Besant Nagar

Besant Nagar () is one of Chennai's well known neighbourhoods, named after the famous lady theosophist Annie Besant, and adjoins the Theosophical Society. The Theosophical Society Headquarters is located here. It was founded in 1875, and is a worldwide body whose primary objective is Universal Brotherhood and is famed for its Banyan trees and serene settings. Kalakshetra Academy, the world famous dance school started by Rukmini Devi Arundale is also present in this locality. It is a part of Chennai which is inhabitated by many famous personalities and affluent citizens. Alongside are many restaurants, cafes, shops and boutiques. The main attraction is the Elliot's Beach, named after Edward Elliot, Governor of Madras. It forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore. It has the Velankanni Church and the Ashtalakshmi Temple along the shore and is sometimes nicknamed 'Bessie'. In the colonial era it was a fairly exclusive place limited to ex-patriates.

Besant Nagar was developed by Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) in late 1970s and early 1980s.TNHB developed residential plots, apartments ,commercial complexes, wide roads, school zones, bus terminus and large parks. The St. John's English School and Junior College established in 1981, by late Dr.G.Rajkumar is a well known educational institution here. Just opposite to the school is the residence of (former) World Chess Champion Vishwanath Anand.

Besant Nagar is an excellent example of organized government town planning by Tamil......
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