Nayar Samaj, Mumbai’s 102-Year-Old Malayali Hostel And Cultural Hub, To Mark Milestone On Aug 30

It’s hard to believe that a group of Nairs came to Mumbai in the twenties and initially organised themselves at Mahim to help fellow Malayalis. They began by providing lodging and boarding for youngsters arriving from Kerala for work and studies. This initiative grew into the Nayar Samaj Cooperative Lodge, popularly known as Nayar Samaj, Dadar.

Now in its 102nd year, Nayar Samaj is marking this milestone with a music and dance cultural programme on August 30, at Kalidas Natyagruh, Mulund. This organisation near the Swaminarayan Temple in Dadar has rendered yeoman service to the community, especially youngsters coming to Bombay in earlier decades. Even today, the hostel accommodates over 20 boarders.

The Samaj was founded by T K Kunhappa Nair and six others who recognised the need for a dedicated building to house aspiring youngsters from Kerala. Soon after, the Samaj purchased its current building to develop boarding and lodging facilities. But secure accommodation was not enough – the members felt the need to organise cultural activities showcasing Kerala’s rich music and dance heritage. In the 1950s, cine artist Waheeda Rehman and eminent dancers like the Jhaveri Sisters, Yamini Krishnamurthy, and Kamala Laxman performed for the Samaj.

Art forms such as Koodiyattam and Krishnaattam were introduced to Mumbai audiences through the Samaj. Kalamandalam’s Kathakali and many other cultural shows by renowned artists from across India also featured. “Despite limited space and resources, we often had a waiting list and accommodated over 30 boarders. Since the seventies, the mealsreminded boarders of home. The charges, including food, were just Rs250,” recalled N V Prabhakaran, treasurer of the Samaj. Secretary Unni Menon, involved with several Kerala social organisations and temples, finds the Samaj’s activities most interesting and challenging.

Groupism is common among Malayalis, and the Samaj was no exception, with various factions existing over the decades. The visionaries of the 30s through the 60s, though limited in resources apart from the building, laid a strong foundation. A major highlight was the opening of the Ayurvedic Centre and a mini hall that served the community extensively. The hall became a boon for local social and private functions. The health centre, operated by Arya Vaidya Shala (Coimbatore), offered Ayurvedic massages and treatments.

The Ayurvedic Centre remains popular, with consulting Dr Rakesh Kumar sought after by industrialists, Bollywood personalities, and socialites, including the late actor Manoj Kumar.

The Samaj also initiated a dream project – a superspeciality Ayurvedic hospital at Nerul. Land was procured from CIDCO and construction completed, but the group expected to operate it hesitated, and no leading hospital showed interest. Without expertise or resources, and burdened by heavy loans, the Samaj faced tough times. Eventually, the hospital building was sold, clearing all liabilities. Present chairman Sachin Menon and former Deputy Municipal Commissioner V Balachandran played key roles in the project, though they couldn’t run or lease the hospital. Despite this setback, new plans for the Samaj’s development are in the pipeline. The main challenge today is the lack of young members to broaden its activities.

Samaj’s Onam programmes were once very popular, said president P P Suresh. “Families gathered for the sadya (feast) and annual celebrations, attracting personalities like musician Bombay Ravi, singer Mahendra Kapoor, Shekhar Suman, and others.”