T.N. Venkatesh IAS, Justice Prabha Sridevan, and Historian K.R.A. Narasaiah at the launch event at Higginbothams in Chennai on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: VELANKANNI RAJ B
A collection of postcards bearing the illustrations of iconic buildings of Madras, including those of the Big Mosque in Triplicane, the clock tower at Royapettah, Madras High Court, and the Armenian Church, compiled by artist, writer, translator and heritage enthusiast, the late Pavithra Sirnivasan (1979-2021), was launched at the Higginbothams Book Store on Anna Salai on Saturday.
The collection, titled “Madras: Arches, Alleys & Icons”, by Pavithra’s Perspectives celebrates the history, architecture, and visual character of Chennai. It was launched by Postcrossing Welfare Society of India, Nam Veedu, Nam Oor, Nam Kadhai, and the Madras Literary Society.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary, Handlooms, Handicrafts, Textiles and Khadi Department, T.N. Venkatesh, said Pavithra’s stories in The Hindu Young World for children were very effective and found their mark. He said he was a big fan of her works, including translations. “We will add her illustrations to our collection of memorabilia and mementoes of the city that have been brought out by Poompuhar,” he added.
Former judge of the Madras High Court Prabha Sridevan said that Pavithra’s illustrations showed how much she loved the city. Historian K. R. A. Narasiah said he was happy to be part of the launch of illustrations by Pavithra that show Madras in different ways. Heritage enthusiast T.S. Padmapriya said that Pavithra had made a bunch of illustrations for her book on West Mambalam.
Pavithra’s father, Srinivasan, said his daughter was a musician too. “We are planning to bring out a book on Royapuram and trams, on which she was working. All the proceeds from the sale of her books and other material have been channelised to a non-profit foundation which helps pay school fees for poor children,” he added.
Architect Thirupurasundari Sevvel said that each of the cards had a story behind it. “Pavithra and I were making a game on Madras that will soon be made public. A pack of 12 postcards would cost ₹500 each. Copies can be purchased by emailing madras.kadhai@gmail.com or ordered on https://www.postcardsville.com/
Published – August 30, 2026 12:41 am IST
