OAR SPEAK In House Magazine Boat Club News | AUG / SEP 2019 · partnering Pooja, in the coxless pairs event. In the single sculls, young Tulsi Sriram, whose sculling and fitness has

OAR SPEAKB oat C lub News | AUG / SEP 2019In House M agazine

The Intra Club

Olympic Event '19

August / September 20192

PresidentMr. K. V. Balachander

Captain of BoatsMr. K. Shunmugaraj

Honorary SecretaryMr. Sunil reddy

Honorary TreasurerMr. J. Chandramouli

MIC - Chambers, Swimming Pool & BilliardsMr. Anirudh sanjeev

MIC Gymnasium and SportsMr. Tushar bansal

MIC EntertainmentYeshwanth Badradri

MIC – Bar, EDP & ITMr. T. S. Sivasubramanyam

MIC – Catering & HouseMr. George koshy

MIC – Corporate Affairs Legal, Finance & StaffsMr. M. Elango

Committee members list for the year 2019- 21

MADRAS BOAT CLUBNo. 2. 3rd Avenue, R.A. Puram, Chennai - 600 028

2435 3190 / 2435 4751/ 2433 9289

www.madrasboatclub.com

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Sanjeev Kesu

Contact Nos

Website

General Email

Chambers

Party Booking

Managing Editor

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Cover: The Intra Club Olympic Event '19

President’s Note 05

Captain's Message 07

The Intra Club Olympic Event 08

Congrats to our Members Achievers! 10

Program for the month of Oct' 2019 11

Rohit Balaji at the international summit 12

80th Madras-Colombo Regatta 13

CON-TENT

August / September 2019 3

E D I T O R I A L

All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be produced in the electronic, print or other media, in whole or part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The publisher makes every effort to ensure that the magazine’s contents are correct. However they can accept no responsibility for errors and omissions. The publisher cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited material. The views expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and the publisher cannot take responsibility for those.

Dear Fellow Member,

It was exactly twelve years ago, in this very month that the first issue of our in-house magazine was released. The outgoing editor, Mr. Thadani (TED) was also the first editor back then and as Captain of Boats during that period, I reluctantly took to writing, encouraged by Ted! It was an enjoyable experience working with him over the next two years and as I take over from him at this juncture, it will be appropriate to acknowledge his contribution to the magazine, which he had initiated.

As we celebrate twelve years of OARSPEAK, we must also acknowledge the contribution made by all those members who have steered the magazine over the years. It is never easy bringing out a monthly periodical, with deadlines involved and a fair bit of coordination in terms of managing content. But the good thing in a club like ours is that we always have members coming forward to contribute and it is thanks to these members that the “bell note” (the sound that oars produce at the entry when the OARS SPEAK ) still sounds sweet! Most importantly those precious moments that get captured through the pages once visited are there for us to cherish and behold when the urge to pause and look back, sets in.

While I am aware that OARSPEAK in its digital form may be inconvenient to access by some, the decision to go digital was inevitable, considering the cost involved in printing. In the past we were fortunate to have the services of a professional publisher who was able to produce the magazine for us at no cost, with advertisers sourced from their network, using OARSPEAK as a medium. However this arrangement was not working out and had to be terminated. Rest assured that we will continue to examine options for restoring the printed version at some point.

Having just taken over, the new editorial team is still being formed. As we go about doing that, we are keen to understand from members, as to what they would look forward to in OARSPEAK. Presently it is a mix of updates from the committee, articles of interest by member’s, member achievements etc. Since we no longer have a printed format, the coffee table aspect of the book is lost upon us and I am not sure if this has an impact on the readership. I would therefore welcome feedback from members, so that we can put together content suitably. For now, we will focus on the happenings at MBC and bringing about better connectivity with the members, through this forum. I believe OARSPEAK should stand out as a magazine “for the members and by the members” and towards this end, it is proposed to keep the content very member centric. I also believe we should use OARSPEAK to take up deserving causes of social relevance and try and make a difference wherever we can.

EDITORIAL


E D I T O R I A L

Talking of member engagement, the Intra–Club Olympic event, that was conducted at the Club on 10th August was all about that. The sports portfolio in this context can be quite a stimulator and all credit to the young MIC, Tushar Bansal and his team for making it a memorable afternoon, that was high on energy and participation. This was Boat Club at its best because the event had a mix of members competing together in a format that ensured all age groups were represented. We have some pictures of the activity that tell their own story. I am sure we will see a lot more action from Tushar’s desk, hopefully not at the cost of his rowing!

The Rowing front is seeing activity build up, with three major rowing events lined up for October alone viz. the Indoor State Championship (organized by TARA &MBC), Monsoon Regatta (MBC) and MB&C Regatta (MB&C/MBC) The Captain’s message has more details on the events.

The October Row fest, as it is being called, promises to be an exciting one and we hope our members will come in large numbers to cheer the rowers. At the Monsoon Regatta, all the young boys and girls who row at MBC will be on view and we expect to see some interesting contests particularly in the Junior category, with three of the club’s oldest Rolling trophies on offer. We are also going to see after a long gap, some of our senior lady rowers in action with Aditi and Dhitika returning to competitive rowing along with Roshini, who is partnering Pooja, in the coxless pairs event. In the single sculls, young Tulsi Sriram, whose sculling and fitness has vastly improved after attending the National Camp, will be seen in action.

The Merchants, Bankers and Clubs Regatta is also promising to be a competitive affair, with about 10 teams vying for honors, with Madras Gymkhana Club leading the charge as they try to defend their overall championship title. It is good to see the interest among clubs sustaining with Cosmopolitan Club, MCC and Yacht Club also in the fray. We should see some interesting contests between the corporate participants and clubs, at some stage during the Regatta.

One of the special talents among the girls who train at our club is Lavanya Nambiar, a student member. She did MBC and Tamilnadu proud with her National Bronze medal winning effort at the 4th Indoor National Rowing Championship that was held at Patna on 7th September 2019. She won by 0.02 seconds, clocking a time of 8.08.10 over a 2 km distance, in a close contest for the 3rd spot. Lavanya has been rowing for just 2 years and shown great commitment. We congratulate her on this achievement and hope to see her translate what she has now achieved into success on the water. Her participation was facilitated by the state body, which she represented.

Another youngster from MBC whom we would like to congratulate is Keerthan. This young, unassuming lad, was recently awarded the Club Color for his performance at the Madras-Colombo Regatta in 2018 and 2019. He has now won the A Double scull event two years in a row along with the inspirational Siddharth Sunil, while also winning the B Single this year. It is always refreshing to see talent blossoming on the water and Keerthan is a case in point. Interestingly Keerthan is one of the talents from the State being trained under the Khelo India Program, launched by the Prime Minister. The rowing program is administered at the SWSC rowing centre.

Meanwhile, Rohit Maradappa, whose achievement as a youth change maker, on behalf of the Indian Olympic Committee, was mentioned in the last issue, is back from Lausanne after attending the International Summit. We have some pictures of him from the summit, which he has shared with us.

We are also happy to note that Rohit the Cox, is part of the National camp at Pune, where the Indian Rowing Team is preparing for the Asian Rowing Championship, to be held at Jinju, South Korea in the last week of October. On behalf of MBC and the rowing fraternity, we wish him and the Indian team a successful outing at the Championship.

As usual, we have the President updating us on the progress being made on various fronts. In keeping with his promise to bring about more transparency in the club’s working, the committee is now sharing monthly updates on the operational performance, an initiative that has been appreciated. Meanwhile, the catering portfolio, which our President directly manages, is seeing heightened activity as he gets the kitchen to fire on all cylinders! This is a new side of our President we are witnessing and one has to say the variations he has introduced on weekends are quite enticing, with the “Burger” apparently being his own favorite!

As has been communicated by the committee earlier, Members can now access OARSPEAK by downloading the MBC APP on their smart phone or IPAD and enjoy reading through the news at their own convenience - anytime, anywhere! The app is very user friendly, with features that give you complete control over your activity at the club. So do enjoy and make the most of it. Meanwhile do keep sharing some of your ideas, suggestions and contributions that can enrich the experience called OARSPEAK at [email protected].

As we sign off this month, here’s wishing you all a happy and joyous festive season ahead.

Warm RegardsSanjeev Kesu, Managing Editor


E D I T O R I A LP R E S I -D E N T ’ S L E T T E R

THE PRESIDENT’S NOTE

Dear Member,

Greetings. Let me start this with a little trivia on the months of September and October. The naming of the months was done by the Romans.Though we think of September, October, November, and December as months 9, 10, 11 and 12, these months were 7, 8, 9, and 10 on the ancient Roman calendar. This is how they got their names. September: September’s name comes from septem, Latin for “seven.” October: October’s name comes from octo, Latin for eight.In 1582, Pope Gregory adjusted the calendar and so most western nations began celebrating the start of the year on January 1. This new calendar became known as the “Gregorian calendar.

Your committee is pleased to appoint Mr. Sanjeev Kesu a member of long standing and a distinguished oarsman and a club colour who has been a multiple Gold medallist at the Junior Nationals, a silver medallist at the Open nationals and a former Captain and Secretary, as the new editor. With his knowledge of the clubs activities over the years, we do hope that he would bring a different flavour to the Oar speak. We would also like to place on record the appreciation of the members for the work put in by the previous editorial Team of Ted Thadani, Sumana and Mahadevan.

The captain would be talking about rowing and what we are working on is to broad base the sport to ensure that we have a large enough pyramid so that we have a pool to move rowing forward and also compete in regattas successfully over the coming years and there are no easy solutions or short cuts that we can take to fast track this process.

The charter of the club is to promote the sport of rowing and whilst we create facilities for members to enjoy, our focus is to support the sport of rowing and your committee has considering the current financial position, placed emphasis on spending money on rowing competitions alone and look for sponsors for other activities both sporting and non sporting.


Your committee has been regularly communicating on the clubs activities and as you would have now received the unaudited statement of accounts you will be able to follow and track the progress of the clubs finances and as mentioned in the mail that today we sadly penalise the users and whilst we have created many a new facility we have not been able to ensure that members subscription would cover the same and hence we need to draw on the capital accumulated and try to increase prices to cover deficits which should be the done thing for prudent financial management and your committee will be reaching out in an open house shortly to discuss ways forward. Chandramouli your treasurer is working overtime to ensure that the clubs finances are always in the pink of health as permissible, given the current constraints and every penny to be spent is deeply analysed before the go ahead is given as after all a penny saved is a penny earned.

Your committee like all other members feel the pinch of facilities that sorely need to be improved like the gymnasium or the rest rooms and as space is a premium in the club and the regulatory requirements that would need to be crossed and in discussions with the master plan committee of Ted Thadani, A.Venkat and Pravin Aiana along with George Koshy the MIC are working hard towards a short term as well as a long term solution that would stand the test of time and seek your indulgence for a little luxury of time as we try to solve the way out of the maze that we are in currently.

The Boat club Olympics was a great effort by Tushar, Anirudh and their team and kudos to them for a great innovative event which was thoroughly enjoyed by one and all.

Your committee is preparing itself for the oncoming Union wage negotiations which happens once in

three years and Ilango the MIC of Labour affairs along with Sunil Reddy the Secretary are preparing in earnest to ensure that everyone get a fair deal and it is a win-win situation for all.

Yeshwanth Badradri who has been inducted into the committee from the rowing side and has taken over Entertainment and will be coming back to you with the festive plans and ensure that the celebrations at the club which is your home away from home is both enjoyable and memorable.

Siva at the bar is one you can see day and night in the club and he as MIC Bar is keeping your spirits high both literally and figuratively as we speak.

Your committee has been pleased to give you a variety in the menu and starting 1st October we kick start a two month training programme for the cooks by a renowned Chef to ensure that we can improve upon the skills and consistency of food delivered and also train them to work on new dishes.

We have also appointed a hygiene consultant thanks to the efforts of Anirudh Sanjeev; systems are being put in place to ensure that we comply with Hygiene safety standards.

Your committee has also worked on reducing plastic usage and request members to bring their packaging in case of take away orders and are incentivising the same by offering a discount for the 60 days starting 1st October and your small bit would go a long way in helping save the environment.

Finally the words of Aristotle flashes through my mind and that “Well Begun is Half Done” and your committee believes that we have tried to begin well so that we can complete the onerous responsibility that the members have given us the opportunity to take forward.

T H E P R E S I D E N T ’ S N O T E

Yours Truly,

K.V. BalachanderPresidentMadras Boat Club

With regards for the coming festive season of Lights and wish you all a Happy Dussehra and a Happy Deepavali.


Dear Member,

The October Row Fest, 2019

As the world celebrates Oktoberfest, we at Madras boat club are all geared up to join the celebration with our own version called, the ‘October Row Fest’.

Indeed this is going to be an ‘October Fest’ with a difference, as rowers from different backgrounds prepare to challenge themselves on the water. We have a series of events being hosted by MBC, commencing 1st of October, 2019 and concluding on 19th October, 2019.

This Events forming part of October Row Fest are-

● As part of Madras Boat Club’ initiative to promote the sport of Rowing, we are hosting the 1st Tamilnadu State Indoor Rowing Championship in association with the Tamilnadu Amateur Rowing Association. This is an Indoor Rowing Event being conducted on 01.10.2019 at Madras Boat Club, 4 pm onwards. Participants from across Chennai are expected to compete at the Indoor Championship.

● Monsoon Regatta 2019, the finals of this Annual regatta will be browed on 12.10.2019 from 10:00 a.m onwards, as part of an age old Club tradition. At this regatta the emphasis is on the junior events, with both trophy and non-trophy events to be rowed. Some of

the trophy events include the Trichy Cup, Sandeman Cup and Bambridge Cup in the junior Boys category and Pavi Trophy (instituted in memory of late Pavithra Rao) for the Girls Four. MBC’s young talent will be on view at the Monsoon Regatta, as we try and build a team for the future. With this in mind we have categorised events age wise (under 13 and under 15) to encourage more participation.

● Merchants, Bankers & Clubs Regatta 2019, is one of the oldest rowing Regattas still being rowed and a prestigious one for MBC. The finals are on 19.10.19. The first races of this Regatta were rowed in 1900 by a group of Merchants & Bankers in Madras (Viz. Binny & Co., Parry & Co, Gordon Woodroffe, Best & Co, Meta Box, Wilson & Co. Bank of Madras etc.) Some of Chennai’s premier clubs and corporate entities are participating in the MB&C Regatta. The Madras Gymkhana Club will be looking to defend the overall championship title which they won in convincing fashion last year.

We look forward to the presence of our members with family and friends at the races, which promise to be keenly contested, with the rowers training in earnest to make a mark. So do block the dates on your calendar and be there to cheer the participants while enjoying the fest both on and off the water!

CAPTAIN’S MESSAGE

C A P TA I N ’ S M E S S A G E

Yours-in-Rowing, K.Shunmugaraj Captain of Boats


THE INTRA CLUB OLYMPIC EVENT

The Intra Club Olympic Event, has become an annual feature which members now look forward to. This year’s event had 6 teams formed from the members and some of the events included Tennis, Ergometer, Cycling, Running, Lemon & Spoon, Snooker and Swimming. The competition was intense to begin with as Black and Blue fought it out but Team Blue ran away with the championship, led by Vivek Dhanda, who skillfully marshaled his resources!

We would like to thank IDFC First Bank for sponsoring the event.

T H E I N T R A C L U B O LY M P I C E V E N T


T H E I N T R A C L U B O LY M P I C E V E N T


CONGRATS TO OUR MEMBERS ACHIEVERS!

LAVANYA NAMBIAR, STUDENT MEMBER

Bronze medalist at the 4th indoor National Rowing Championship, Patna - September 7th 2019Lavanya Nambiar, (extreme right), is seen with the gold and silver medalists from Harayana and Maharashtra respectively.

This is the first time that a lady rower from MBC / tamilnadu has won a National medal at an Indoor event.

KEERTHAN, STUDENT MEMBER

Awarded the Club ColorWinner “A DOUBLE SCULL” at the Madras-Colombo Regatta 2018, Colombo.

Winner “B SCULL” and “A DOUBLE SCULL”, at the Madras-Colombo regatta, Chennai, 2019

C O N G R AT S T O O U R M E M B E R S A C H I E V E R S !


PROGRAM FOR THE MONTH OF OCT’ 2019

DATES PROGRAMS

Tuesday, 1st October 1st State Indoor Rowing Championship, 4 pm

Saturday, 12th of October

Finals of the Monsoon Regatta 2019, 2 pm onwards

Regatta Night 8 pm onwards

Saturday, 19th of October

Finals of the MB & C Regatta 2019, 2 pm onwards

Regatta Night 8 pm onwards

Wednesday, 23rd of October

P R O G R A M F O R T H E M O N T H O F O C T ’ 2 0 1 9

OBITUARYMr. S. Sriram (LS 114) passed away on 4th September 2019, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Nalini and son Nikhil.

Mr. Sriram was an active lawn member and served on the Management Committee during the period 2017 to 2019. He was member in charge of entertainment.

We convey our deepest condolences to his family and pray for the departed soul.

DIWALI NIGHT


ROHIT BALAJI AT THE INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT

Rohit Balaji recently attended the young change maker summit at Lausanne, organized by the International Olympic Committee. He is one among 16 young change makers from around the world chosen by IOC and the first Indian among them. His project “Just Play” to unite people from all sections of society, without discrimination through sports has been well received by IOC. Here are a few images, Rohit has shared with us from the summit.

B O Q U E T S


8 0 T H M A D R A S - C O L O M B O R E G AT TA

It was our turn to host the 80 th edition of the Madras– Colombo Regatta this year. A team of 14 men and 5 women from the Colombo Rowing Club(CRC), accompanied by their President, Honorary Secretary and a few parents, travelled to Chennai for the event. The team was led by CRC’s first lady Captain Ishika De Silva, who had recently taken over.

Colombo Rowing club topped the points table by winning 6 out of 8 event, to win the overall titles in both the men’s and ladies events. MBC’s managed two wins in the A Double Scull (Keerthan and Siddarth Sunil) and B Scull (Keerthan). Keerthan’s was a special effort which deserves the highest praise. Since coming under the Khelo India program, he has gained both strength and fitness, which was clearly visible in his rowing. Our A sculler Siddarth Sunil was narrowly upstaged by Arjun Wickremenayake from Colombo Rowing Club, who rowed a brilliant race.

In the absence of our senior oarsmen, MBC fielded a young squad this year, with the majority of the boys rowing their first Regatta. Despite the limited time they had to prepare for the event, they gave a good account of themselves and were certainly richer by

the experience. With more exposure these rowers will surely become a force to reckon with.

In the women’s events, Colombo’s star rower, Ishar Abbey once again showed off her prowess with a comfortable win in the single sculls and as stroke of her crew led them to a resounding victory against the MBC ladies crew. The MBC ladies crew was also a formidable combination with the experienced Roshini Mahadevan in stroke Pooja in 3, Lavanya Nambiar in 2 and Ranjana in Bow. It was good to see some quality rowing from the MBC ladies who put up a spirited challenge in the initial part of the race.

Overall, though the Regatta was quite one sided, it was good to watch the Colombo Rowers on the water. Their rowing styles are a bit different from ours but very effective. CRC has always been a very competitive club and with the next Madras-Colombo Regatta in Colombo, MBC rowers will need to train much harder to see success on their waters.

The final ceremony was presided over by the Deputy High Commissioner of the Sri lankan Embassy in Chennai.

80thMADRAS-COLOMBOREGATTA 3RD AUG, 2019

COLOMBO ROWING CLUB RETAINS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES





Documents

OAR SPEAK In House Magazine Boat Club News | AUG / SEP 2019 · partnering Pooja, in the coxless pairs event. In the single sculls, young Tulsi Sriram, whose sculling and fitness has