Photo courtesy: Maya Menon
I have visited the Chennai Central Prison twice (not as an inmate 
).
These historic buildings are intrinsic to Chennai and I feel quite sad that they are going to be demolished.
My grandmother was also posted there as the medical superitendent; being a government DMO doctor. Since my mother learnt bharatanatyam, she once performed at the Diwali prison celebrations.
My friend Maya Menon has written a great post about this historical building that is soon to be demolished.
Opened in 1837, this prison has housed various freedom fighters and many political leaders including the ex-Chief Minister Ms. Jayalalitha, her close aide Sasikala, current Chief Minister Mr. M. Karunanidhi and his son Mr. M.K. Stalin. It has also housed various state and central ministers like Murasoli Maran, Arcot Veersamay and so on.
It had housed 2000 plus prisoners when it was closed back in 2007 and the prisoners were moved to Puzhal. We were told that the government plans to pull down the structure and the place would be utilised by the General Hospital (which is next door) for its expansion and another part of the land would be taken by Railways.
I wonder why the government doesn’t want to convert this place to a tourist destination. They can restore the blocks, display photographs, have sound and light shows and even have special theme rides like the ones in disney land. I am sure a lot of private players would come forward if government is willing.
Has anyone filed a PIL against bringing down such a historic place?
Do also check out the cute story of Kuruva, Kuruvi at Maya Menon’s.
Dear Rachel,
This is Deepa from Corporate Buzz, CB is a weekly English Newspaper for Corporate Employees. CB’s 1st issue will be on March 2nd week.
I would like to know, whether you will be interested to contributed any articles or anything which would be of benefit (personally and officially) and interest to Corporate Employees.
If you are interested you may please contact us at Corporatebuzz@gmail.com
Good luck.
Cheers
Deepa
Is this some kind of spam? I noticed you have also mailed my friends the same thing.
Hi nice work,
I just did some(60) of virtual reality photography in the central prison,
Chennai central prison – 1837
Note: Please be patient for loading or wait for 15minutes then start walkthrough,
Hi there,
Do you know when are they going to demolish the Chennai central prison. I would like to know the exact date.
Thank you.
Raghu.
No. I am sorry I don’t Raghu.
Have been away from the blog for awhile so sorry for the delay in replying
Please check
http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/29/stories/2009032951000300.htm
>>>An exhibition of handicraft items made by prison >>>inmates in the State was inaugurated on the Old >>>Central Jail premises in Chennai on Friday
So, it seems no immediate plan for demolishing old jail complex, so meanwhile some people will have chance to feel ‘jail experience’.