Chennai has openly welcomed the Times of India group into its fold and for once "The Hindu" will be tested.For a long time "The Hindu" has been the yardstick by which journalistic excellence was measured.Certainly in Chennai.A newspaper rooted in tradition,it had all the qualities that make a great newspaper.Sans controversies and excessive cinematic influence,the paper was more a confluence of ideas and discussions.Home to eminient writers it was a platform for performers.Inspite of being seeped in tradition for more than a century since 1875,it has treasured the old and embraced the modern.Innovation has not been its strong points as a group.But it has certainly sniffed the openings and now looks a trendy outfit courtesy the changing Chennai outlook.

Chennai has been a mix of the modern and ancient.Modern with Shopping malls,IT culture and traditional with Music,Dance festivals.Politics and Films take centrestage while Religion has been kept at arms length.Rajinikanth makes more news than erstwhile politicians.A bastion for filmdom,there is a slight hint at embracing newer frontiers.Known for its love for the print media,the city with its eminent scholars and news makers now will hope to revel in the space created by the Times of India.Chennaites have been long dreaming of a healthy competition for The Hindu and will certainly find the entry lip smacking.

The Times of India is a truly National newspaper having been in print since 1838.For 170 years they have been in the forefront of the fourth estate and have created a niche throughout the country except Chennai.With history on their side,pedigree in their kitty and a great reputation to boot they will have a gala opening in the sunshine city.The promos have been exciting and they have cashed in on ARR big time for the inagural bash on April 20th.It does not get any bigger.The front page on the first day titled "Good morning Chennai,it is an honour to be here" was apt.It was proof of their joy and commitment to excellence.Requesting Chennai to leverage the patronage extended to the likes of Rajinikanth who comes from Maharashtra,they have hit the nail on the head with their assertive intentions.

"The Hindu "has been quick to take stock of the impending rivalry and instantly cut the rates of the daily.Round one to TOI.If this is any indicator of the astute analysis of the Hindu brains vis a vis the competition with TOI,we as readers can only bask in new found glory.Competition breeds good news reporting.Whch is what we all hope for at the moment.The Hindu has charmed us for long,we hope it will be the toast for years to come.TOI will push it hard.Let the show begin.We are sure to be drenched by the two stalwarts.