The much respected Jeweller from Chennai – “House of Vummidi” founded in the year 1900 was presented with the “Lifetime Achievement Award” at an event organised by Miles2Go Consulting Services as part of Madras Day celebrations.
Mr. Balaji, Managing Partner, VBC Jewellers received the award on behalf of the family brand from Mr. Mahalingam Balasubramaniam, Director, Mangalthirth Estates, the promoters of the iconic Spencers Plaza.
He highlighted how heritage brands from Madras combine tradition, symbolism, and craftsmanship to remain relevant in today’s competitive retail landscape.
Mr. Balaji took the the audience back in time in a candid chat with Mr. MS Bharath, Lawyer, Supreme Court of India and Managinng Partner, KRIA Law, how the Sengol found its place at India’s Parliament House, once in 1947 and once again in 2024.
“The Chola Kings, who ruled across Southern India spanning all the way to Indonesia & Cambodia for several centuries, passed on “power” from one ruler to another with the Sengol”.
“Similarly, on the eve of India’s Independence in 1947, a Sengol was made by Vummidi Jewellers under the supervision of the late “Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam”, a revered Hindu Spiritual Guru from the erstwhile Madras Presidency, now the state of Tamil Nadu.”
“Then, the Sengol was symbolically taken from the British, rituals performed as per norms and was handed over to India’s first Prime Minister Jawahar Lal Nehru.”
However, the prized posession was not retained in its rightful place and was kept at a museum instead.
“During 2023, the Sengol story was once again revived by well wishers of the Vummidi Brand and a formal letter was sent to Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi”, added Mr. Balaji.
“Though there was not much action for the next few months, the PMO reached out to the family and asked them to make a new Sengol for the new Parliament House”.
“The traditional device was newly made by the House of Vummidi and was respectfully placed by the Prime Minister where it belonngs to”, he concluded.
Speaking on the occassion, Mr. S. Shriram, CEO & Founder Miles2Go Consulting Services said, “Chennai has consistently been a trendsetter in retail, balancing heritage with innovation.
As part of the Madras Day 2025 celebrations, Miles2Go Consulting Services, a Chennai-based Retail Management Advisory firm, organized the first-of-its-kind retail-focused event “Made in Madras” at Spencers Plaza.
The event explored how the city’s retail identity has been shaped over time, blending tradition with modernity, and why “Made in Madras” continues to be a badge of trust and pride for consumers.
Editor’s Note
There are several interesting stories about regional retailers, which has not caught the attention of the public at large.
This one is one such.
Until the news became official, most Indians were not aware of this anecdote about the SENGOL, which was not only symbolic, but also historic.
Events such as this, which showcase the missing details and nuances of India’s Retail Industry should be conducted more often.
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