Chennai: A curated walk saw Chennaiites waking up early on a Sunday morning to get a peek into the otherwise-restricted Chennai port and the Royal Madras Yacht Club. The walk was headed by historian KNA Narasiah, a former consultant to the Chennai port and World Bank who started his career as a sailor in the Indian Navy.
Organised by the Royal Madras Yacht Club to commemorate the Madras Week 2018 celebrations, the port was thrown open to over 50 enthusiastic Chennaiites aged between 6 to 60, eager to learn more about the point of inception of their now-beloved city.
It is also important to note that exactly 107 years ago, in 1911, the Madras Yacht Club was set up. It was given the charter to be named ‘Royal’ by King George V in 1926. The walk, aimed at tracing the history of the port began at the entrance of the Reserve Bank of India, where Narasiah walked the enthusiasts through the beginning of Madras as a port.
“The two English men who picked the city as the place to set up the East India Company lied to their officers saying the area was full over weavers and artisans. Later, a whole lot of them were brought from Tanjavur and other areas to show for,” said Narasiah. The group was walked through the harbour, showing the expanse of sea which made Madrasapattinam, Madras port and eventually one of the British hubs.
The walk also involved a mention of the great mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan, who, incidentally began his career as a guard at the port after running away from home. N Tamil Selvan, ADGP, Coastal Security Group also addressed the attendees and discussed the importance of coastal safety and public safety at the coast.
The walk culminated with a reward for waking up early as the Yacht club had organised for the attendees to experience sailing. “This has to have been the highlight of the walk. One has to experience the thrill of sailing at least once in their lives,” said Priya, one of the attendees.
