The national award winning Tamil film 'Adukalam' provided a peep into the Anglo Indian community of Madurai, who have a 200-year old connection with the temple city and have paved the way for its many developments.
People from this community were among the Europeans who helped the colonising forces develop Madurai for their convenience, many of which stand strong even today. The forefathers of most of Madurai's Anglo Indian community came here about 125 years ago, to work in the railways and also as teachers, doctors and lawyers.
Even today, one can witness elderly women who were trendsetters in this region, dressed in elegant western wear. The community is concentrated around Mahaboobpalayam, S S Colony and Ellis Nagar in Madurai and their houses still have a very English touch to them. Moses Pears, president of the Madurai branch of the All India Anglo Indian society says that they make great effort to preserve their traditions and make it a point to come together during festivals and social gatherings. Their weddings are solemnised in churches followed by civil ceremonies and they maintain very close family ties. Christmas and Easter and are celebrated with a lot of religious fervour. Walking into the Railway Colony in Maduraiin the month of December will definitely give one the feel of an English Christmas with the fragrance of baking and Christmas trees filling the air.
A fun-loving community, they have also produced many outstanding sportsmen like Adolphus Claude Smith, Neville Rozario, Kalvin D'Cruz and Ashley Cleur who made their mark in Indian hockey. Ninety-one year old Jane Cleur and 84 year old Ida D'Costa talk fondly of Madurai's connection with these people, right from the pre-independence era.Most of the present day Anglo Indians of Madurai, were born here and continue to be based here though they do make trips to visit their relatives living in Europe and Australia. People from Madurai have a special connection with the Anglo Indian community and maintain close friendships with them. "In the earlier days, if you wanted to master the English language, you had to attend the Railway School. It was dominated by teachers from the Anglo Indian community, who ensured quality education," says Sugumar, a former student of the school. When the Railway institute celebrated its centenary last year, the Anglo Indians were felicitated for their immense contribution.
Source - TOI
People from this community were among the Europeans who helped the colonising forces develop Madurai for their convenience, many of which stand strong even today. The forefathers of most of Madurai's Anglo Indian community came here about 125 years ago, to work in the railways and also as teachers, doctors and lawyers.
Even today, one can witness elderly women who were trendsetters in this region, dressed in elegant western wear. The community is concentrated around Mahaboobpalayam, S S Colony and Ellis Nagar in Madurai and their houses still have a very English touch to them. Moses Pears, president of the Madurai branch of the All India Anglo Indian society says that they make great effort to preserve their traditions and make it a point to come together during festivals and social gatherings. Their weddings are solemnised in churches followed by civil ceremonies and they maintain very close family ties. Christmas and Easter and are celebrated with a lot of religious fervour. Walking into the Railway Colony in Maduraiin the month of December will definitely give one the feel of an English Christmas with the fragrance of baking and Christmas trees filling the air.
A fun-loving community, they have also produced many outstanding sportsmen like Adolphus Claude Smith, Neville Rozario, Kalvin D'Cruz and Ashley Cleur who made their mark in Indian hockey. Ninety-one year old Jane Cleur and 84 year old Ida D'Costa talk fondly of Madurai's connection with these people, right from the pre-independence era.Most of the present day Anglo Indians of Madurai, were born here and continue to be based here though they do make trips to visit their relatives living in Europe and Australia. People from Madurai have a special connection with the Anglo Indian community and maintain close friendships with them. "In the earlier days, if you wanted to master the English language, you had to attend the Railway School. It was dominated by teachers from the Anglo Indian community, who ensured quality education," says Sugumar, a former student of the school. When the Railway institute celebrated its centenary last year, the Anglo Indians were felicitated for their immense contribution.
Source - TOI
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