A collection of postcards with illustrations by artist Pavithra Srinivasan released

TN Venkatesh IAS, Justice Prabha Sridevan and Historian KRA Narasaiah at the launch event at Higginbothams in Chennai on Saturday. | Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B

A collection of postcards depicting iconic buildings of Madras, including those of the Triplicane Grand Mosque, Royapettah Clock Tower, Madras High Court and the Armenian Church, compiled by artist, writer, translator and heritage lover, the late Pavithra Sirnivasan (1979-2021), was launched at Salabothams Book Store in Hibothamsaggin on Saturday.

Titled ‘Madras: Arches, Alleys & Icons’, the collection by Pavithra’s Perspectives celebrates the history, architecture and visual character of Chennai. It was started by India’s Postcrossing Welfare Society, Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai and Madras Literary Society.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department, TN Venkatesh said that the stories of Pavithra in Hindu Young World for Children were very effective and found their mark. He said he is a big fan of her works, including translations. “We will add her illustrations to our collection of memorabilia and mementos of the city brought by Poompuhar,” he added.

Former Madras High Court judge Prabha Sridevan said Pavithra’s illustrations show how much she loved the city. KRA Historian Narasiah said he was happy to be part of the launch of Pavithra’s illustrations depicting Madras in various ways. Heritage enthusiast TS Padmapriya said that Pavithra created a lot of illustrations for her book on West Mambalam.

Pavithra’s father Srinivasan said his daughter was also a musician. “We are planning to publish a book about Royapuram and the trams she worked on. All proceeds from the sale of her books and other material will go to a non-profit foundation that helps pay school fees for poor children,” he added.

Architect Thirupurasundari Sevvel said each of the cards has a story behind it. “Pavithra and I have been making a play on Madras which will be published soon. A pack of 12 postcards would cost ₹ 500 each. Copies can be purchased by emailing madras.kadhai@gmail.com or ordering at https://www.postcardsville.com/

Published – 30 Aug 2026 0:41 AM IST