People are keen on learning about the city’s old neighbourhoods, says Saranya Jayakumar

I feel there is a resurgence of interest in people wanting to learn about their localities. Years ago, we never had anything like this, but now there is a strong interest in old neighbourhoods of Chennai through these heritage walks. These walks need to be celebrated because they stir up a lot of enthusiasm for heritage, both among the young and the old, says 85-year-old quizzer Saranya Jayakumar.

I participated in the two quiz competitions held in Madras in the late 1950s. The Madras team even won the All India Quiz competition in the early 1990s, if I recall correctly. Now, quizzing in Chennai has become far more advanced. Even for an old quizzer like me, it is interesting to watch the events these days. I must say there is more interest than ever before, especially among the college students, which is something to be appreciated.

And lastly, Madras itself has always been accepting. The people of the city have long welcomed those from other parts of India, and we have never had any friction, which accounts for why so many outsiders have been able to live and work here in such a tolerant atmosphere.

(As told to Sahana Mira S.)‘