On January 31, 2003, during an Assembly session, a significant announcement by then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa shocked the public. Initially perceived as a minor issue, the announcement evolved into one of the most passionate protests in the city’s history, fueled by nostalgia and a desire to preserve the past.
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa revealed plans to establish a new administrative city at Sholinganallur due to the dilapidated state of the Secretariat located at Fort St. George, constructed in the 1970s. She proposed that while a new township would take 15 to 25 years to complete, the Secretariat would temporarily relocate to a site opposite the Marina within two years. However, the proposed site required the demolition of Queen Mary’s College, a decision that sparked widespread outrage.
A Legacy at Stake
Queen Mary’s College (QMC), founded in 1914, has played a pivotal role in Indian history, notably as a progressive institution for women during colonial times. Its alumni, including Captain Lakshmi Seghal and former Vice-Chancellor V. Vasanthi Devi, significantly contributed to India’s freedom struggle and society. The college symbolizes a rich heritage and has been a nurturing ground for generations of students, consequently igniting feelings of deep attachment among its community.
On March 27, approximately 2,000 students and staff gathered for a spontaneous protest at the campus. Their actions drew support from educators, architects, conservationists, and alumni, creating a united front against the government’s plan. The protest emphasized the college’s role in empowering women from lower economic strata and highlighted the need for the government to reconsider its decision.
Defending Heritage
Activists loudly opposed the demolition, citing the college’s historical value and its prime location by the Marina. They argued that the government should focus on restoring the deteriorating heritage structures rather than unnecessarily demolishing them. The students remained vigilant, organizing daily protests even amidst their examinations to ensure that their voices were heard before the holiday period.
R. Mohana Priya, president of the evening college, expressed the students’ urgency, stating, “Where can we go if they demolish the college during our holidays?” Educators underscored the significance of QMC, emphasizing its long-standing educational legacy as the first women’s college in India, which was nearing its centenary.
A Turning Point
The growing tension led to court intervention. Political figures joined the protests, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, then leading the DMK youth wing, getting arrested amidst dramatic scenes in April. Concurrently, the Central government intervened, halting the demolition of heritage buildings on coastal areas, while the Madras High Court stayed the state government’s actions.
By August, the government decided to explore alternative land parcels for the new Secretariat, ultimately abandoning the plan to demolish QMC. This decision brought a collective sigh of relief to the city. However, the subsequent DMK administration opted for a new Secretariat structure on Anna Salai, inaugurated in 2010, yet the original Secretariat remains in its aging complex, contradicting earlier claims of dilapidation.
