The Archives on University of Madras

Every time I visit the Marina beach campus of the University of Madras, I venture into the Senate House. Unlike in the past when the restoration of this magnificent heritage landmark was in full swing and watchmen used to keep off curious people at bay, entry to the hall is easy.

Restoration work has frozen now. Bills have not been settled. The University says the budget has been exceeded. The contractors aren't amused. And no one seems to know when and if the work will be completed.
Few students, who study here or drop by to pursue mundane matters, care to stop and stare at this heritage landmark.
Senate House, the University's first building, inaugurated in 1869, is a masterpiece of Robert Fellowes Chisholm, the great architect of 1800s, who harmoniously blended the Indo-Saracenic style with Byzantine and European architectural features.
I was there last week to check out an exhibition put up by the National Archives of India (www.nationalarchives.nic.in) in association with the University of Madras.
And what a pathetic show it was!
Remember that the universities of Madras, Bombay and Calcutta are celebrating 150 years. These were the Presidency Universities. And this show which focussed on all three campuses, was an apology for someone somewhere who had decided that one more event had to be logged.
The Senate House itself has a colourful history. And I expected the university to tap its resources to pool rare pictures and documents and display them.
Instead, there were flexi board copies of early documents that gave birth to higher education, a copy of the picture of Thamotharan Pillai, said to be the first grad, and on the early Vice-chancellors.
A page on the official web site of the university features a few pictures - at http://www.unom.ac.in/photogallery.html. And even these, of events in the Senate House, are interesting. But they were not on display.
To compensate, I sat in this hall and took in its features as the evening sunlight sneaked in through the stained glass panels. A 'supplemental' convocation was to take place this week.
But how are we going to use this great hall?
A small permanent exhibition is an idea to explore.
A multi media show on the history of this university that is on round the working hours, is another idea.
Concerts on weekends will also be unique experiences.
The alumni of Madras University are famous and legion. They need to take the lead in such matters.
I hear the MGR Museum is going to open on the campus of the 'samadhi' of this actor-politician. On the Marina. I will check that one out soon.

Have you been around the University campus and discovered a wonderful nook? Share it here.