CBC Writes to ASI – Please restore Schmidt Memorial @ Besant Nagar Beach

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The Chennai Bloggers Club (CBC) is our Facebook group. As an initiative of CBC, we have decided to send emails to ASI (Archeological Survey of India) requesting the ASI authorities to declare the Schmidt Memorial as a protected national monument and undertake its restoration.

Here’s the copy of the e-mail sent by me –

I know you are all sweet people. I am sure you are aware of the Schmidt Memorial at Besant Nagar beach, Chennai. It’s a very beautiful memorial located at one of the prime tourist spots in Chennai. While the Besant Nagar beach itself is maintained quite neatly, the Schmidt Memorial has not been maintained well, mainly due to the activities of some unscrupulous members of the public.

Since the Schmidt Memorial has a lot of historical significance, I request you (Archaeological Survey of India) to consider declaring it as a protected monument and take up its restoration. Do let us know if some action (like sending a letter in hard-copy, etc.) is required from our side, we would be glad to oblige. We are all very appreciative of the restoration/protection activities of monuments undertaken by you, and we hope that this monument will be similarly protected.

Thanking you,

Rajesh K

(My address, Phone number included).

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Destination Infinity

Photo(s) credit: Destination8Infinity. Published under this creative commons license. If you are going to use it in your blog/email for this purpose, you don’t have to include any credits for the photos. 

20 thoughts on “CBC Writes to ASI – Please restore Schmidt Memorial @ Besant Nagar Beach

  1. sm

    congrats for writing a letter I do not know they will take any action or not if you receive reply from them Please let us know.

    1. Rajesh K

      I am not even sure if ASI is the right department to contact for this. I guess contacting the corporation/Mayor might be better, as this area should be under their purview. I will shortly send a mail to them, as well.

      By writing a blog post, I hope to sensitize people on this issue. If people want its restoration badly, slowly it will percolate into the administration.

      Destination Infinity

  2. Jeevan

    Yes, we really need to protect this monument. I was happy when last government announced to restore the Elliot beach along with Marina, I hopped the monument would get a new leash of life. But no one cared for it.
    The photos of the monument remind me a lot and I have climbed many times on this during childhood. Wish they respond your emails.

    1. Rajesh K

      It will get a new lease of life, if more people want to see it renovated. Let’s do our bit to create some awareness.

      Destination Infinity

  3. Susan Deborah

    Rajesh:

    It’s wonderful that you have written the mail and the post. Let’s just hope that the Corporation/ASI does something to preserve this monument.

    I liked the pictures. They capture the place in all its beauty. The blue of the sky is so beautiful to behold.

    Joy always,
    Susan

    1. Rajesh K

      I guess I was lucky to be there at the right time. Good photos and me are always a coincidence 🙂

      I should thank you for having taken this initiative in the first place.

      Destination Infinity

  4. Bhavia

    Let’s keep our hopes optimistic that the Govt. will take some initiative to preserve it.Thanks for both the email and the pictures

    1. Rajesh K

      Yes, the Govt. will take some initiative if enough of us citizens want it. Blogging about this is the first step – To create such wants within people.

      Destination Infinity

  5. Jas

    It is wonderful of you to make efforts. Hope it bears fruit.

    1. Rajesh K

      I too hope something will come out of these things!

      Destination Infinity

  6. SG

    We have fond memories of spending great time near this memorial. Wish you all the best.

    1. Rajesh K

      This was the first time I went near the memorial. Otherwise I have just seen it from afar! Good to know that you have fond memories of this place.

      Destination Infinity

  7. Rakesh Vanamali

    About time this got sorted out! And soon!

    1. Rajesh K

      Absolutely!

      Destination Infinity

  8. Shilpa Garg

    That’s a wonderful initiative Rajesh! Hope it works out ASAP!
    This is a step towards the Golden DI logo!! 🙂

    1. Rajesh K

      LOL, both for ASAP and the Golden DI logo 😀

      Destination Infinity

  9. Sandhya Kumar

    The first picture is beautiful, D.I.!

    I had been watching this memorial for so many years now. Never felt like going near it because of the filth nearby. Hope your effort will do something positive.

    A step towards the golden D.I. Logo…may be! All the best!

  10. Lubna

    I do hope the authorities act.
    Wishing you a great 2013 – for me, at least the first few months – will be blogging free – I am taking a break. But, I know the urge to write will remain, so I shall be back – perhaps not with book reviews.

  11. Ashwini C N

    Really appreciate the initiative. Proud of CBC.

  12. rahul aggarwal

    that’s a very noble initiative you and CBC took Rajesh Sir ..

    i’ve been to this place and this memorial is in ruins presently .. hope ASI does something about it soon !

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