“I wouldn’t trade Chennai for any other city in the world, whatever the weather.

Sabita Radhakrishna, TV presenter, textile researcher, designer and cookbook author. | Photo credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

After 56 years in Madras, now Chennai, I wouldn’t trade it for any other city in the world, whatever the weather! In the 1970s, after experiencing life in other cities, I discovered that Madras had all the hallmarks of a metro city, yet retained a simplicity that radiated warmth and friendliness.

The trips meant walking in the Theosophical Society, sitting under the Banyan tree, visiting the inhabitants who were so very different in their approach to life. Talking to Sankara Menon and others like teacher Sarada and Kamala Trilokekar was uplifting and meeting Rukmini Arundale was a lifetime experience.

We carried sandwiches and light food, sat on the beach in Besant Nagar, fed the kids and just lay on the sand watching the sunset. “Thenga Manga Pattani Sundal” were the shouts we were looking forward to.

In the 1970s and even the 1980s, it was not yet scary to drive, with controlled traffic, thanks to people obeying the rules of the road. You could drive all the way to Broadway and still find parking spaces. Oh the joy of showing our kids Moore Market and of course Burmah Bazaar! These rare journeys of discovery were organic, unencumbered by the intrusion of virtual entertainment.

The looms at Kalakshetra were a joy to behold, the magic worked like a weft woven into a warp, producing beautiful silks, some of which were designed by none other than Rukmini Devi.

(As told to Deepa H. Ramakrishnan)

Published – 06 Sep 2026 23:39 IST