Next Institute at Mahabalipuram Chennai
Look forward to the next Rotary zone institute at Mahabalipuram, a heritage town replete with Pallava architecture near Chennai, on Dec 10–12. “Mahabs Rotary Institute will be a stellar example of both purpose and pleasure as Rotarians can listen to eminent speakers in engaging sessions and also indulge in dance, music, fun, laughter and gala merriment in the backdrop of exotic beaches, enjoy thoughtful fusion and authentic delicacies at a luxurious seaside hotel,” said PDG M Muruganandam, RID 3000, event chair, at the virtual Rotary institute.
In his address, RIDE A S Venkatesh, convener, Mahabs institute, said the delegates would have an opportunity to network with Rotary leaders from the zones, attend interesting sessions and watch some awesome entertainment at “this historic town that boasts of several heritage sites and lovely beaches.” It is also close to other places of interest such as Pondicherry, famous for its Aurobindo Ashram and Kancheepuram, an ancient pilgrim town, known for handwoven silk sarees and Kamakshi Temple. RI President Shekhar Mehta (2021–22) will be there as chief guest.
Mahabalipuram had served as the venue for the high-level summit between PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in December 2019.
What’s special about Mahabs?
A curtain raiser was screened on Mahabalipuram which was founded by the Pallava ruler Narasimha Varman during the 3–7th century, and named after the benevolent King Mahabali. Also known as Mamallapuram, the ancient town that lies along the Coromandal coast, off the Bay of Bengal, 37 miles south of Chennai, is a UNESCO heritage site.
The Rathas, the mandapas, the Descent of the Ganges and the Lord Krishna’s butterball are a group of royal monuments that show the architectural genius of artisans here. Other highlights include the Shore Temple, the only surviving edifice of the legendary seven pagodas built by the three generations of Pallava rulers as it took “over 200 years to complete the entire site.”
Every year classical dance and drama festivals are held to preserve and celebrate the ancient culture of the Pallava dynasty, a visual treat for the eyes. The Mahabs Rotary Institute will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton and the adjunct seminars will be conducted at the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay.
RIDE Mahesh Kotbagi is the co-convener of the Mahabs 2021, PRID C Basker and PDG Abirami Ramanathan are the advisors, PDGs Surendra Bommireddy is the co-chair, Madhav Chandran the secretary and C R Raju will be the treasurer.
For more details, visit www. riinstitutemahabs21.org.
