Fri Nov 07 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the article and a rewrite as a news article for The Hindu e-Paper:
Summary:
The article recounts Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Madras (now Chennai) in 1919, focusing on his stay at the residence of Justice T. Muthuswamy Iyer on Kutchery Road. Tagore visited to raise funds for his Visva-Bharati University, delivering lectures on national education and other topics. Although the original house no longer stands, a plaque bearing the name “Santiniketan” remains, a quiet reminder of Tagore’s visit and his impact on the city’s students and intellectual community. The current owners of the rebuilt house cherish its historical significance.
News Article:
The Hindu e-Paper – November 7, 2025
‘Santiniketan’ Plaque a Silent Witness to Tagore’s Madras Visit
By [Your Name Here, if applicable, or The Hindu Staff]
CHENNAI – Amidst the bustling city of Chennai, a modest plaque on Kutchery Road serves as a poignant reminder of a significant moment in history: Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to Madras in 1919.
The plaque, bearing the name “Santiniketan,” marks the site of the former residence of Justice T. Muthuswamy Iyer, the first Indian judge of the Madras High Court. It was here that Tagore, affectionately known as Gurudev, stayed during his fundraising tour for Visva-Bharati University.
According to historical records, Tagore arrived in Madras in March 1919, greeted by enthusiastic crowds including T.S. Ramaswamy Iyer and G.S. Arundale. The Hindu reported his arrival and stay at Justice Muthuswamy Iyer’s residence, then referred to as ‘Ranganadha Vilas’. He delivered a lecture on “National Education” at Gokhale Hall, which was packed to capacity. Tagore’s message resonated deeply with students, leading to an extended stay and additional lectures at Presidency College, Madras Christian College, Pachaiyappa’s College, and Law College. He spoke on diverse subjects, including “Folk Religion in India” and “The Message of the Forest,” showcasing his vision for education and cultural exchange.
The original house, opposite the Mylapore Police Station, no longer exists. In 2005, S.H. Mohideen and his family purchased the property and rebuilt the structure, choosing to retain the name “Santiniketan” in homage to its historical significance.
“It is a matter of great pride for our family to be living in the house where Tagore once stayed,” said Mr. Mohideen, recalling the old building’s charm. H. Venkatesan, a local electrician who worked in the original house, remembers its beautiful architecture and the mango and guava trees that shaded the garden.
While Tagore visited Madras on other occasions, including a notable meeting with U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer in 1926, the “Santiniketan” plaque on Kutchery Road stands as a lasting symbol of his first visit and the profound impact he had on the city’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
First Piper 