Ministers Open Madras Day Photo Exhibition at Anna Centenary Library

Chennai marked its 387th founding day with celebrations including a heritage photo exhibition inaugurated at the Anna Centenary Library by Minister for Education A Rajmohan and Minister for Tourism S Rajeshkumar. Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay extended Madras Day greetings and vowed to protect the historic significance and cultural identities of the capital city.

The week-long exhibition, organised by the state Tourism Department, showcases a curated collection of heritage photographs documenting major architectural landmarks, including Fort St George, the Ripon Building, and the Madras High Court.

Speaking at the inaugural event, Tourism Minister Rajeshkumar noted that visual archives play a vital role in educating younger generations about the history and architectural and cultural heritage of Chennai.

Education Minister Rajmohan highlighted the role of photography in chronicling history and evoking human emotions, citing globally iconic photographs of historical significance.

Madras Day has been observed annually since 2004 to mark the founding of modern Chennai in 1639, when representatives of the East India Company acquired a strip of land to construct Fort St George. The fort remains the seat of power in the state.

Initially held as a one-day commemoration, the event has grown into a week-long celebration known as Madras Week, featuring exhibitions, talks, heritage walks, and other public remembrances organised by heritage enthusiasts as well as public and private sector organisations.