The 2nd of May 2004 was a historic day for the people of Nilgiris. A long felt desire of the residents to have a Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Kendra to promote our traditional and cultural values was fulfilled. The inaugural lamp was lit by the wife of the Governor of Tamil Nadu, P. Uma Rao, in the presence of the Governor of Tamil Nadu, P.S. Ramamohan Rao, to mark the auspicious opening of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Nilgiris Kendra in Coonoor.

The Chairman of the Nilgiris Kendra, and former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, delivered the inaugural address and Dr. B.K. Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, Chairman, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Coimbatore Kendra, gave an introduction and the history of the Bhavan. Dance guru Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy, Founder-Trustee, Shree Bharatalaya, presented the felicitations and said that Bhavan provided a common platform for all constructive activities. Coonoor based Bharatanatyam dancer Nalini Prakash, Secretary of the Bhavan, Nilgiris Kendra gave the vote of thanks.

The inaugural function was followed by a Carnatic Vocal concert by the Malladi Brothers, M. Sreerama Prasad and M. Ravikumar. And heavy rains in the hills were part of the occasion too!

Bharatia Vidya Bhavan
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan was founded in 1938 in Mumbai by Dr. K.M. Munshi. And now, the Bhavan has established 115 kendras (including the new Nilgiris Kendra) and 315 educational institutions, spread over India and seven overseas centres.

The Bhavan's activities include public lecturess, seminars, classes and publications in Sanatana Dharma, Sanskrit studies, classical music and dance, drama, computer and management studies, engineering and communication.

For more information contact Nalini Prakash, Secretary, Bhavan's Nilgiris Kendra, 87-A, Rosery Estate, Coonoor - 643 101.
Ph: 2230123. E-mail: nalini@vsnl.com