nidhiramblers: inspiring story of 'preteens' generation getting together

M.C.Nagaraj, our neighbor and family friend dropped in, and gave me an envelope saying

"it is their 50th year"

I was quite perplexed as I read the invite. And wondered how old he was

when it all began?

I was amazed when he said "In fact, it is a younger group of friends, all pre-teens, who started the Royal Association".

The story of how a small group of school kids installed and performed Ganesh Pooja each year, and how they had managed to continue it for the last fifty years surely needs to be shared.

I requested Nagaraj and he spoke to the founders and here is the story! An inspiring one!

The story in their own words.

Great things often begin in the quietest corners. In 1977, it wasn’t a grand committee that started this journey—it was just five school friends. Aditya, Govinda, Nimish S, Ravi and Nagaraj .S, driven by a shared spark of devotion, gathered in a humble garage portico. That spark was the birth of the Royal Association.

As the years rolled by, that small circle grew into a massive family. By 1989, the garage gave way to a grand, traditional Pandal, echoing with the sounds of community. But our growth wasn’t just about size; it was about spirit. We made a proud, silent pledge: no door-to-door collections. Guided by self-reliance, our members stepped up to completely self-fund our vision, proving that devotion thrives best on pure, voluntary love.

Over the decades, this sacred stage transformed into a vibrant cultural sanctuary and a beacon of hope. We recognized that true service means nurturing the future—and so, the association became a lifeline, proudly sponsoring over twenty-five deserving students to pursue their dreams through primary and higher education.

Our Pandal became a launchpad for the arts, intentionally seeking out and shining a spotlight on raw, budding musicians who just needed a stage to be heard. But we didn't stop at melody. Every year, we made it our mission to look deeper into society—bringing to light the extraordinary, yet lesser-known champions across Education, Sports, Yoga, Art, Culture, and Public Service. By honoring these unsung heroes, we honored the very best of humanity.

Through regular blood donation camps and massive community potlucks, we bound thousands together as one family. Every Vedic chant raised, every Homa performed under the tenets of Sanathana Dharma, was a profound prayer sent out for universal well-being.

Replying to my question M C Nagaraj said..

When they started in 1977, I was sixteen years old. In the beginning only the Ganesha was installed, there were no cultural programs. They had a small procession, around their homes, used a vegetable cart! And we quietly took the Idol in a car and immersed the idol.

During 1980's it picked up. We, a few older, but also young neighbors, impressed by this 'Royal' group began to support them. Quite a few parents also pitched in with funds.

Enthusiastic local children, both boys and girls, practiced and performed, drama, dance and singing!

Years 1990 onwards the activities went bigger. A homa was performed followed by lunch! Year 2000 onwards it got even better, they invited known artists, paid them for their performance.

Once, Nagaraj says, by God's grace I arranged a concert by the well known senior artist Padmashri Kadri Gopalnath!

Royal Association had turned fifty!

Fifty years of keeping the flame alive. Vidya Ganapathi Ki Jai !!

Now, the calendar had turned to 2026. Five decades! Fifty golden years of faith, culture, and unity. There was a request.

"This landmark Jubilee is as much yours as it is ours. We invite your love, your passion, and your presence to help us write this grandest chapter yet."

Reacting to this call, we formed committees with specific objectives. Had few review meetings, addressed action items coming out in each meeting. Objective was to have Events going smoothly. We had planned variety of events.

We are happy to share a few pictures of these memorable days. And on the final day, our Ganesha left in a well decorated chariot to sankey tank for the immersion.