Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Madrastalgia Celebrations Connect Students With Madras’s Shared Memories
Stella Maris College held a special celebration about the history of Madras.
The theme was called “Madrastalgia,” which means remembering the city with affection.
Students displayed old objects that had belonged to their grandparents and earlier family members.
They also shared stories about how different communities helped shape the city.
Visitors could join a heritage walk around the college campus.
Students from 12 schools took part in a quiz about Madras.
People were invited to write or draw their own memories on postcards.
A display of 76 postcards showed how different generations remember the city.
Stella Maris College marked Madras Day with the theme “Madrastalgia.”
History and Fine Arts students displayed antiques, heirlooms and family stories linked to Madras.
The programme highlighted oral histories and contributions from diverse communities, including Jews, Armenians, Saurashtrians and Portuguese.
Students from 12 schools joined a quiz on Madras’s history, art, culture and sporting heritage.
A heritage walk, postcard art corner and 76-postcard collection invited visitors to record personal memories of the city.
- Who
- Students and faculty from Stella Maris College, students from 12 schools, visitors, and filmmaker Harry MacLure.
- What
- An annual Madras Day celebration featuring an antiques exhibition, quiz, heritage walk, games, and postcard activities.
- When
- Wednesday; the exhibition remained open until 3.30 p.m.
- Where
- Stella Maris College, including its campus and open-air theatre.
- Why
- To celebrate the 387th year of Madras and explore its oral histories, family memories and diverse communities.
- Event
- Annual Madras Day celebrations at Stella Maris College
- Theme
- “Madrastalgia”
- Year celebrated
- The 387th year of Madras
- Main organisers
- The college’s Departments of History and Fine Arts
- School participation
- Students from 12 schools joined the quiz
- Postcard collection
- A curated display of 76 postcards
- Special guest
- Filmmaker and documentarian Harry MacLure