The Pachaiyappas Hall, Esplanade, Madras. This grand edifice was built by the Pachaiyappas Trust to house the Pachaiyappas High School which was started in 1842 to give English education to the poor boys of the Hindu community to enlarge the opportunities of life for them. The foundation stone was laid on 2nd October 1846 by Mr . George Norton, Advocate General. Underneath the foundation was deposited according to custom a parchment, and other articles usually deposited inscribing the date of the foundation in the ninth year of Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria, Viscount Hoarding being Governor General. Shri C.Srinivasa Pillai was the President of the Charities at that time.
The opening ceremony of the Pachaiyappas Hall took place on 20th March 1850 under the distinguished presidency of Sir Henry Pottinger, Governor. This Hall not only served as the centre where thousands of Hindus got their liberal education but also was a popular hall where all the great leaders of Madras and distinguished visitors have lectured on educational, political and social interest to huge audiences.
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