'Madras Week' celebrations lined up as city turns 375

Heritage walks, exhibition of old photographs, film screenings and culinary sessions, among other activities are lined up here as part of the annual 'Madras Week' celebrations marking the 375th birth anniversary of the historic city. The foundation day celebrations will be held from August 17-25. Madras, rechristened Chennai, was believed to have been founded on August 22, 1639.

The long list of events also include commemorating the centenary of bombardment of the metropolis by a German ship during World War I in September 1914. Among the various programmes scheduled are a range of heritage walks and tours, lectures, photography contest, culinary sessions, films and documentaries screening and workshop among others, the organisers, a group of volunteers from various walks of life, including well-known historian S Muthiah, told reporters here.

The Australian Consulate General here will also organise an exhibition of photographs, portraits and artefacts of historical importance to commemorate the centenary of the bombardment of Madras by German ship Emden, which was later defeated by the Australian Navy.

This was also to "celebrate the historical and ongoing defence and security links between Australia and India," even as armed forces of the two countries had fought 'alongside' each other in the two World Wars, the Consulate General said in a release. Further, the two countries continue to serve alongside each other in the UN peacekeeping operations in "troubled areas worldwide," it added.