THE BADAGAR WELFARE ASSOCIATION, CHENNAI (BWACH)

 (Unity is strength: Save Badaga Language, Culture, and Badaga Dress and Food ).

The Badagar Welfare Associations, Chennai is the pioneer association among all the badagas Welfare Associations formed in India and also other countries.  Badaga Welfare Associations were formed with the sole aim of promoting Unity among Badagas living elsewhere Apart from Unity we have to nurture our  tribal tradition, culture, language  and our unique food habits.

Dhaivathiru K. H. Raman ( kavaratti) Ex Headmaster, Davanai High school who studied at MCC in the year 1950 -52 was the first president of BSA. Other active members were Mr K.M. Ajjan ( kambatty) , Advocate Mr. J.K.Jogi ( Muttinad) Dhaivathiru K.Kallan  ( ketti) Ex MLA, Mr H Nanjundan ( kundha bikkatti),  L & T, Dr M.B. Raman ( meekeri). Initially they conducted frequent meetings at marina beach and conducted annual day function regularly at hotels.

Then Shri T B Ramamurthi became president of BSA and other members were Justice B. Kali ( Byangi), Advocate I. Duraisami ( Jakkanarai), Mr B Hiriyan ( Billicombai), Joint director , statistic dept., Dhaivathiru H.M Raju  Ex MLA ( Haliur), Thiru Master Mathan ( Ithalar) Ex MP and Ex Madras presidency college  student union secretary , Dheivathiru  A.S.K. Rajendran , ( Annikorai) Joint Commissioner, sales tax , Dhaivathiru I R Loganathan ( Ithalar) , TN AGS office ., Mr S. Raju (USA), Dhivathiru M B Nanjan, ( Melur)  popularly called Jockey Nanjan then Students Union President of Pachaiyappa’s College Chennai,  Mr Raman( Bigada) Head Master retired. When Mr Master Mathan was selected as student union secretary at the prestigious Presidency College, then all badaga students in chennai gathered in the college and celebrated his victory in a big way with badaga dance in badaga traditional dresses. After their studies most of them settled at our District and some worked in Madras. The Badaga Student Association ( BSA )  realised the need to generate funds for the association  and the members of the Association they themselves staged a drama “ Kanner”  acted by members themselves at ooty and kothagiri during 1958 and 1959   and generate  a fund of Rs 4000 and deposited  in the Association Account. This team members then started a registered organisation called Young Badaga Association (YBA), ooty. The same amount was utilised as advance payment for construction of YBA building at ooty. Now this building generate fund for the Young Bagada Association of Ootacamund.

Then Mr K K Sirangi ( Kavaratti) Ex. Regional Director, Handicrafts, Govt of India, became President of BSA and later he became the President of The Badaga Association, Madras. He financially contributed lot for association.

BSA become a registered body  in the name of THE BADAGA ASSOCIATION, MADRAS (TBAM)  in the year 1968, and registered  body was functioning in  the  house of Dhivathiru T Kali Gowder ( Thuneri).  Every Sunday afternoon badaga members assembled at Kali Gowder’s house and after having sumptuous Thuppa Tittu, Vadai with tea and then start the Association Activities. The first founder President of our registered Association was Mr Kali Gowder of Thuneri and  Deivathiru Mr  B. Aarji of Kadanadu was the secretary . The students secretaries were  Dr.J.Arjunan ( Chinna Coonoor), then student of Madras Medical College (MMC), Dr Mohan Raj (Balakola), then Student of MMCand Dr C. R Bojan (Chinnacoonoor)  then student of PUC at Pachaiyappa’s College. The EC meetings were conducted for long time at Kali Gowder’s house at Kothaval Savadi, Parrys Corner. He was the first vegetable business man in our community at chennai.. Dhivathiru I R Loganathan, Mr M K Raman ( Manjakombai ), Health education officer, Chennai Corporation.Dhivathiru , Mr Belli Raj ( Mattakandi) EB officer, were founder members of the association. TBAM, celebrated first anniversary function on 02 March 1969.

After the demise of Kali Gowder, the EC meetings were conducted at Madras Library Building, Anna Salai ( then Mount Road) for some time. In 1975 there was lull in Association Activities after the demise of Mr Kali Gowder and helm of Affairs were taken over by Deivathiru R. Bojan of Balakola (Industrialist) as president and Dr. C. R Bojan as secretary ( Professor, Pachiappas college), Mr N. Dharmalingam of katary ( SBI Officer ) as Treasurer. During that period Madras Library Building Chennai refused permission to conduct Community Association Meeting then shifted the venue to Kamarajar Building very close to LIC building, Anna Salai. After that  Dhivathiru  H. Nanjundan who runs an industry at Chennai  invited badaga mambers  to conduct the EC meeting in his house. TBAM members used to assemble at his house regularly on first Sundays and discussed  and one of the decisions taken was the need to generate funds and buy a house for the use of Badaga Welfare Association at Chennai.

Deivathiru R Bojan, President, Dr.C.R. Bojan, Secretary, Mr N. Dharmalingam , Treasurer, other office bearers and EC members passed a resolution, to have a permanent place for badaga association. During that period Deivathiru K.K Sirangi of Kavaratty, Daivathiru A S K  Rajendran of Anikorai and Deivathiru Rajasekaran RTO Chennai Central joined TBAM, after their official transfer to Chennai. TBAM must thank the three late veterans for their ability to garner huge funds towards the Association. In this purpose, the office bearers along with other members organised a drama of Mr S.V. Sekar actor & co called “KATHILAI POO” at Vani Mahal at T.Nagar. They earned around Rs. 43000 from the drama after expenditure and they have deposited around Rs. 63,000 ( Rs 20000 from early balance amount) in the Madras central cooperative bank, parries corner. Later this amount was used as an advance amount for purchase of a flat at Annanagar. At that period annual meetings were regularly conducted at Hotel Atlantic, Egmore.

The next team of Mr K.K. Sirangi  ( President ) Mr  M K  Raman , Manjakomabai ( Secretary), Mr Lavan, Adigaratti ( Treasurer) ,  and  other EC members were organised another drama called “PULI AADU PULLUKATTU” at Vani Mahal , T.nagar for fund collection to purchase of a house for badaga association.
Dhivathiru Y G Parthasarathi team members including his son Mr Y G Mahendiran were acted in the drama.  Mr Parthasarathy accepted to do drama for just Rs.1000 only, because he happened to be a close friend of Mr B K Linga gowder ( Kechigatti) Ex. MLA and neighbour of his house at T Nagar.

Dr Sundaradevan IAS ( adhigaratti), Mr M.Devaraj (kothagiri)  IAS , Mr T.B Ramamurthi ( Dy. Secretary, Law dept , govt of Tamilnadu), Mr Nanjagowder , ( Naiyatti) BDO, Mr Arji ( kadanadu) , Dhaivathiru Bellan ( kunda bikkatti) , Dr Babuji ( Bikkol) Scientist, Deivathiru Adv. P.K.Raman (Ithalar), Daivathiru Dr Nanjan, (Nanjanadu) Ex Prof, University of Madras, Mr Nagalingam ( kekkatty), CMDA.,

 Mr M Chandren ( Kechikatti), Deivathiru Sivaraman (Thavanai), Mr J Chandran (Nanjanadu) PRO,Daivathiru Subramani, Dy.Thasildar, Mr Ramachandran ( Adigaratti), Ex Manager, TNSC  Bank, Dhaivathiru Manigandan ( Manjoor ) Ex-President, Adv. Sathyamohan ( Davanai) Ex.Secretary, Mr Balasubramani ( Adigaratti) SBI,Dhaivathiru Chandran Ex, Secretary, Mr Ravi ( Yadakadu), Mr Jaganathan ( Yedapalli) and other members were extensively contributed lot for the development of badaga association.

At that point of time, there was a discussion to form Federation for all Badaga Association. The Chennai Badagar Welfare Association took an active part in framing Bye Laws for the Federation. . Mr. Ramamurthi  of Dhavani was the pioneer in framing the bye Laws and ably assisted by Daivathiru  Duraiswamy of Kothagiri. the convenor of forming FBA was Dr Bellie then President of Coimbatore Badagar  Welfare  Association.

In 1990’s  Ladies Mrs Janaki Bellan ( Kundha Bikkatti ) now in USA, Mrs Lakshmi  Ramakrishnan ( Yedapalli) and Mrs Yashoda Bobblie were elected as EC members.

During the year 1992, Mr Bobblie, secretary, proposed to the EC committee that a flat was available for sale at 306/5, belli area , annanagar west and association can buy the flat in order to have a permanent place for madras association. EC team members were accepted the proposal. Then under the leader ship of Deivathiru H Belli, (Mukkimalai) President and EC team members started collection of donations from the members in chennai and also from hatti peoples. For that they have visited many times to various hatties in Nilgiri for money collections. Deivathiru K.N. Mathalli Iyah ( Koderi), Mr T.Gundan ( Melur), and many tea factory owners were the majour donors from Nilgiri.

 In the year 1993, Late Deivathiru Y B Ramakrishnan  was inducted  as President ,  due to sudden demise of Mr H. Belli. During the period of 1993, Dhiavathiru Y B Ramakridhnan,( Yedapalli ) President, Mr. A Bobblie ( Milithane) Secretary,  Dr Haldorai , (kil kowhatti) Treasurer , EC team members and other   members finally achieved a great milestone by purchasing a own flat for badaga association, named as Bellia Manai at 305/6, Belly area,  Annanagar west, Chennai , using the amount collected from two dramas, donations from members  and also donations from Nilgiri badaga community peoples.

Gragapravesam for this house was conducted on 19.03.1994 in a tridional way in a grand manner. In the same day the badaga association conducted 25th year silver jubilee for the  Badagar Association, Madras and 100th year birthday celebration for Rao Bhagathur H B Ari gowder in a very grand manner under the leadership  of Dhaivathiru Y. B Ramakrishnan , President ( Yedapalli).

The badaga association, madras published a quarterly magazine in the name of MANTHATHA MATHU, Dr Haldorai was the chief editor for this magazine. It may be appropriate to mention that Deivathiru H. Nanjundan of Kundah Bikkatty  contributed the expenses in connection with printing and publishing. Association also published WHO IS WHO a small size book. Each page contains the brief profile of each members, family details, address and contact numbers .It was of great help to members to contact other members in time of need.

The Badaga association Madras, life member and Industrialist Mr T Gopal (Mel bikkatti) gave job appointment to more than 100 badaga  freshers in his software company ( RESURGENT SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES) since 2000. Now many of his staff members are working in different leading multinational software companies throughout the world.

In the year 2010 the name of the The Badaga Association, Madras become THE BADAGAR WELFARE ASSOCIATION, CHENNAI ( BWACH).

In the year 2015, Puskar Property Company demolished the apartments 305 and 306 and constructed a new gated community apartment in the name Royal court. Bwach got bigger size of a flat in Royal court. Gragapravesam was conducted on 29.03.2015 in the presence Nakkubetta gowders , Hethai manai poojaries, guests and members in a grand manner which was coupled with Annaual Day Celebration at Periyar Kalyana Mandapam at Anna Nagar West..

Adv. Mr Sivakumar ( Yedakadu) Ex Secretary , Dr. Haldorai, Dr. C. R Bojan took active interest in the preparation of report as suggested by Tamil Nadu Backward Class Commission for inclusion of Badaga in OBC list. At that time late Chef minister mooted the idea of inclusion of badagas in OBC list since it is a state subject. For want of funds to prepare a detailed report of three lakhs Badagas as suggested by the Commission, the project was put to cold storage.

When the Federation of Badaga Associations was not carrying out any activities, and the need to revamp the FBA was imitated by Badagar Welfare Association Chennai. The bye laws were revised and to the revamped FBA.  Mr, Bobblie was elected as President  of FBA in the year 2010 and Mrs Lakshmi Ramakrishnan became EC member. Mr A Bobblie served long period in TBAM  as secretary and president.  

Initial EC meetings were conducted at Dhaivathiru T Kali house for very long period. Later EC meetings were conducted at the houses of Mr H. Nanjundan ( kuntha bikkatty ) B. R Lavan ( Adigaratti), Dhivathiru Bellan ( Kunda bikatty), Dhiavathiru Ramakrishnan ( yedapalli ), Mr A. Bobblie  ( Milidhene), Dr D Sivaraj ( katary). Many times EC meetings were conducted at Mr T Gopal (Mel bikkatty) office at  Guna Complex, Thenampet. After the purchase of Housing Board Flat, the EC meetings were conducted at our own flats and followed by after the construction of new flat the EC meetings were regularly conducted at our own premises at Royal Court Anna Nagar West. EC meetings were conducted with love, affection and at most badagas hospitality in all houses. House members, considered each EC meetings as their own house  function  and treated the members with good hospitality by providing Lunch, Thupathittu,  Biscuits , Varikee , Tea/ coffee, Juice etc according to their wishes. Bwach should be thankful to the above said family members particularly the ladies for their hospitality and services. Our younger generation should learn more and practice our badaga culture and hospitality

In the year 24.02.2019, Late Mr Manikandan ( Manjoor)  was elected as President ,  Mr M. Radhakrishnan ( kei kundha)  as Secretary, Mr J Ramamoorthy (kundha hosahatti) ,  as Treasurer and the sudden demise of Mr Manigandan then  Dr Haldorai was inducted as President and the new team  members of Bwach, organised,  50th year Golden jubilee function along with 125th year Rao Bhagathur H B Ari Gowder birthday celebration in a great grand manner.

In the year 2019 AGM meeting, Mr A. Bobblie was elected as Chief patron and Dr C. R. Bojan and Mrs Lakshmi Ramakrishnan were elected as Patrons to advise the members.

Mrs lakshmi ramakrishnan ( yedapalli) , Ex officer , Health and family welfare dept , was the only lady served as EC member for long term. For the token of appreciation, Bwach awarded the Life time achievement award to Mrs Lakshmi Ramakrishnan in the year 2023. Bwach awarded the Life Time Achievement Award to Dr C. R  Bojan , for his  continuous services to association in various positions for more than 50 years in the year 2023.

Bwach AGM meeting on 19th jan 2020, Dr D Sivaraj was appointed as the Returning officer for Bwach election. In that AGM meeting resolution was passed to increase EC members from 10 to 25 .One lady member was elected as joint secretary and six lady members were joined as EC members. Women empowerment for Bwach was happened on that day.

Mr K Gunasekaran ,( Muttinadu), president , Mr R Gopi ( Acinikal), Secratary Mr R Ganesan ( kappachi), Treasurer  and other EC team members of Bwach, with the support of members introduced a milestone programme of Education scholarship in the year 2023 for our community economically deprived  students to pursue for their higher Education.

Many office bearers, Executive committee members, Life members, ordinary members of Bwach and outside badaga members were contributed lot for the development of Bwach in various period.

With the blessings of Lord Heriodaiyah, Goddess Hethay and also blessings of our elders, Bwach is proudly doing lot of activities in effective and efficient manner with the support of all the members.

Now a days immemorial Annual  Day Functions are conducted  in a full day programme like habba in a grand manner.   The Programmes include Conducting Talent tests for students, sports for children and elders and honouring the winners and runners. Honouring badaga achievers who have achieved in various fields in the international / state / District level and make our community proud. Bwach also encouraging and honouring our students scored top mark in Nilgiri district and member’s students in chennai in 10th and 12 exams with the cash price of Rs 10K and 5K each respectively.

To recognise the badagas for their outstanding long and continuous services to our community by honouring them with the award of Life Time Achievement Award. Finally cultural programmes followed by Atta Patta.

Bwach is uniting all badaga people in chennai and doing all efforts to save  badaga language, badaga culture, badaga food culture and badaga hospitality.
God bless all badagas.