“Madras is an emotion”, “Happy Madras Day '' and many more posts on Madras are suddenly trending on social media since Chennaiites are celebrating the founding day of the city, August 22. The Madras Day celebrated on August 22 every year was the day East India Company's Andrew Cogan and Francis Day purchased Madraspatnam or Chennapatnam from Venkatadri Nayaka, who was the viceroy of Vijayanagar Empire. From there, the British constructed St George Fort and eventually started to develop the city which first became Madras and then into Chennai city.


Hence, several sections of people are reminiscing their emotions connected with Chennai and conveying their wishes for Madras Day. Several government departments including Greater Chennai Corporation have announced events and competitions on the occasion of Madras Day. 


On Sunday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin too joined the people of Chennai to celebrate Madras Day. Taking to Twitter, Stalin said, “Singara Chennai has several identities including that of a city that creates a living for anyone who comes in search of a shelter. With a future vision of the city, DMK government has also contributed to the development of Chennai. So, this will continue. I wish all the people of Chennai a happy #MadrasDay.”






Kollywood actor Arya remembered Madras as a city where dreams will come come true. He said, “MADRAS...The city where ur dreams come true.” along with a picture from his recent movie “Sarpatta Parambarai”.






The official Twitter handle of Chennai Super Kings, city’s IPL team, wished a super birthday to Madras. The handle Chennai Super Kings- Mask Podu Whistle Podu- shared, “To the #Yellove city that gives a mad rush of emotions to all of us! Super Birthday Madras #MadrasDay #WhistlePodu ”






The Southern Railways also joined with celebrities to convey the wishes on Madras Day. Southern Railways posted images of railway stations from the past and recalled the memories of the respective stations. In one of the series of the posts, Southern Railways said, “Madras Day Iconic Chennai Egmore station building architecture stands testimony of the fusion of strength of the fortress, glamour of a palace and sanctity of natives.”










The Greater Chennai Corporation not only illuminated the Ripon Building that stands as a mark of British rule in the city but has conveyed the wishes for Madras Day and announced contests as a mark of the Madras Day celebration.


The Greater Chennai Corporation said, “Anyone can come here and see...To witness the hospitality of our Chennai city which will soon make you its own. Happy Madras Day #MadrasDay2021! #ChennaiCorporation #NammaChennaiSingaraChennai.”






The GCC has also lined up events including a release "Madras By Cycle - Medical Heritage Trails of Chennai", a virtual photo walk for children, a talk on businesses in Ancient Madras and Modern Chennai, a panel discussion on The Anglo-Indians: Chiseled by History throughout the week.