On the late evening of Dec.30, a group of friends, members of the civic body Spark and residents got together at the Karl Schmidt Memorial, at Elliots Beach to pay tributes to the person who died saving a lady from drowning. 

The landmark monument has stood the test of time for 93 years, and residents hope that it holds for 7 more years, post which, it might be taken over by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) for its better upkeep. 

As the group stood inside the memorial to pay respects, scores waited outside to absorb a piece of it to make it a part of their memory. “It is ironic that people have zero interest in preserving this monument, which is a symbol of Elliot’s beach. Photography enthusiasts take pictures of it in the mornings, and the public takes selfies in the evenings. Alas, the only benefit the monument derives from the fame is: defacing and looting,” sighs Kamakshi Subramaniyan, Co-founder of Spark.

As Dr.T.D.Babu, Co-founder of Spark gives a tour of the memorial to the group, with pain he points out the broken EB panel, stolen water pump, light timer and focus lights, vanished security booth, illegible plaques and unkempt garden. Defacings and cracks on the wall add to his disappointment. 

The group lays a wreath and holds electric lamps in respect. A small discussion ensues on what the public can do to save it, but outside the memorial, groups stand wondering if they will be allowed to take selfies.

“Despite its restoration in 2018, with subsequent neglect and vandalism, how can we expect a memorial to stand unhinged?” wondered Dr Babu. With hopes that the memorial doesn’t become a memory in itself, the group disbursed, pledging to do all they can to ensure its restoration.

A brief history of the memorial as recollected by Dr.Babu:

He was a guide to us on matters relating to the paper, a source of knowledge and inspiration, and a great one to articulate his appreciation for the staff. 

Under Mr.Ambrose’s astute leadership, Adyar Times became more than just a publication; it evolved into a voice for the community, a mirror reflecting the triumphs and challenges of the society it served. Through the lens of Adyar Times, we were able to illuminate stories that mattered, championing the cause of environment, camaraderie, and progress – his vision for the paper. The paper has played a major share in influencing and motivating our readers in the Adyar neighbourhood into a socially conscious community.

Mr.Ambrose had a long and illustrious career in the Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S.)  mostly under the State Govt. of Tamilnadu, and also held a few positions under the Govt. of India. His deputation by the Govt. of India to work as the Principal Govt. Liaison Officer in ICRISAT, an international crop research institute sponsored by the United Nations Development Programme Food and Agriculture Organisation and the World Bank, was a feather in his cap, at the tail end of his career. Though his deputation was for a period of three years during which time he retired from Govt. service, ICRISAT extended his service for a period of up to ten years. He retired from ICRISAT at the age of 65 years. 

After his retirement, he started Adyar Times in 1993, with his service colleague, K.S. Ramakrishnan, IAS (Retd.). Thirty years hence, it is still one of the leading neighbourhood newspapers in Chennai. Mr.Ambrose also engaged in organic farming in Nanguneri Taluk of Tirunelveli District. He has also been involved in a number of non-governmental organisations. At 94 years, with limited mobility, he continued to remain actively engaged with family and friends, and had lively conversations on politics, current affairs and culture. 

In honouring the legacy of Mr.Ambrose, may we be inspired to continue the pursuit of a well-informed, connected, and compassionate community. We will miss the tall stature, kind face, and soft voice of Mr. Ambrose. May his soul rest in peace.

Readers can send in their tributes to adyartimes@gmail.com.