The Hindu illustration by Soumyadip Sinha
Yet another Madras Day is upon us. To someone like me, for whom every day is Madras Day, it is yet another moment for us to pause and reflect on what the city means to us. Birthplace? Home? Place of Work? Roots? A stop among several in a long life? Madras or Chennai can mean many things to many people. To most, it spells opportunity. The big metropolis that holds out the promise of fulfilling dreams. And so, they keep coming. And when they come, they add to the colour of the city. And when they depart, one way or the other, they leave behind their impress — yet another knot, or twist, or stitch in the huge patchwork that is our city.
Chennai, the southernmost Indian metropolis, is not just the capital of Tamil Nadu. It is also an important city on the world map. An automotive capital, an educational hub, a location for back-office operations, a leader in leather, a software major, foremost in medicare, a cultural showpiece, a centre for cinema, an arena for some sports…the list is endless. And in all of this, Chennai interacts with the world, an interaction that is reciprocated as well. It is therefore not just a city in India, it has a global footprint.
Through this collection of stories, we look at Madras and the world. What has the world given us, and what have we given the world. We look at why Madras is not just a city but a presence in many lives across the globe. And above all, we look at the various countries with whom Madras, Chennai, and the Coromandel Coast had a relationship dating not just to today or yesterday but from long.
And so here is a toast to you dear Madras! You were certainly not born on Madras Day, but we say a special thanks to you on this day, which you have yourself chosen as appropriate for celebrating you.
Published – August 22, 2025 10:00 am IST
