant offers their famous Sweet Pongal ( Chakra pongal) and Kuzhi Paniyaram to every guest , we found their  Podi  Uthappam outstanding. After a quick breakfast , we reached the Thappa Gardens, where we were booked,   by 1.pm. It is  a resort type hotel, with air conditioned cottages  surrounded by beautiful greenery, and located within the city limits.

After a simple lunch and a brief rest we were off to see Athangadi  Palace which is one amongst the many Chettinad Heritage Palaces that are still maintained well. Although the owner of the Athangudi Palace, left the palace long back. it is still used by his extended family. It is open to the public with an entry fee of Rs 50 per head.

“A house with 600 ornate windows and 64 grand rooms! With tiles imported from Italy, coloured glasses brought all the way from Belgium, intricately carved massive wooden doors and jharokhas! Massive Varandas covered in Chettinad Tiles. And beautifully coloured artwork all across” is how a visitor  describes this grand mansion in one of the literatures on the Athangadi Palace. The grandeur of the palace is to be seen to be believed. The palace follows the three porch formula – a characteristic seen in most of the Chettinad homes

When you arrive at the central courtyard of the house you see tall & heavy symmetrical pillars all around the square courtyard giving  it a very grand look. Though it is 100 years old, the house still stands strong. An important landmark worth a visit.

Our next destination was the famous Pillayarpatti Karpagavinayagar temple-( Ganesha temple) the first temple on our list of temples to be visited. Pillaiyarpatti Pillaiyar Temple is a 7th-century CE rock-cut cave shrine. When I visited this temple 35 years ago it had an open space in front without any of the Mandapams and other paraphernalia which have cropped up over the years to meet the growing number of  devotees visiting the temple. Our visit coincided with the Sayaratchai Puja (evening puja)which was in progress. Our group felt  blessed to witness the special aarthi performed as a part of the puja. After spending more than an hour in the temple we left for our next halt- the Vairavan temple devoted to Lord Siva in Vairavanpatti which is one of the nine  Nagarathar Clan Temples and belongs to a few thousand  Vairavanpatti Koil clan members.

It is a private temple which does not attract big crowds normally. But it comes alive during festive season when hordes of families attached to the temple living in other parts of the country or abroad visit the town and participate in the week long festivities.

After a quiet darshan we moved to our host`s house for dinner.

We were delighted to see a variety of delectable tiffin items including some special Chettiar items like Aadi kummayum ( sweet), Vellai paniyarum,  Milagai chutney,. Seeyum , Red rice idiyappam ,  Vengayakose and  Podi dosai.

The next morning, after a leisurely breakfast, our first visit was to the Balaji Temple in Ariyakudi, which was located very close to our hotel. It was a beautiful temple with a spacious courtyard. The main deity is called `Alamelu Manga Samedha Thiruvenagada Mudayan` and was as tall as you find Lord Balaji in Tirupathi. I had goose bumps while offering my prayers as Balaji is my favourite god. It was a very satisfying visit.

It was now time for us to visit the main item in our itinerary- visit to the famous Chettinad Maharaja`s Palace located in Kanadukathan village  also known as Kanadukathan palace. Though visitors are not allowed inside the palace, thanks to the connection that our host had with the owners of the palace we not only got permission to see the insides of the palace but were also treated like VIPs.

The palace  was built by S. Rm. M. Annamalai Chettiar in 1912. With so  many beautiful ornamental features, it is still being used by the  descendents of the original owners, M A M Ramaswamy`s son M A M R Muthiah, whenever he  visits Karaikudi. Like other palaces in Chettinad this palace also represents traditional Chettinad architecture built using materials like teak wood, marbles and granite pillars imported from abroad, mainly from East Asian countries and Europe. With a beautiful façade at the entrance, the main doors and entrances of the houses resemble the gateways of the Hindu temples.

While Ramaswamy`s family is known for the establishment of Annamalai University and other educational institutions in Chidamabaram in Tamil Nadu, Alagappa Chettiar. also known as Vallal Chettiar or the Socialist capitalist belonging to Karaikudi established  scores of educational institutions in Karaikudi itself . Many campuses of Alagappa University can be seen on either side of the beautiful & spacious college road through which we had to pass to go to Chettinad palace.

 We finished the Chettinad  Palace visit  in time to go to the host`s house for lunch- again a delectable Chettinad cuisine consisting of special items like Paruppu masiyal, Capsicum, chole and maavudu inji mandee, Pineapple rasam,. Vazhakai fry poriyal,.Cauliflower, peas , carrot uppu poriyal & Mango vella pachadi. Though the majority of  us were vegetarians, the host had ensured that the couple of  non vegetarians in the group could taste the special Chettinad chicken gravy. The lunch was topped with the desert `Kuruvai arisi (rice) payasam .

Before reaching the lunch venue the two couples in the group went shopping for Chettinad Kandangi sarees. Karaikudi is also known for  Athangudi tiles which are basically cement tiles like mosaic used for building the palatial houses in the town. Another interesting piece of news was that Indian overseas bank was founded in 1937 in Karaikudi by M Ct M Chidamabaram Chettiar.

Next & last item on the agenda was our participation in the 80^th birthday ( Sadabhishekam) celebrations of a popular walking friend Veerappan Chettiar. Sadabhishekam is a religious event conducted to mark the witnessing of  thousand moons by a man during his long life. Interestingly the celebrations and the associated rituals were held in a small village called Ilayathangudi from where Veerappan`s family hailed. It is an hour`s drive from Karaikudi . The rituals were held in a special mantap,located close to the Shiva temple  with which Veeappan`s family is connected.The function was attended by not only close relatives but also by many friends who had driven down from Chennai to Karaikudi. It was a grand affair strictly following the Chettinad practices. The family of Veerappan made us feel like a part of the family. Needless to say that we not only enjoyed watching the proceedings but the tasty but simple Chettinad lunch served on the occasion.

Since we had already checked out of our hotel, after partaking the lunch our group left for Chennai around 1pm on the third day. It was a memorable trip indeed the memories of which will be cherished for a long time.

Durga Puja Comes to our door step!

We are blessed with a corporation play ground in front of our home in Sastri Nagar (14^th Cross) in Chennai.. The play ground, however, turns into a mini lake during heavy rains. Last week we were surprised to learn from our Rotarian friend Bhowmik, who also happens to be the President   of South Madras Cultural association( a Bengali Association) that after a gap of two years, this year  the Association will be holding their annual Durga Puja Festival at the corporation grounds in front of our house. The Festival used to be held at the Corporation Community hall opposite Besant Nagar bus terminus for the last 40 years. Since the hall has been demolished to make way for another structure  the association had to look for alternative venues.

 While Bhowmik was happy that the new venue offers much bigger space,  I was worried about the possible disruption to our normal lives, especially the possible traffic jam that the hundreds of cars  which will be visiting the venue will cause making it difficult for our own vehicle movements, besides the security aspect.  Bhowmik assured us that arrangements had been made to regulate the vehicle  movements so that the residents are not  badly affected. I am happy to report that the experience of the first two days for the residents has been positive. Many of them have decided to visit  the  prayer  area  every day and ensure that they also have tasted all the varieties of lip smacking snacks available at the venue during the five days  of the festival.

The venue has been well laid  out with clear demarcation of the Puja area, food stalls selling street food from Bengal , an auditorium and other stalls offering  a variety of products and services.

` From beats of dhaak, the smoke of Dhumunchi to smell of kichudi bhog, a mini Bengal is being created at the venue. On the last three days bhog ( Prasad) will be served to devotees visiting the venue. Every evening there  will be  entertainment programme featuring music, dance , plays and fashion shows` said an organizer.

There was a mixed reaction to the news from the residents in the colony. Most  of them felt happy that a big festival was  happening at their door step and some were excited about the possibility of consuming the variety of Bengali sweets and snacks available at the venue during the course of the festival. I visited the puja area with my sister yesterday  but resisted the temptation to go for the goodies at the food stalls  as I am not confident of my ability to digest street foods.