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Vol. XXX No. 4, June 1-15, 2020

Our Readers Write

During the lockdown, we at Madras Musings were thrilled to find quite a lot of feedback on our website, where we were updating articles every fortnight. We are publishing some of these below:

J.S. Prabhu – An Institution Builder and Patron of Arts
(Vol. XXIX No. 23, March 16‑31 2020)

AK says, this is a very well-written article. Rasikas like JSP had a great role in promoting classical music. Patna had a number of such patron-rasikas who established a tradition of inviting the top musicians and dancers of the country for night-long soirees during Durga Puja. Not only is that tradition lost, even memory of those days, and the contribution of those patrons is lost. Their family members seem to be clueless about the great legacy of their grandparents. I am happy that JSP’s role has been archived.
N. Venkatraman says: An inspiring and interesting article and well written too.

In those times and even upto the 60s such personalities could be found among the locals and also the “Pravasi” communities who had settled down in those places. With changing times, such trends are few and far between. Stalwarts like J.S. Prabhu’s memories should be kept alive by spreading and archiving their life and achievements. And continuing the good work in their memory is also very vital and relevant.

Suresh Shanbogue says: Very informative! Interesting to know more about our beloved Prabhu Maama (Uncle) and his contributions to the Society especially SGS Sabha. It is heartening to note great singers like MS, Bhimsen Joshi have sung at SGS Sabha. Thanks to Ashwin for his efforts and Madras Musings!

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Remembering P.K. Belliappa
(Vol. XXIX No. 24, April 1-15, 2020)

Srinivasan Radhakrishnan says, P.K. Belliappa was one of the most deserving cricketers who should have played for India. A magnificient wicket keeper and an attacking opening batsman, he was simply a delight to watch. Belliappa and K.R. Rajagopal were an awesome duo who provided firepower at the top of the order. Belliappa may not be with us but his deeds in the cricketing field will live for ever.

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A pharmacy that helped found a Society (Wilfred Pereira’s pharmacy)
(MM, Vol. XXVIII No. 20, February 1-15, 2019)

Arun Prasad says: Very interesting article. I was reading about mulberry in Madras and came to this article. Thanks for the interesting account.
Aubrey Gonsalves says: We are looking for Victor & Co pharmaceuticals which was on Mount Road, Madras in the 1930s, own by Victor DeSouza. If you have any information, or guide us to find out about him, we would much appreciate it. Thanks and kind regards.

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An early Cricket club of Madras turns 90
(MM, Vol. XXIX No. 6, July 1-15, 2019)

Srinivasan Radhakrishnan says, Sir, Your site is, as usual, spectacular. Most of the players who played for MRC A and Tamil Nadu were exceptionally skilled cricketers. What is the reason that many TN cricketers could not blossom in International cricket though their capabilities were second to none? The glaring example being Vasudevan who was miles ahead of Ravi Shastri in terms of talent. Looking forward to your thoughts.

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An Air force coach who had mentored Women Cricket
(Vol. XXIX No. 5, June 16-30, 2019)

Srinivasan Radhakrishnan says: Sir, Very sad to hear the demise of P.K. Dharmalingam and V.S. Vijayakumar. Both of them gave their best to their teams. Dharmalingam’s contribution as a coach is simply spectacular. He was the guru who trained Kapil Dev to take that magnificient catch of Richards. May their souls rest in peace.

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Chennai’s First Trade Centre
(Vol. XXIX No. 1, April 16-30, 2019)

I came to Madras as a 12 year old in 1968. I remember being taken to visit the trade fair site on a tour from school! There was also a Tamil movie with a song picturised in the trade fair tower, the name of which escapes me. Thank you for taking me back half a century.

George Mathew
george.seagull@gmail.com

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The Stars of RK Salai
(Vol. XXIX No. 9, August 16‑31, 2019)

I read this article, it was really interesting. One of my uncles, the legendary Dr. T.S. Shetty, lived in E.E. road next to Dr. Radhakrishnan House. A surgeon and physician, he was a family friend and doctor to Raja Sir Muthiah Chettiar’s family, the AVM family, and other well-known families. He died at an early age and I was told that the whole road was closed during that time. Anyway, the road has not lost its charm.

Devidas Shetty
devidasshetty@gmail.com

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A doctor to remember (Dr. S. Rangachari)
(Vol. XXVIII No. 15, November 16-30, 2018)

There is a biography in Tamil by the writer Ms. Rajam Krishnan, which has been reprinted after a long time. We will be grateful if someone can translate this book in English.

A.M. Srinivasan
amstvs@yahoo.co.in

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The Anglo-Indian ­Colonel in the INA
(Vol. XXVIII No. 9, August 16-31, 2018)

Ambassador K.P. Fabian says, I have worked under Ambassador Stracey in Madagascar. He was a good ambassador and a good and generous human being. I do not know where the Stracey family is now. Some had gone to Australia.

Major M Godfrey (retd) Indian Army says, A truly remarkable account for an Anglo Indian (considered in those days pro British). Loyalty to his troops deserted by British officers to the Japanese, channeled him toward the cause of India’s fight for independence. He was the only Anglo Indian to do this & reach high office in independent India’s IFS. A role model for his community.

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