One fine day in 1976, when I was in New York, I got a call from a public telephone and a person asked me "Are you a Chettiar?" I have always been proud to be a Chettiar, and I said yes. The person on the phone asked me whether he could come and see me. Again I said yes.The person was Mr. M. Ramiah from Reading, Pennsylvania. He came to my home and showed immense interest to start an association for our community. I always wanted to have one, hence without any hesitation I said yes, yes and yes. The last yes was from my wife Mallika, who stood by me all along for the association.
On August 20, 1976, Nagarathars from New York and nearby areas met at my home. They were all encouraging and supportive of the idea. Late Shri Dr. PR. Annamalai was elected as President and I was elected as Vice President. October 23, 1976 the inaugural was held at Dr. A. Alagappan's home in New York. The chief guest was Mr. Odayappa Chettiar of Karaikudi who stressed the importance of Pillaiyar Nonbu. Following that, Pillaiyar Nonbu was celebrated on December 16, 1977 at Dr. A. Alagappan's home in New York. Since then, every year it is being celebrated in grand scales all over USA.
During the inaugural meeting the members decided to collect $12.00 annual membership due and $5.00 as Pulli Panam for Pillaiyar Nonbu.
Following inaugural meeting Mr. N.S. Raman hosted a meeting on 4-23-77, Dr. V. Ramasamy hosted a meeting on 11-26-77 and another meeting was held on 4-7-79 at Dr. Panaippan's home in Maryland.
Recently I had been to the "First National retreat of NSNA" at Galveston Texas. What a pleasant, unforgettable memorable event!!!. Talented and enthusiastic Texas Nagarathars did a wonderful job. I could not express my feelings then, because I was so emotional. I was so happy to see the growth of NSNA.
Various members work in different capacities from the time of inauguration from 1976. Following are the list of all office bearers. We are very grateful and thankful to all the members who made NSNA such a successful association. First hand written Newsletter was published on Jan.77 and the first directory was published on Apr.78.
