Chennai, July 2016: The Suguna Vilasa Sabha had its historic 125th year celebrations at its premises at No.58, Anna Salai, Chennai – 600 002 on Friday, 29th July, 2016. His Excellency Dr.K.Rosaiah, Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu was the Chief Guest.
Mr.V.Murali, President of the Suguna Vilasa Sabha welcomed the gathering and in his address mentioned about the history of the Sabha which was established in July, 1891 by Padma Bhushan Pammal Sambanda Mudaliar the founding father of Tamil Theatre and six public spirited gentlemen with a view to bring respectability to Tamil Theatre. He also mentioned that the rolls of the Sabha included legal luminaries, judges, prominent members of society including stalwarts like Mr.R.K.Shanmugam Chetti, the first Finance Minister of India Freedom Fighter Sathyamoorthy the Guru of Kamaraj, actor M.K.Radha’s father. Rajah Sir Annamalai Chettiar, Rajah Sir Muthaiah Chettiar, Kumara Raja Muthiah Chettiar and Dr MAM Ramaswamy who were patrons of the Sabha and were associated in key posts.
The Chief Guest His Excellency Dr K Rosaiah, the Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu in his address appreciated the dedication and vision of Pammal Sambanda Mudaliar father of Tamil Theatre and his six friends in establishing the Sabha to reform Tamil Drama to a respectable art form from its days where they would rent Victoria Public Hall to a small room in Thambu Chetty Street to its present premises in Mount Road. He lauded the Sabha and its office bearers for the commitment to growth of well rounded personality which he said can be achieved by emphasis on art, culture, dramatics and sports. He exhorted the members to continue to support and encourage creativity, sports and Tamil Drama. He honoured the past and present office bearers of the sabha for their dedication and service to the Sabha. He mentioned in his address an interesting historical fact that the Sabha had entertained Mahatma Gandhi and Mrs. Kasturba Gandhi on 17th September, 1926. He also dwelt on the illustrious Past Presidents of the Sabha from Raja Sir Ramaswamy Mudaliar the great philanthrophist, Sir Thyagaraya Chetti, Justcie P R Sundar iyer, Justice V Krishnaswamy Iyer, Diwan of Travancore Sir C P Ramasway Iyer, V C Gopalrathnam who had helmed the sabha in their days.
His Excellency Dr K.Rosaiah also unveiled the foundation stone for squash and Badminton courts.
Mr.M.R.Sivakumar, Honorary Secretary of the Sabha proposed the Vote of Thanks.
