Bhilai Malayala Grandhasala, popularly known as BMG, is one of the premier Socio-cultural organisations in the Steel City of Bhilai in Chhattisgarh State. It was founded in 1957 by a small group of youth from kerala who came to Bhilai in search of job opportunities, which were available in plenty here, with the setting up of Bhilai Steel Plant. BMG was originally intended to serve the Malayalee Community in fulfilling their literary, social and cultural needs and aspirations. However, with passage of time and growth of Bhilai as “MINI-INDIA” with sizable population from all parts of the country, BMG has transformed itself as the main socio-cultural centre of the industrial township, working untiringly towards the integration of various cultures of different linguistic groups of this great Steel City and emphasizing on preservation and propagation of the rich cultural heritage of Kerala and Chhattisgarh which have many similarities.

The Association was formally inaugurated by the famous Sardar K.M. Panicker on 20th May 1959 in a fully packed open Air Theatre (now it is called Nehru House of Culture) in Sector-1.

BMG has had the privilege to play host too many great personalities from all walks of life including E.M.S. Namboodiripad, Panampilly Govinda Menon, A.K. Gopalan, E.K. Nayanar, K.M. Chandy, Chandulal Chandrakar, Motilal Vore, O. Rajagopal, Prem Prakash Pandey, Ramesh Chennithala, Prof. P.J. Kurien, Thakazhi  Sivasankara Pillai, M. Krishnan Nair, Thoppil Bhasi, K.T. Mohammed, Sugatha Kumari, O.N.V. Kurup, Kadammanitta Ramakrishnan, Pamman, Cherukad, Sukumar, Edamaruku, Nedumudi Venu, Lalu Alex, Devan, K.P.A.C Lalita, Mullakara Ratnakaran .

Veterans like S. Balakrishnan Nair, G. Varma, K.M. Raju, T.V. Mathew, M.R.R. Nair etc. had led BMG as its President during different spells.

S. Balakrishnan Nair, Our 1st President

BMG occupies a prominent place in the social fabric of this Steel City. The old BMG Complex consists of a Reading room, Library, Conference Hall, two halls divided into five class rooms and an auditorium with a seating capacity of 500. Six guest rooms constructed with the financial aid granted by Shri. O. Rajagopal, former Minister of State for Railways from his MP’s Fund, have been added in the recent years.

BMG’s library with more than 6000 books in Malayalam, Hindi and English languages, including many rare reference books, is one of the best in the region. Regular Kindergarten classes and annual coaching class to prepare students for admission to Class-1, which is being conducted for more than three decades, have received wide acceptance and appreciation from the people at large. Facilities for various Indoor games have been provided for members and their families. Seminars, monthly debates on literary and contemporary topics, recitation, dramas, dance, music and quiz competitions are regular activities here. Members` evening

Silver Jubliee

In 1982 we celebrated Silver Jubilee. A stage was constructed in our premises on this occasion. Gradually, we began to present our programmes in our premises which were so far held at Nehru House of Cultural or elsewhere.

Joint Action Council

By the time, we began to think to find a solution for the existing rail travel problem from Bhilai to Kerala which then required three trains and three days. To present this problem to the notice of concerned authorities for necessary redressal an action plan was drawn. A Joint Action Council was formed with members from all the Malayalee associations as well as members from Churches and Trade Unions. Onam was not celebrated that year instead a mammoth rally was taken out from Bhilai Power House to Durg Collectorate. Relay hunger strike was organized. By and by our requirements are being met. PRN Pillai, then elected as Chairman of Joint Action Council is still on his feet to improve the facilities of travel.

Glimpses of Joint Action Council

Gallery Link

Golden Jubliee Celebrations

In 2007-Golden Jubliee was celebrate with year long programmes. A new façade-a Kerala  model gate was constructed. Two directories – of members and the other of all Malayalees in Bhilai – were published.

Souvenir “Thoolika” and a brief  history of BMG were also published. Hon’ble Governor of Chhattisgarh Narasimham, renowned actor Nedimudi Venu, famous writer Chemmanam Chacko, several old Members settled in Kerala – all were our honourable guests at the functions. Several Scintillating Dance and other programmes were staged. All the guests and members above 70 were honoured in the functions with mementos and shawls. By all means the functions were memorable.

New Library wing Construction

In 2013 –  The General Body has decided demolish the existing sub-standard of the Library and construction and construct a  New Library Wing.