The name " Vani Mahal " the fully-owned-building of Sri Thyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (STBGS) is the venue for the connoisseurs of Fine Arts in South Chennai.

The old timers still remember the concerts of
Ariyakudi, Maharajapuram, Chembai, Madurai Mani, DKP, MS, MLV (Vocalists), Chowdiah (Violin), Palghat Mani (Mridangam), Balasaraswati (Dance), Nawab Rajamanickam (Theatre), Emabar (Harikatha), et al who gave their best in this venerated MAHAL.

Established in 1944 the Sabha would commence its Diamond Jubilee year in November 2004.

The steady progress over the years brought the Sabha in the forefront of fine arts promotion in Chennai.

In keeping with the modern tastes and essential requirements the Board of Management under the dynamic leadership of Shri N. Krishnamoorthy, popularly known as "Deccan Moorthy" decided to give a new look to the age-old structure built in 1945.

The STBGS was fortunate to receive a hand some donation of Rs. 60 lakhs from a Mumbai-based devotee-couple of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. As per their wish, the main Hall is named "Kanchi Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Mahaswami Auditorium" which has a seating capacity of 850.

The popular Chennai Industrialist
Shri P. Obul Reddy music lover and a devout faithful of Saint Thyagaraja donated a sizeable amount for the provision of mini hall (seating capacity of 250).

This mini-hall is rightly named "Sri P. Obul Reddy Hall" whereat Bahula Panchami Day is celebrated every month.

Both these halls are fully air conditioned with super acoustics, where the audience can enjoy and appreciate each and every note of the best music.

To carryout one of its objectives, the Sabha conducts Dance and Music classes. For this purpose a non a/c hall named Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal Hall is constructed.

All these three halls were declared open by H. H. Sri Jeyendra Saraswati of Sri Kamakoti Mutt on 9th December 2003. His Holiness also unveiled the portrait of Mahaswami.

For many years now, STBGS warms the cultural atmosphere of Chennai during the winter months (Dec - Jan) by organizing annual Isai-Iyal Nataka Vizha, for about three weeks. Veterans in the musical world and renowned dancers give their best to entertain the audience.

STBGS takes special interest to encourage talented young musicians by giving them platforms, and appreciative audience.

Budding dancers, fresh from 'arrangements' are also taken care of during Bharatam Festival which follows Isai Vizha.

STBGS provides programmes with a judicious mix of seniors and emerging artistes. Institutional recognition of veterans (by offering a good remuneration) and the talented-new-comers (by giving them a decent remuneration to enthuse them to continue to be in the field) is the need of the hour.

While STBGS is keen to carry out its objectives with funds generated through the years, it has to rely on sponsorship and contributions to the CORPUS FUND created by the STBGS to maintain the momentum.

In the year 2003 STBGS is organizing its twenty-fourth ISAI IYAL NATAKA VIZHA from 9th December 2003. to 31st December 2003 and Bharatham Festival in the first week of January 2004.

During 2003, its Birudhu "Vani Kala Sudhakara" will be conferred on S. Sowmya (Vocal, Dr. Narmada (Violinist), K. R. Ganesh (Mridangam), and S. Ve. Shekhar (Drama). The Birudhu carries appropriate purse (cash), a citation, Saint Thyagaraja shield and a shawl.

Contributions to the Corpus Fund will be governed by Sec. 11 (1) (d) of I. T. Act. Otherwise if the contributors require, STBGS will issue 80G Certificate.

The Sabha has ambitious launch plans in its Diamond Jubilee Year 2004-05.

The sabha appeals to Resident Indians, NRIs Corporates, Charity Foundations and host of other groups to help in a BIG WAY - by giving contributions, donations, and grants.

The Sabha welcomes ideas and suggestions.

Board of Management:

President
N. Krishnamoorthy.

Vice Presidents
R. K. Moorti,
M. Srinivasan.

Hony. Secretaries
J. Krishnama Chary,
S. Parthasarathy,
N. Ramasubramanian.

Hony. Treasurer
S. V. S. Mani


Committee Members
Gomathi Venkatesan,
T. K. Narayanan,
Prema Sivakumar,
T. K. Raghunathan,
K. R. Ranganathan,
N. Rajaram,
R. Seshadri,
T. S. Sethuraman,
C. S. Srinivasan,
M. Swaminathan,
A. P. Varadarajan,
A. J. Vedapuri.