A blog written by one of the famous movie script writer in a newspaper flicked my thoughts about this South Indian town. There was also scarcity of a relevant topic to write, but when working on this topic started, I thought that I should word it down so that I may not miss the thoughts that are flowing out.
The name of this town has changed to Chennai now. It came to a level that those who call this town Madras are considered the remnants of the colonial empire who has designed this city with its beautiful architectural epochs and monuments. I heard ages ago, that the name Madras was derived from two English words “Mad Rascals”. Even though this may or may not be true, there are a lot of mad guys in this town who are passionate about movies, music, and monuments. The name Chennai is still something that makes me feel uncomfortable because all the time I was in this town; we were so used to call it Madras.
I was in Madras for almost 5 years. It was the time period from 2000- 2004. These were some of the most memorable years in my life.
This was also the time I realized the value of money the hard way. Till that time, I had the monthly allowances for schooling and domestic expenses from the parents for which I can demand, complain, and mourn about. The most precious things that I have achieved during this time period were a bunch of experiences that molded the rest of my life, and a handful of friends, whom I consider are an asset for me for the rest of my life.
This was the same town where I become the proud owner of a vehicle. It was a second hand scooter and the memories of having a ride on it for the first time through Mount Road is still a clear picture in my mind. The smile that bloomed on my face when the wind hit my face was that one of a winner or rather an achiever. There is a bunch of other people whom I need to mention when talking about my days in Madras. Swish whom we use to call Thambi who religiously watched all the western movies and dedicated his body to branded clothes, Reji whom we used to call Kullan who was a hero among the hot chicks in the hospital, Praveen who used to do all kinds of silly mischief and smiles bluntly after being caught for them, Jyothish who proclaims to be a kung fu champion even though he did not have the energy to stand on his own, Bobins who endlessly talked and aspired to be in Bangalore for the rest of his life, and Iybi who cooked us with some of the most tasty non vegetarian dishes were some of them whom I still keep in touch with on a regular basis, thanks to all the social websites. The driver by name Puli who offered his bike on seeing me walk, the father of our unit director in hospital, who blessed me on his sick bed that “you will reach the heights in your career”, the entrepreneur who was a millionaire who lost all his assets due to a divorce, and employed me offering all his love and affection were some of the nice Madrasis I remember.
The experiences I had from this town are invaluable. I have not visited Madras for more than five years now. I longed to visit the last time I went to India. Even if I am not in there for next decade, my mind still longs to be there. Walking through the streets and cherish those days when I walked through the old streets keep me going wherever I am with the dreams of being in Madras again on one of the days…………
