Our Home Since 2022
An Emotional Journey to
"Chendur Bhavan"
25 years of hard work, passion, and the immense support of a community — brought together in one cherished space.
I am merely an ordinary human with hard work and passion towards my art. Therefore, September 24th, 2022 — the day when Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation moved into its own premises — will remain as an unforgettable day in my memory.
After my Kalakshetra studies, I established RNF in 1997 to promote Arts and Culture in Mogappair at a small space paying rent and charging ₹5 per child. For 25 years, space constraints brought many complications. The inability to provide a good learning ambience for students forced me to decide on a permanent space — even though I had no funds. Prices of land were sky-rocketing in Mogappair.
But thanks to the support of well-wishers, RNF parents, staff, friends, family and students — like magic, things fell into place. After 25 years of hard work, Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation now stands tall and courageous in its own space.
Where We Have Been
Locations Through the Years
1997 – 2001
Joy Matriculation School
Officers Colony, Mogappair
2001 – 2007
Venkateshwara Matriculation School
Anna Nagar West End Colony
2007 – 2022
Meenakshi Matriculation School
TVS Colony, Mogappair
2022 – Present
Chendur Bhavan
156, Srinivasan St, Mogappair
Step Towards Chendur Bhavan
Important Milestones in Our Journey
July 6, 1997
RNF Founded
Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation is established at Joy Matriculation School, Officers Colony, Mogappair — charging just ₹5 per child, driven by passion and purpose.
July 6, 1997
RNF Founded
Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation is established at Joy Matriculation School, Officers Colony, Mogappair — charging just ₹5 per child, driven by passion and purpose.
2001
First Move
RNF shifts to Venkateshwara Matriculation School, Anna Nagar West End Colony, to accommodate growing student strength.
2001
First Move
RNF shifts to Venkateshwara Matriculation School, Anna Nagar West End Colony, to accommodate growing student strength.
2007
Second Move
The foundation moves to Meenakshi Matriculation School, TVS Colony, Mogappair — the home it would occupy for the next fifteen years.
2007
Second Move
The foundation moves to Meenakshi Matriculation School, TVS Colony, Mogappair — the home it would occupy for the next fifteen years.
May 6, 2017
The Land is Found
A bank auction property in Mogappair comes to the notice of the founder. A dream begins to take shape.
May 6, 2017
The Land is Found
A bank auction property in Mogappair comes to the notice of the founder. A dream begins to take shape.
August 15, 2017
Appeal to the Community
On Independence Day, an appeal is made to all parents, alumni, friends and well-wishers to support the dream of our own space (RNF) for ₹1.5 Crores.
August 15, 2017
Appeal to the Community
On Independence Day, an appeal is made to all parents, alumni, friends and well-wishers to support the dream of our own space (RNF) for ₹1.5 Crores.
September 14, 2017
Auction Won
Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation participates in the auction formalities and wins the bid against tough competition
September 14, 2017
Auction Won
Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation participates in the auction formalities and wins the bid against tough competition
October 9, 2017
Payment Made
In a cinematic race against time, the full auction amount is paid to the bank — thanks to kind donations and interest-free loans from generous well-wishers.
October 9, 2017
Payment Made
In a cinematic race against time, the full auction amount is paid to the bank — thanks to kind donations and interest-free loans from generous well-wishers.
October 13, 2017
Registration Complete
The property is officially registered in favour of Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation.
October 13, 2017
Registration Complete
The property is officially registered in favour of Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Foundation.
December 2017
Repayments Begin
RNF begins honouring interest-free loans from well-wishers and initiates EMI payments on bank loans taken for the purchase.
December 2017
Repayments Begin
RNF begins honouring interest-free loans from well-wishers and initiates EMI payments on bank loans taken for the purchase.
August 21, 2021
Bhoomi Pooja
The sacred groundbreaking ceremony — Bhoomi Pooja — is performed to bless the construction of the new building.
August 21, 2021
Bhoomi Pooja
The sacred groundbreaking ceremony — Bhoomi Pooja — is performed to bless the construction of the new building.
September 12, 2022
Milk Warming Ceremony
The traditional new-building milk warming ceremony is conducted — a joyous sign that the space is nearly home.
September 12, 2022
Milk Warming Ceremony
The traditional new-building milk warming ceremony is conducted — a joyous sign that the space is nearly home.
September 20, 2022
Last Day at Meenakshi School
After fifteen years, RNF holds its last class at Meenakshi Matriculation School. An era ends with gratitude.
September 20, 2022
Last Day at Meenakshi School
After fifteen years, RNF holds its last class at Meenakshi Matriculation School. An era ends with gratitude.
September 24, 2022
Chendur Bhavan Inaugurated
The building is inaugurated and christened "Chendur Bhavan" by Shri. Gagandeep Singh Bedi IAS, Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation. After 25 years of hard work, RNF stands tall in its own home.
September 24, 2022
Chendur Bhavan Inaugurated
The building is inaugurated and christened "Chendur Bhavan" by Shri. Gagandeep Singh Bedi IAS, Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation. After 25 years of hard work, RNF stands tall in its own home.
September 25, 2022 – Present
Learning Begins at Home
Students begin using Chendur Bhavan for all learning activities. A new, unrestrained chapter of artistic excellence opens.
September 25, 2022 – Present
Learning Begins at Home
Students begin using Chendur Bhavan for all learning activities. A new, unrestrained chapter of artistic excellence opens.
With Deep Gratitude
Our Heartfelt Thanks
This space is not built by bricks alone — it is built by the love, trust, and generosity of countless hearts. 80% of the construction was funded by bank loans; the rest by kind donations, every rupee of which has been carefully documented.
Heartfelt gratitude to Architect Mr. Benny Kuriakose and PVR Builders — Mr. Rayudu for their extreme kindness and patient support. And to every parent, alumnus, friend, and well-wisher who believed in this dream — thank you, for life.
1997
Founded
25
Years of Rented Space
Sep 24, 2022
Inauguration
Chendur Bhavan
Our Home