Selective Amnesia There was a point to this. But I forgot.

August 22, 2008. One super-fantastic-excellent party.

This month, my city turns 369 years old. I have a few events planned which I think are pretty interesting and prettier fun. And it’s not just I. A whole bunch of people are doing their thing this month to celebrate a city. VIncent D’ Souza and Revathi, over at Mylapore times and Madras Day blog have a super roster planned. Sriram of Madras Musings has a list. Check them all out and join in the fun.

Meanwhile, here’s what I am planning.

Photowalks

> August 17, 2008 at 7:30 AM - From Karneeswarar temple in Saidapet to Marmalong bridge and Little Mount

> August 22, 2008 at 5:30 PM - Begins at Anna Nagar tower park

> August 23, 2008 at 7:00 AM - From Tiruvallikeni Parthsarathy temple to Madras University Senate building

Week long Spoken Word & Open Mic hosted by Sharanya Manivannan

From August 18, 2008 to August 24, 2008, at Vanilla Place, Mylapore. Special spoken word/poetry reading sessions by Sharanya Manivannan and a few others. We’re hoping to get some big names to do special readings. It should be fun. So join us. And oh, did I mention there’s an open mic. So, you too can read your stuff out to what we think will be a goodish audience.

We’ve decided on two themes for this. Obviously, Madras in particular, and cities in general is one. 7 days lends itself to Sins as a theme. Yup. Sins and Cities. Due apologies to Frank Miller.

Week long Photo exhibition – Hosted by Chandrachoodan Gopalakrishnan

From August 17, 2008 to August 24, 2008 at Vanilla Place, Mylapore.

So, what have 9 Chennai Photowalks (and counting) accomplished? What have we, the photowalkers, done? What do we have to show for all the waking up at 6 AM on Sundays we’ve done? Why don’t you come and see for yourself?

If you have been following the walks and seen the pictures taken, you’ll know that there are some fantastic photos of Madras there. This exhibition will bring more such photos out in the open. And, I hope, be first of many such shows. I am hoping we all sell a few dozen photos. Even if we don’t, I for one, will be happy we got to show the world Madras through our eyes.

So that’s the plan. I hope you’ll be able to join us all in this super large, super long birthday party. For more information and other things, or just to say hi, send me an email. chandrachoodan@gmail.com.