In its 140 years of service and legacy, the Thipparaju Venkata Subbaiah Satram (choultry) has now come to be seen as a landmark organisation in the long history of Nellore region’s association with many agitations during the pre and post-independent India.
Prior to independence, the choultry was a central point for the freedom fighters to congregate, agitate and also disseminate information by way of writing news on its walls, which are popularly known as ‘goda pathrikalu’ (wall newspapers).
Once considered a lifeline for the entire city, the choultry now crossed another milestone by celebrating its 140th anniversary in the presence of Sri Vidyaranya Bharati Swamy, pontiff of Hampi Virupaksha Math, and former Chief Secretary I.Y.R. Krishna Rao, who is presently the chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation (APBWC).
Saying it was a praiseworthy contribution, Swamy Vidyaranya Bharathi said by extending 140 years of long, unbroken service to the community and society, the TVS Satram had become a glowing example for many organisations in the State.
“Service is a very important aspect of life. These days, people are seeking more of unimportant things and less of important things in life,” said Swamiji, adding that despite getting the luxuries of ‘cordless’ and ‘wireless’, the people are finding less happiness and peace because of lack of service orientation.
Mr. Krishna Rao, who spoke as chief guest, said the choultry had created a record for itself by continuing to provide services to the poorer sections of the community even after 140 years of its inception.
He stressed the need for all associations and organisations to render similar services taking inspiration from this success story.
Dr. Sarvepalli Ajaykumar, founder trustee of TVS Satram, said it was a long tradition that the people of the city always had held it in high esteem through so many decades. Many activities were being taken up now to help the poorer sections with active support from different organisations, he added.
