We attended the fourth family gathering of the Muthu Ramalingam Pillay and Marimuthu Ammal Lineage on Saturday 13th December 2008 at the Arulmigu Sri Subramaniar Temple Hall Gunong Cheroh, Ipoh. Chitra, my wife, is the fifth generation of the family. I helped produce the next 6th generation i.e. Ramaraj and Krishnapriya, our children. The first gathering which was also held in Ipoh in year 2000 gained entry into the Malaysian Book of Records as the largest family gathering. The second and third gatherings were held in Taiping in 2002 and in Kuala Lumpur in 2005 respectively.
For the record, Muthu-Ramalingam Pillay and his wife Marimuthu Ammal first arrived in Malaya from Karaikal (Pondicherry), India in the late 19th century. Marimuthu Ammal, who settled in Taiping, went on to establish herself as an enterprising rail and road contractor who amassed a fortune.
Marimuthu Ammal
The 4th family gathering started with registration and breakfast from 7.30 a.m. to 9.00 a.m.
Arriving at Temple Hall
Everyone went over to the temple for prayers at 9.00 a.m.
Organising Chairman Mr. K.Krishnamoorthy and wife being blessed.
Chitra, Rama and Nithia Ruby praying
For the record, Muthu-Ramalingam Pillay and his wife Marimuthu Ammal first arrived in Malaya from Karaikal (Pondicherry), India in the late 19th century. Marimuthu Ammal, who settled in Taiping, went on to establish herself as an enterprising rail and road contractor who amassed a fortune.
Marimuthu AmmalThe 4th family gathering started with registration and breakfast from 7.30 a.m. to 9.00 a.m.
Arriving at Temple HallEveryone went over to the temple for prayers at 9.00 a.m.
Organising Chairman Mr. K.Krishnamoorthy and wife being blessed. 
Chitra, Rama and Nithia Ruby praying
Walking back from the temple 
Rama and his cousins at the HallThe function commenced in the Hall with a group of girls singing the bhajans songs. Our distinguished family members YBhg. Dato’ S. Veerasingam and Datin Usha were the guests of honour officiating the opening ceremony.
Singing of Bhajan songs 
YBhg Datin Usha lighting the oil lampAfter the usual speeches by the distinguished speakers, the presentation of souvenirs to donors for the function was carried out. The presentation was followed by a forum for discussion of family gathering related issues. It was also decided that the next family gathering would be held in Penang in year 2010. There was also a separate games sessions for the children. A delicious vegetarian lunch, catered by Vav Catering Sdn. Bhd. was served.
Opening speech by YBhg. Dato' S. Veerasingam 
Raj & Chitra receiving souvenir from YBhg Datuk Seri N. S. SelvamanyThe gathering cultimated with a Family Banquet and Entertainment at the Royal Ipoh Club, Ipoh started at 7.30 p.m. The food was delicious Malysianised 8-course dinner which included four seasons dish, mutton and bread, satay, sambal fish, vegetables, chicken curry and spicy rice etc. catered by Vav Catering Sdn. Bhd. who had served all the meals for the day. Entertainment included Karnatic songs, dances and impersonation of M.G.R.
Rama & Priya with cousins
Raj & brothers-in-law
Chitra & Family
Karnatic Singers 
Peacock Dancers
”M.G.R.” & YBhg Datuk Seri N. S. Selvamany, our oldest family member
Family Photo
”Bandham” Logo and theme for 4th GatheringThe party ended at midnight. Everyone went back happy meeting up with the relatives and with renewed interest to keep in touch until the next gathering in Penang in 2010.
For more information and photos, refer to family website:
http://bandham.weebly.com/index.html
3 comments:
Raj, i know you don't want to admit it, but that MGR in pink was you wasn't it... :-)
On a serious note, thanks for the interesting write up on the family history.
Cheers.
p/s have you posted your family online? (try geni.com)
Dear Raj,
Actually you look very handsome in your blue kurtha, very different from the usual office attire.
hi mr.raj,
My name is Patricia and i am the granddaughter of Vijayaletchimi Perumal Naidu and i would like to know more about my family history. My grandmother recongnised Marimuthu Ammal and immediately knew we were related some how. I am hoping to get any sort of information from you regarding my family;s history,hope you can take some time out to enlightened me. Thank you..
patricialouis@hotmail.com
Post a Comment