BIRTH CENTENARY CELEBERATION OF PSNS.AMBALAVANAN CHETTIAR

SA, as Ambalavana chettiar, was popularly called was a multifaceted personality. As his birth centenary fell in 2007,his family members felt the need to commemorate and cherish his memories. Hence a get- together was organized at Hotel Palmgrove on Dec 24,2007 for his near and dear ones to pay their respect and homage to him. Who was SA? SA was born in Karukkampalayam to Sri PSN Murganathan chettiar and Pacchai Ammal.(later he was adopted by his uncle Sami Chettiar) SA as a Student …….. After the primary education at his native village, he studied at Madurai. He was brilliant student. His autobiography reveals that he was a delight to his teachers! He was the first person in our community to study a graduate degree (later he had to discontinue owing to financial problems faced by his family, much to the consternation of his professors) SA as Businessman…….. He started his business in Kerala & settled down in Madras. He was a very successful Business entrepreneur. He was a trader and then became a manufacturer, setting up the first Rolling Mill in the Southern India….. He had rolling mills at Chennai, Bangalore and Karaikal. SA as a affectionate relative……. All persons who had the opportunity to interact with him are in unison when it comes it describe his affectionate and friendly nature…. His advice to the younger generation was to excel in studies……He also used to give appropriate advice on the career to be taken up by the youngsters……. He was a trendsetter of a kind, when in the "First Illaignar maanadu" in 1946, in his keynote address as the Chief Guest, he stressed that only with Women's education can our community reach great heights. The word SA has become synonymous with boldness, confidence, compassion and humour . These were the very words used by those who were closely associated with him. The Function called SA -100, organized on 24-12-2007. The function started with a prayer ,which was followed by a "sorpollivu"by Nagai Mukundhan on Ramayana as it was SA's favourite epic. After the speech,SA's autobiography titled "SA 100/100" was released. The copy was received by SA's youngest brother Sri PSNM.Nanjappa chettiar. The book, written by SA in his lifetime, apart from narrating his ancestry and his various phases of his life, also describes the various customs, traditions and significance of our Ainuurruvar marriage and functions. After this, a power point presentation of SA's photos depicting the various stages of his life was presented. This session, which soon became interactive, was the major highlight of the function. The function ended with a dinner. Truly, the function was a fitting tribute a noble personality. SA, is a truly is an inspiring Ainoottruvar to the younger generation. His life itself is a testimony for how hard work and perseverance can make one reach great heights. He was a shrewd businessman, a responsible son, a kind brother and a great well-wisher of his community. May his memory continue to inspire us in every way…………. Viji Senapathy,SAM.Sivaraman.