The Aryavarth Express
Chennai (Tamil Nadu), December 24:
The VELS Group of Institutions and Companies on Tuesday marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of the VELS Trade & Convention Centre at Chembarambakkam, Chennai.
The world-class facility was formally inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Minister Thangam Thennarasu and Padma Bhushan awardee Dr. Kamal Haasan. The event was presided over by Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh, Founder-Chancellor of VELS University and Chairman of the VELS Group of Institutions and Companies. Dr. A. C. Shanmugam, Founder-Chancellor of Dr. MGR Educational and Research Institute, was also present on the dais along with other dignitaries.
A Major Convention Destination in Tamil Nadu
The VELS Trade & Convention Centre is among the largest event venues in Tamil Nadu, featuring four expansive convention halls with a total built-up area of 3.5 lakh square feet. Designed to host large-scale trade fairs, exhibitions, international conferences, corporate events, political gatherings, cultural programmes, and weddings, the fully air-conditioned facility can accommodate up to 20,000 guests at a time.
The centre also provides parking facilities for nearly 6,000 vehicles and includes a dedicated open-air event space with a capacity of 20,000 people, suitable for concerts, festivals, and public events. Additional amenities include luxury guest houses, multi-cuisine restaurants, 20 indoor shooting studios, a 15,000-square-foot open dining area, designated exhibition stalls, and an advanced CCTV surveillance system.
VELS Film City Enhances Creative Infrastructure
Complementing the convention centre is the VELS Film City, described as Tamil Nadu’s only integrated film city. The facility includes outdoor shooting locations, end-to-end production infrastructure, guest accommodations, and VELS Theatres, a six-screen multiplex with a dedicated food court. Together, these facilities strengthen Chennai’s growing entertainment and creative ecosystem.
Strategically located along Chennai’s expanding business corridor, the VELS Trade & Convention Centre is expected to boost the city’s event, tourism, and creative economy.
Leaders Highlight Economic and Cultural Growth
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh said that Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State L. Murugan were unable to attend due to prior commitments and had conveyed their best wishes. He also thanked Chief Minister M. K. Stalin for deputing Thangam Thennarasu to attend the inauguration.
In his address, Thangam Thennarasu highlighted Tamil Nadu’s strong economic momentum, noting that the state has achieved double-digit growth through sustained infrastructure development and private sector participation. He said initiatives such as the VELS Trade & Convention Centre contribute significantly to employment generation and long-term development.
In his special address, Dr. Kamal Haasan said Chennai has emerged as a pan-India hub for film production. He encouraged young filmmakers to take Tamil cinema to greater heights and expressed confidence in the industry’s future, citing the leadership of the younger generation as a source of renewed optimism.
Distinguished Guests and Social Initiative
The ceremony was attended by several prominent personalities, including former Minister Veeramani, DMDK Deputy General Secretary L. K. Sudheesh, Gold and Diamond Jewellery Association President Jaynthilal Chalani, actors R. Parthiban, Senthil and Sripriya, VGP Santhosham, academicians, and representatives from business and cultural organisations.
Reaffirming its commitment to social responsibility, the VELS Group distributed welfare kits and lunch to 1,000 students from orphanages during the event. A special screening of a Rajinikanth film was also organised for the students at VELS Theatres as part of the inauguration programme.
