Is it the Madras University or the University of Madras? When this question was raised by a faculty member of the University at the recently held annual senate meeting, one thing became clear. It is not only the outsiders but also the faculty within who are at a loss to figure out which one is the legal name. The faculty in question raised the issue at the senate and went on to say, “I need a clarification from the Vice Chancellor on this. Even in our official University statements, at some places it is referred to as University of Madras whereas in other places, it is Madras University. We need to avoid the confusion because it is not just a name. The identity of the institution is getting lost in the process,” the faculty said.
The subsequent reply from the Vice Chancellor evoked peels of laughter from the senate members. “The concern is legitimate. But The Madras University Act of 1923 gives the institute its name as University of Madras,” he said.
Shhhh ... Let’s have Lunch
Manjambakkam truck terminal could have gotten a clean chit from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. But all doesn’t seem well. The truck terminal was inaugurated despite a part of land still to be acquired. Not only that, the quality of construction of the newly laid truck terminal was also a question mark. The reporter as usual tried to probe further. He made several calls to officials. But was surprised by the response of one senior engineer who was project-in-charge. At first he demanded to know the source through which the reporter got the information. After having failed on this, then he invited the reporter for lunch. The reporter dismissed the offer saying he will consider the proposition later as he was busy. But then the engineer refused to call it quits. He started bombarding the reporter with call after call continuously. “Sir I want to settle the issue once and for all. Please let us meet,” said the engineer. It’s been nearly a week but the invite has still not been taken up.