By V. Sivaji
Established in 1923, the Indian Association of Penang (IA Penang) has a rich and long history.
Our first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman along with Indian Prime Ministers Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi had also visited their premises.
The association’s first president was an advocate and solicitor, Mr P.K Nambiar.
Back then, the clubhouse located along Jalan Bagan Jermal served as a meeting place and one-stop centre for those seeking help to sort out their visas, citizenship and other procedures for new immigrants.
Fast forward, the new committee headed by their president Dr Kalaikumar Nachi have embarked on a fundraising project to complete their administration building and their multi-purpose hall which are pending completion.
The unfinished administration building (left) and the multi-purpose hall on the right
“Lack of funds and the Covid-19 pandemic had added on to the cost and delay to the project. Although the administration building is 85 per cent complete and the multi-purpose hall is only 25 per cent complete, we hope to raise enough funds to complete both buildings,” said Dr Kalaikumar at a press conference at the IA Penang office,.
He explained that the 4-storey administration building will have an office floor, conference rooms on the second floor, restaurant on the third floor and a hall on the fourth floor.
“Meanwhile, the multi-purpose will have a capacity for 110 tables and badminton courts which are open to all. As such, we have approached businessmen, corporations and philanthropists for donations.
“We also convey our sincere thanks to Dato Seri S. Selvakumar chief executive officer of Shan Poornam Metals Sdn Bhd for his invaluable assistance, advise and donations towards the fund raising programme,” said Dr Kalaikumar.
They hope to raise another RM8 to 10 million to complete the both projects. In view of this, a fundraising dinner will be on Monday Oct 30, 2023 at the E&O Hotel to be graced by Penang Governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak and Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow.
Donors and well-wishers are also expected to attend the grand dinner.
Currently, the clubhouse and the adjacent field is used for various community based projects like education, sports and welfare programmes for all races.
Meanwhile, in conjunction with their 100 year anniversary next year, they hope to celebrate in a grand fashion with invitations to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Those keen to contribute towards the building fund can contact Dr Kalaikumar at 012-481-3569 or C. Nadarajan at 012-4906844.
Tunku visiting the IA Penang back then