Malayalee Club to sport new look

Chennai: The 118-year-old Malayalee Club, one of the oldest socio-cultural institutions of its kind in the country, and symbolizing the rich traditions and heritage of Keralites, is all set to open its new building with state-of-the-art facilities for its members.

The new four storied building at the beginning of Club Road at Chetpet is gearing up to celebrate Onam after a gap of 5 years on Wednesday evening.

The club started as a meeting place for Malayali elite in 1897. “The old building lacked many basic amenities and the earlier office bearers focused only on extension and did not have a master plan. A few years ago, the general body decided to demolish the old building and construct a new one with state-of-the-art-facilities,” says Nanda Govind, president of the club for the last 15 years. The soon to be inaugurated 72, 000 sq. feet building has a huge auditorium, 25 guest rooms, 2 banquet halls, conference halls and a gym.

The fourth floor of the building houses a huge spa, especially for ayurvedic treatment. “The building has a basement car parking with the capacity to park 80 cars,” adds Govind.

“The conference hall, auditorium and other amenities can be rented out to the general public at reasonable rates,” said M Padmanabhan, secretary. The club has a well stocked library with a large volume of English and Malayalam books. “Rare reference volumes can also be obtained here,” added Padmanabhan. The Club with 1500 existing members is extending its membership this year to 100 selected non-Malayalis.

“Once the general body reviews and approves the applications of non-Malayalis, they will be given membership and can enjoy the same privileges as any other member here,” concludes Govind.