CHENNAI: Ministers A Rajmohan and S Rajeshkumar on Saturday inaugurated ‘Madras 387’, a photo exhibition at the Anna Centenary Library to commemorate Madras Day.

The photographs document the city’s architectural landmarks and evolution, including Fort St George, Ripon Building and Madras High Court.

The week-long exhibition, organised by the state Tourism Department, features a curated collection of heritage photographs captured by L Ramachandran during the COVID lockdown.

Speaking at the inauguration, Tourism Minister Rajeshkumar said, “Visual archives play a vital role in educating younger generations about Chennai’s 387-year history and its architectural and cultural heritage. Such initiatives help students connect with the unique identities of the state’s various districts.”

School Education Minister Rajmohan underlined the power of photography to chronicle history and evoke deep human emotions, citing globally iconic historical photographs.

“The School Education Department will hold monthly screenings of world cinema for students with autism and other special educational needs in government schools. A similar initiative was previously conducted at the MGR Government Film and Television Institute, and it received an encouraging response from students,” he announced, and encouraged students and the public to visit the exhibition, noting that entry is free throughout the week.

Jeyaseelan, MD, State Tourism Development Corporation, and other senior officials from the tourism and school education departments, attended the event.