Shree Madura Gujarati Samaj( Samaj’s success story)For all those Gujarati families who are residing in Madurai since ages, Shree Madura Gujarati Samaj is a place of their Being.Before 1963 all the activities by Gujaratis were managed by 5 different clubs organizations., like Navratri Mandal, Gujarati library, Bandhu Samaj etc.
In the year 1963 all the clubs were amalgamated to form Shree Madura Gujarati Samaj and Late.Shri Bhikhabhai Vyas was honored with its first president ship to help Samaj climb newer heights, which indeed it did.The land deal of the present premises was completed in the year 1966.
Today’s Samaj building is a result of sheer hard work and determination of our philanthropic members from the Past. It was them who instilled in us the quality of Perseverance.The land was purchased, Words and Ideas precipitated into actions and a team was formed, as in all cases ,even here the members faced a grave financial crisis. It’s rightly said that when its a question of community service, no financial crisis can hinder its progress. In 1972 ,Madurai’s first Mayor Late. Mr.S Muthu inaugurated the ground floor of the Samaj in a grand ceremony.
To overcome the monetary deficit -a souvenir magazine was launched. In 1978-79 the first floor hall and library came into being. This library houses around 4000 Gujarati books.There had been a constant need for the lodging facilities at the Samaj by pilgrimage travelers, businessmen, tourists etc, owing to this need a committee was formed.
The stone laying ceremony of the ‘Athithi Gruh’ was performed by His Holiness Pujya Sacchidanand Swamiji in the year 2005 and subsequently on 4-2-2005 he inaugurated the guest house. 9 double rooms and 9 bedded dormitory came into being. The purpose to offer lodging facilities to the tourists at reasonable rates was served. Apart form these rooms there are two 2000sq.ft halls to accommodate large number of tourists but that too seems insufficient at times. The Samaj also houses a small canteen where one can get Pure Gujarati vegetarian food.
Owing to its close proximity to the Meenakshi Temple, the Samaj is a much preferred place to stay in.Festivals like Diwali, Holi, Janmastami, Jain festival -paryushan, Navratri and other are celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm in the Samaj premises even today. Cultural programmed are also organized during national festivals like Independence day, Republic day, labour day.
Apart from this other co-curricular activities like cultural programmes, academic endowment award function, games for all ages yearly get-to-gather are also enjoyable moments for all.The ladies wing of the Samaj -namely the Mahila Samiti regularly organizes various activities and programmes so,that the families come together and develop a feeling of togetherness.The Tamilnadu Gujarati Samaj organizes various events and competitions across South ,in which our members have participated and won laurels.
We are indeed proud of them.Not just festivals are celebrated but all Gujaratis have come together to help monetarily or in kind during natural calamities like Latur earthquake, Gujarat earthquake, cyclone in Orissa, Kargil war, Tsunami ,Floods etc .For the native Madurai people also there are various camps like medical, blood donation camps organized.Shree Tamilnadu Gujarati Samaj consists of the 7 centers of Gujarati Samaj In southern India.
In the year 1997-98 Madura Gujarati Samaj was invited to Chair the proceedings for the period of 2 years and during which the Golden Jubilee celebrations of Shree Tamilnadu Gujarati Samaj was celebrated with grandeur over a period of 2 days in Madurai ,whereby various cultural programmes and competitions were organized.
The chief guest for the event was His Holiness.Pujya Sacchidanand Swamiji, his address on the life values and the real meaning of ‘Samaj’ was truly inspiring.Year 2013-14 marks the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Samaj, whereby Krishna Jayanti , Navaratri, Sharad Poornima were celebrated with lot of fervor . On 21& 22 nd December 2013 a Mega Medical Camp was organized which included , Free cataract operations with the aid of Aravind Eye Hospital, Free heart and Liver checkup, Blood donation in association with Rajaji Govt.Hospital etc from which both the locale and Samaj members benifited.
On 17th ,18th and 19th January 2014 an exhibition on Gujarat Expo was organized with the help of Gujarat Govt. displaying Gujarat’s progress in the field of Industry, tourism , NGR foundation(for Non Resident Gujaratis residing out of Gujarat), Narmada Nigam etc .There was a cultural show showcasing the ethnic tribal dance.’ Flavours of Gujarat’ -the food festival organized along with the Expo was the star attraction.
On 26th January 2014 ,a cultural extravaganza was organized where in all the past Presidents of the Samaj were invited and honored, apart from this each and every member gifted with a memento as a token of remembrance. A multicolored Directory of all the members with their photograph was also launched. Keeping in tune with the Information and technology age Samaj’s
website www.gujaratisamajmadurai.in was also launched.
A multi talented cultural show was also presented which made this event memorable.The success of this event owes its credit to the designated committee for this event, it’s members and all those who had contributed their efforts, time and money.Shree Madura Gujarati Samaj is the life member of the Tamilnadu Gujarati Samaj, Akhil Bharatiya Gujarati Samaj and Vishva Gujarati Samaj .