Conference
Venue:
Address:
IC&SR
Building (Near Gajendra Circle), IIT Madras, Chennai -
36
Indian Institute of Technology
Madras,
I.I.T. Post Office,
Chennai - 600 036,
India.
Fax : +91
(44) 2257 0509
|
Chennai, formerly
known as Madras, is the capital of the Indian state of Tamil
Nadu. Built by the British in the year 1640, Chennai – shortened
form of Chennaipattinam, was the name of the town that that grew
around Fort St. George. Now, it is the fourth most populous
metropolitan city of the country. Located on the Coromandel
Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Chennai has an estimated population
of over 8.2 million people. The city is located on the south
east coast of the Indian Peninsula in the north-eastern part of
the state of Tamil Nadu on a flat coastal plain. The spectacular
Marina beach runs for 13 km along the shoreline of the city. Two
rivers, Adayar and Cooum, meander through the city. A protected
estuary on the Adayar forms a natural habitat for several
species of birds and animals.

Chennai has a tropical
climate, specifically a tropical wet and dry climate. The city
lies on the thermal equator and is also on the coast, which
prevents extreme variation in seasonal temperature. The weather
is hot and humid most of the year.
The Indian Institute
of Technology and College of Engineering, Guindy are the premier
centers for engineering education in the city. Most colleges
that offer engineering programs are affiliated to the Anna
University. Madras Medical College, Stanley Medical College,
Kilpauk Medical College and Sri Ramachandra Medical College &
Research Institute are notable medical colleges in the city.
Colleges for science, arts and commerce degrees are typically
affiliated to the University of Madras. The Connemara Public
Library is one of four National Depository Centers in India that
receive a copy of all the newspapers and books published in
India. It has been declared as a UNESCO information centre.

IIT Madras
Main Gate |

Gajendra
Circle, IIT Madras |

University
of Madras, Chennai |

Anna
University Entrance |
The city has a
diversified economic base anchored by the automobile, software
services, hardware manufacturing, healthcare and financial
services industries. Chennai is also affectionately dubbed the
“Detroit” of India thanks to its booming automobile and auto
components industry.

Rnganathan
Street Spencer's
Plaza Chennai Citi
Center Shopping Mall

Bharatanatyam
Kapaleeswarar Temple
Chennai is a major
centre of music, art and culture in India. The city is known for
its classical dance shows and Hindu temples. Every December, it
holds a five-week long Music-Season celebrating the 1927 opening
of the Madras Music Academy and features performances of
traditional Carnatic music by hundreds of artists in and around
the city. The city is also well known for Bharatanatyam, a
classical dance form originated in Tamil Nadu. An important
cultural centre for Bharatanatyam is Kalakshetra on the beach in
the south of the city.

Idli Vadai with
Sambhar and Chutney
Filter Cofffee Chennai Style!
Tamil cuisine in
Chennai includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Many of
the city’s restaurants offer light meals or tiffin, which
usually include rice-based dishes like pongal, dosai, idli and
vadai, served with steaming hot filter coffee.


Above:
Chennai’s iconic Central Railway Station.
Below: The MRTS
train service and MTC bus service of the city.
Chennai serves as a
major gateway to southern India and the Chennai International
Airport, comprising the Anna International Terminal and Kamaraj
Domestic Terminal, is the third busiest airport in India. The
city is connected to major hubs across Asia, Europe and North
America through more than 30 national and international
carriers. The city is served by two major sea ports, namely: the
Chennai port and the Ennore port. Chennai is well connected to
other parts of India by road, rail, sea and air. Chennai is the
headquarters of the Southern Railway. The city has two major
railway terminals. The Chennai Central station, the city’s
iconic building and largest station, provides access to other
major as well as smaller towns across India.

Left: Kathipara
Junction from the air. Right: Chennai’s iconic
autorickshaw
Cricket is the most
popular sport in Chennai. The M.A. Chidambaram stadium in
Chepauk is one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India. The
Chemplast Cricket Ground at IIT Madras is another important
venue for hosting first class cricket matches. The Chennai Super
Kings are the reigning champions of the Indian Premiere League.
Chennai has produced many popular tennis players and is host to
an Association of Tennis Professionals event since 1997.
Viswnathan Anand, the chess champion, grew up in Chennai.
The city is probably
the most peaceful and green metropolis in the nation. It is a
blend of temples, churches, monuments and several other prime
destinations. Chennai is a city with a perfect blend of
traditional values and modern outlooks.

Left: Chennai
Super Kings take on Kolkata Knight Riders. Right: ATP
tennis tournament in progress