Taj Connemara proud symbol of our tradition: Chidambaram Staff Reporter

http://www.hindu.com/2008/08/25/stories/2008082557860200.htm

— Photo: K. Pichumani

History of a landmark: (From left) Historian S. Muthiah, Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and N. Murali, Managing Director, The Hindu, at the book launch in Chennai on Sunday. CHENNAI: Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram stressed the importance of conservation of heritage buildings in the city and hand over the torch of our heritage institutions to future generations.

Speaking at the launch of historian S. Muthiah’s book ‘A tradition of Madras that is Chennai The Taj Connemara,’ Mr. Chidambaram said, “This (Taj Connemara) is of course a landmark. This stands as a proud symbol of our tradition.”

Stressing the significance of upholding the heritage he said, “I shall ensure that the Bharat Insurance building is not pulled down.”

He added that the heritage building can be preserved and converted into a museum.

Accepting the first copy of the book from Mr. Chidambaram, N. Murali Managing Director of The Hindu said, “Civil society has woken up. Citizens are rediscovering Chennai. They have struck a balance between tradition and modernity.”

Mr. Muthiah said, “Taj Connemara, the oldest hotel in the city, still remains the tradition of Madras.”

Journalist Mark Tully, present at the function, recalled his association for over 40 years with the Hotel.

“Taj Connemara, the 154-year-old icon in Chennai, has played a key role in shaping the hospitality industry in the city. The book is a fabulous tribute to the wonderful city. The book, not for sale, is to be given to guests and well wishers,” said N. Prakash, Director Operations-Oriental Hotels Limited and Area Director-Chennai.

* Really, I could not understand the hype created by this man S. Muthaiah", “The historian", because, he cares only for the colonial buildings and hang-overs and cry for them.

* See these guys, releasing such extravagant-books at Five Star hotels and Chidambaram to attend and praise “the tradition".

* When thousands of years old temples have been there and buildings disappearing, Muthaiah does not care.

* When the title itself has been like that," A tradition of Madras that is Chennai The Taj Connemara,’ they cannot be blamed, as the hotel itself would have sponsored the tamasha with compliments.

* In any case, their hypocrasy cannot be accepted, as Muthaiah like colonial-stooges go on care for the foreign ones, ignoring the Indian ones.

VANDE MATHARAM?

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