In a heartwarming display of familial bonds transcending borders, over 300 members of an extended family converged in Karaikudi, Sivaganga district, to celebrate the 100th birthday of their sprawling ancestral home. The grand reunion saw participation from 65 families, with members flying in from Dubai, Malaysia, and Canada to honor the legacy built by their forefathers a century ago.
A Century-Old Dream Realized
The majestic house, located in Velangudi village, was constructed by Periyannan Ambalam and his younger brother Subbiah Ambalam between 1922 and 1926. Sprawling over an acre of land, the structure boasts 30 rooms and four kitchens. C Thirugnanan, a family member, shared the founders' vision: "When they built it, our forefathers wanted it to stand tall even after 100 years, and wished our family would live here together. This gathering is a testament to that dream." He humorously noted the challenge of counting everyone, suggesting a headcount from a group photograph taken in front of the historic home.
Renovation and Reconnection
The driving force behind the centenary celebration was Saravanan Solaimalai, a fourth-generation descendant based in Dubai. He spearheaded the renovation efforts and orchestrated the event. "The idea took root in 2016 during a smaller function. We then pledged to celebrate the centenary in 2026 in a grand manner," Saravanan explained. Meticulous planning, renovation work, and fundraising began a full year before the momentous day. He emphasized the home's role as the family's anchor: "If not for this house, we doubt if all 300 of us would have been connected the same way."
Emotional memories filled the air. Saravanan's 79-year-old mother, Leela Solaimalai, recalled her childhood vividly. "I used to run around in this house and my father would scold me, worrying I might damage it," she said. Her memories from over half a century ago remain sharp, and she makes it a point to spend at least 10 days every year in the house, particularly during Navratri and Pongal festivals.
Passing the Torch to Future Generations
The celebration was designed to bridge generations. For 21-year-old Anvitha S., it was an opportunity to put faces to the names on her father's meticulously drawn family tree. "I never met them or knew their faces before," she admitted. The event featured various competitions for children, including singing and dance, and a pattimandram (debate) for the elders, allowing everyone to participate. Anvitha practiced and performed a dance with her newly-met cousins, creating fresh memories.
The family home is also a repository of history, with old photographs including one featuring a family member with Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army in Malaysia. While acknowledging that housing 300 people permanently would be challenging, family members pointed out that the tradition of joint families still thrives in Karaikudi.
Saravanan Solaimalai encapsulated the sentiment of the day: "Building a house is an emotion. Everyone builds a house thinking that their family must live in it for 100 years. We are glad and proud to have made that a reality." The family's collective aim is now to preserve this tangible piece of their heritage and pass on its legacy proudly to the sixth generation.
