AIADMK oppose modification of Senate house

CHENNAI: The Madras University Syndicate’s move to modify the Senate house and set up a museum in the building was met with stiff resistance from two AIADMK MLAs, who are members of the Senate. Stating that the Senate house was a heritage structure, Mylapore MLA Rajalakshmi R noted that modifications will not be appropriate. “Many universities that I have visited in the US and UK have retained their heritage structures. The Madras University should also practice the same,” she said. The University Vice Chancellor G Thiruvasagam, however, clarified that re-laying of flooring was necessary to prevent further damage to the complex.   Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar MLA P Vetrivel opposed the proposal to set up a museum in the Senate House building. “The Senate House is meant only for the purpose of conducting Senate meetings and not for setting up of exhibitions and museums,” he said. Thiruvasagam responded saying that the Senate House was in demand for conducting film shoots and examinations, following which decision was taken to set up a museum there. He also stated that the audio quality was poor in the Senate Hall, which is why the meetings were not conducted there. However, the Vice-Chancellor promised to look into the matter.