Wandering about in Vepery this morning at 6.30 on an elusive search for Veda Vilas, once the home of the Jagannatha Bhakta Sabha, my friend Karthik Bhatt and I chanced upon this building where much of the Subbunagam-Grace Stephens drama must have unfolded more than a century ago. This is the Emannuel Methodist Chapel.
For those who did not read the story – http://www.hindu.com/mag/2010/02/28/stories/2010022850220500.htm
Sriram – My childhood home, Veda Vilas, that was once home to Jagannatha Bhakta Sabha, is located in Egmore High Rd (across from the F2 Police Station). It is now called ‘Sreshta Veda Vilas’ – the old house that had undergone several modifications in the 60s thru 80s was demolished and replaced with an apartment complex. The grand children of T Rangachariar (whose son ran the sabha) still live there. T Rangachariar lived in Ritherdon House, on Ritherdon Rd, Vepery.
I am a son of Mrs.R.Vedammal after whom the house was named by my grandfather Dewan Bahadur T. Rangachariar. His son Mr.R.Venkatchari (Muthanna) was the Secretary of the Jagannatha Baktha Sabha. I am now settled in USA.
I am interested to know more about your connection with Veda Vilas, my childhood home. I was trying to place you but could not. Hence this Email. Thanks.
Vengrai Parthasarathy
( vengrai@gmail.com)
Dear Sir
I have no connection with the place beyond an interest in Chennai and Carnatic music history.
Regards
Sriram V