Gazing up at the towering obelisk, haven’t you ever wondered about the stories etched into its marble face? This, my friends, is the Victory War Memorial. A Chennai landmark, it stands proudly near the Marina Beach and Fort St. George. Originally known as “Cupid’s Bow”, the Victory War Memorial was first built to commemorate the Allied victory in World War I. Later, it evolved into a memorial for those from the Madras Presidency who lost their lives in both World Wars. Inscribed on the obelisk are the poignant words: “1914 Victory 1918” and “1939 Victory 1945”, a stark reminder of the global conflicts that shaped the 20th century. The memorial’s inscriptions are in four languages: Telugu, English, Hindi, and Tamil, reflecting the diverse population it honors. Extending from the obelisk’s corners are walls bearing the names of the units that fought from the Madras Presidency. Smaller pillars at the end of each wall list the names of those who died after India gained independence. The Victory War Memorial also bears inscriptions commemorating the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948 and the Sino-Indian War. It’s a place of quiet reflection. A tribute to the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for their nation. As you stand here, take a moment to consider the weight of history held within these stones, a legacy of valor etched in marble.
United India Colony
“Quaint” is how someone described United India Colony in the 1970s. United India Colony is a well-laid-out middle-class locality. It