In this series, we bring to you a bunch of places around the insti, some that are thronged every day, while some wear a deserted look most of the day. This series gives you a glimpse of the popular places in a new light and an opportunity to explore the lesser-known ones. Stay tuned!
1. Ramu Tea Stall
Long before the ‘Chai Waale’ opened their shop at the HFC, a small tea shop was already on campus. Ramu Tea Stall is tucked snugly into a corner in the side of the Shopping Complex. Sadly, half the campus junta doesn’t know about the shop, and the other half thinks it closed down long ago. But it is still in place, furnished with the best cup of cardamom tea on campus, frequented mostly by the residents. The owner is an old man, always ready with a friendly word with the tea. His sweetness rivals the eatables and sweetmeats he has to offer. He also always has bits of bread and biscuits for any stray deer that ventures close to the stall.
Illustration By Malavika S J
Although this tea shop doesn’t have any fancy eatables, staff, or a big space, it is still a friendly place to hang out with friends, away from the hustle and bustle of the campus. Visit the place if you haven’t already, and enjoy some strong tea with a side of affable words!
2. Himalaya Lawns
Dear Himalaya Lawns,
If I were to describe you in a phrase, it would be ‘a green piece of solace’. You are the ultimate place of stillness as well as exciting events in the insti. You may be a bit overlooked during the day, but your evenings and night times acquire a special meaning. You look the most beautiful when adorned with sparkly decorations and draped in festive lights, contesting the twinkling stars overhead. Filled with energetic chatter and excited faces during fun events, inaugurations, and Saarang/Shastra specials, you represent the magic and laughter of people at IITM.
The evenings sizzle with energy, while the nights represent peace and solace. It gives us deep satisfaction to relax in groups or with partners in your prickly grass (filled with deer poop), accompanied by an occasional deer. You must have been a witness to many amazing stories and memories over the years. Some nights, you are filled with melodious music from a tiny impromptu concert by a guitarist or a few enthusiastic singers. Some inquisitive stargazers as well as souls tired from the day’s travails also find their way to your grass.
Another time you are bustling with new faces is when freshies come to the campus with their proud parents. You are seen buzzing with energy for days, with bright-eyed students and their equally happy parents. You are the special place where freshies make their initial memories on campus. I remember, in my first days, I made all my new friends from the batch while we hung out around you every night. For freshies, you are the start of their journey and the place where they make lifelong friends.
Apart from these, you are also filled with quiet book readers during reading sessions. Quite a few intellectual exchanges crop up on your grass. Metaphysics and politics go hand in hand in chats. You are also the go-to place for various activities of the numerous clubs. Perhaps, your most important role is providing a platform for dissent. You are the site of protests addressing the concerns of different student groups and directing the administration’s attention to their demands.
So, you are an important space catering to all aspects of our student life and our forever beloved part of the insti!
Love,
Students, IITM
Edited By Amirtha Varshini V C
Article 19 