“From the grandeur of Fort St. George to the bustling bazaars of T Nagar, Madras is a mosaic of moments that together tell the story of a city like no other.”
What if the walls of Chennai’s oldest buildings could talk? This Madras Day, our students listened to the whispers of history as they journeyed through the city’s most cherished sites. As part of the 385th Madras Day celebrations, our students had the unique opportunity to explore some of Chennai’s most iconic landmarks, each a testament to the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
The journey began at the Ripon Building, a symbol of Chennai’s colonial past. The students were awed by its majestic Indo-Saracenic architecture and learned about its significance as the seat of the Chennai Corporation since 1913. Students were treated to a breathtaking view of the light house. This modern lighthouse, with its red and white stripes, stands as a beacon of the city’s maritime heritage. Next, we ventured to Chennai Central, the city’s bustling railway hub. This historic station, with its iconic clock tower, offered a glimpse into the role it played in connecting Chennai to the rest of India during the British era. A visit to Victoria Hall followed, where the students were captivated by its stunning design and rich history. Built to commemorate Queen Victoria, this hall has been a center for cultural activities in the city for over a century. The tour continued to Presidency College, one of India’s oldest educational institutions. Walking through its historic legacy of great scholars who once studied there, including Nobel laureate C.V. Raman. The journey culminated at Santhome Church, a sacred site built over the tomb of Saint Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles.
As we wrapped up our Madras Day tour, the echoes of Chennai’s past lingered with our students. The question now is—how will they shape the future of this incredible city?
